Embracing the Body: Feminist Theory, Theology, and the Future of the Church with Kaitlin Schiess

05/08/23 • 66 min

Explore how incorporating feminist theory and a renewed understanding of the body can reshape the church's approach to gender, community, and intergenerational relationships. Mike and Tim sit down with theologian and author Kaitlin Schiess to discuss the church's failures and opportunities in valuing the human body, and how this impacts our engagement with culture, scripture, and the future of the church.

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of the Body in Theology – Understanding how the church has often failed to value human bodies and the implications for gender and sexuality discussions.
Integrating Feminist Theory and Theology – How insights from feminist theory can inform and challenge the church's approach to gender and embodiment.
Intergenerational Community – Rethinking church structures to include children and youth as active participants rather than segregating them.
Reading Scripture in Community – The need for honest conversations about how we approach the Bible and acknowledging the perspectives we bring to the text.
The Future of the Church – Envisioning smaller, more diverse, intergenerational churches that embrace transparency, accountability, and authentic community.

Guest Highlights:

Kaitlin Schiess – Theologian and author of "Liturgy of Politics" and the upcoming "The Ballot and the Bible." Caitlin shares insights from her studies in feminist theory and theology, discussing the value of the human body, gender dynamics in the church and academia, and her vision for the future of the church.

Resources Mentioned:

"Faithful" by Beth Felker Jones – [Link]
Maria W. Stewart's Writings – [Link]
"The Ballot and the Bible" by Caitlin Schess (Upcoming Book) – [Link]
"Liturgy of Politics" by Caitlin Schess – [Link]

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on how the church can better value the human body and engage with feminist theory. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

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Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

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Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Key Takeaways:

The Importance of the Body in Theology – Understanding how the church has often failed to value human bodies and the implications for gender and sexuality discussions.
Integrating Feminist Theory and Theology – How insights from feminist theory can inform and challenge the church's approach to gender and embodiment.
Intergenerational Community – Rethinking church structures to include children and youth as active participants rather than segregating them.
Reading Scripture in Community – The need for honest conversations about how we approach the Bible and acknowledging the perspectives we bring to the text.
The Future of the Church – Envisioning smaller, more diverse, intergenerational churches that embrace transparency, accountability, and authentic community.

Guest Highlights:

Resources Mentioned:

"Faithful" by Beth Felker Jones – [Link]
Maria W. Stewart's Writings – [Link]
"The Ballot and the Bible" by Caitlin Schess (Upcoming Book) – [Link]
"Liturgy of Politics" by Caitlin Schess – [Link]

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Previous Episode

Breaking Down the Divide: Phil Vischer on Evangelicalism's Past and Future

Mike Erre and Tim Stafford sit down with Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast, to explore the historical roots of the current fractures within American evangelicalism and what this means for the future of the church. They delve into the split between Northern neo-evangelicals and Southern fundamentalists, the cultural and political forces that have shaped evangelicalism, and discuss how understanding this history can guide the church forward.

Key Takeaways:

The Historical Split in Evangelicalism – Discover how the division between Northern neo-evangelicals and Southern fundamentalists has shaped modern evangelicalism.
Cultural and Political Influences – Learn about the impact of cultural fears, political alliances, and events like the Civil Rights Movement and Roe v. Wade on the church's unity and direction.
Deconstruction as Discipleship – Explore the concept of deconstruction as a means to separate cultural assumptions from biblical truth, leading to a more authentic faith.
Trends Shaping the Church's Future – Discuss the demographic shifts towards a more diverse and Pentecostal church, and the challenges and opportunities this presents.
Embracing Epistemic Humility – Understand the importance of humility and openness in engaging with different perspectives, especially with younger generations.

Guest Highlights: Phil Vischer – Best known as the creator of VeggieTales and co-host of the Holy Post Podcast, Phil shares his deep insights into the history of American evangelicalism, its present challenges, and thoughts on how the church can navigate the future with wisdom and grace.

Resources Mentioned:

The Holy Post Podcast – holypost.com
VeggieTales – veggietales.com
Books on Evangelicalism's History – Fundamentalism and American Culture by George Marsden

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on the future of the church. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV: https://www.youtube.com/@voxology.

Our Merch Store! ETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VOXOLOGY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Next Episode

Flood, Fury, and the Shalom of God: Navigating Old Testament Violence with Dr. Matthew Lynch

Delve into the complexities of Old Testament violence and discover how reframing these challenging narratives reveals the Shalom of God. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford are joined by Dr. Matthew Lynch, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Regent College and author of Flood and Fury, to explore how stories like the Flood, the Nephilim, and the conquest of Canaan can be understood in the context of God's restorative justice and peace.

Key Takeaways: • Reassessing the Flood Narrative – Rethinking traditional perspectives on the Flood, seeing God's role as the preserver of life rather than a destroyer. • Violence and Monotheism in Genesis – How monotheism shapes the portrayal of violence in the Old Testament, contrasting with ancient Near Eastern myths. • The Enigma of the Nephilim – Exploring the mysterious figures of the Nephilim and their significance in connecting the Flood narrative to the conquest of Canaan. • Reinterpreting 'Herem' and the Conquest Commands – Understanding how later biblical authors viewed commands to "devote to destruction," focusing on removing idolatry instead of people. • Approaching Difficult Biblical Texts Today – Practical guidance on engaging with challenging Old Testament passages without losing faith, embracing complexity and exploration.

Guest Highlights: Dr. Matthew Lynch – Old Testament scholar and author of Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God. Dr. Lynch shares insightful perspectives on how to read troubling biblical texts in a way that highlights God's desire for restoration and peace.

Resources Mentioned: • Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God by Matthew Lynch – [Purchase Link] • Regent College – www.regent-college.edu • The Brick Testament – www.bricktestament.com

Join the conversation and deepen your understanding of the Old Testament. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow Voxology Podcast on social media to stay connected.

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy