Re-Interpreting Women’s Biblical Theology through the Lens of Contemporary Society

Abstract

The evolving role of women in contemporary society has renewed interest in how biblical theology portrays women and how these portrayals shape current theological perspectives. This study addresses the need to reinterpret these biblical portrayals in light of modern conversations on gender, equality, and religious participation. This study is justified by the persistent challenges’ women face within religious communities despitethe NT’s clear demonstration of women’s meaningful role in God’s redemptive work.Anchored in womanist and gender theological frameworks, drawn from Anne-Louise Eriksson’s gender hermeneutics, Linda E. Thomas’ Womanist Theology, and Jill Drouillard’s analysis of gender facticity, the study delves into the following question:What are the theological-analytical discussions about women in both the New and OldTestaments? As the study employs biblical-theological analysis, what are the areas of divergence andconvergence in OT and NT perspectives of women.How relevant are
these theological views in the contemporary society where we have discussions on gender strength, gender ability and inability, gender status and orientations, which are believed could affect and affect women’s religious performance in Christianity? Methodologically,it uses qualitative textual analysis, engaging both scriptural passages and scholarlyinterpretations found in books such as Women in the Church by Stanley Grenz and Denise Kjesbo, Women in Ministry by Vyhmeister, Women and the New Testament by Lesley Massey, and other theological works.