Biblical Views: Wrestling with Faith

For years I’ve been pondering the relationship of Biblical studies, faith and feminism. The pondering returns me to childhood, when every week I memorized one or more scriptural verses. Chosen by teachers, these verses offered proclamation, guidance and assurance—for example, John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid,” and Psalm 23:1–3:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

he leads me beside still waters;

he restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

A comforting faith they provided—no disturbing texts.