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Feb 23Liked by Michael F. Bird

The more I learn about the role of women in the NT church and the first few generations, the more I wonder, WHAT HAPPENED?! It seems to me (not a biblical scholar, but a “concerned citizen”) that by approximately 200 CE the patriarchy had re-ascended and most churches have maintained some degree of patriarchy since. Is this merely original sin? Sort of, “What did you expect?” Or has there been any sort of historical thread for us to follow?

Also, glad to know if there are significant errors in my time line; mine doesn’t allow for blaming it all on Constantine!

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Thank you for liking my comment. Is there a reference that you could recommend addressing church history in the first few centuries focused specifically on fluctuating patriarchy and egalitarianism? Thanks.

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Excellent article thank you

.On the topic of women in the NT, I have read recently 'Phoebe' by Paula Gooder and to my surprise liked it! It is a fictionalised account from Phoebe's view and attempts (successfully) to introduce Phoebe as human person with a backstory. I originally thought of the admonition to neither add nor detract from scripture, but she packs into the dialogue and narrative structure a lot of fundamental theology. Its almost painless! Another more 'academic tome' Phoebe in the series Pauls social network' Joan Campbell (possibly dated, 2009) is a good foil against over fictionalising. marg mowczko is a staunch academic resource whom I follow steadfastly, good to have her out there as a name to be noted.

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