Jennifer Bird, PhD

This video gives you an overview of the content in this series; and who Dr Bird is, why she is interested in this conversation, and why you can trust her perspective on this subject.

So many people are familiar with that line, "be fruitful and multiply!" But are they aware of its complex context? Do you understand what this passage was likely really "up to"? This video touches on the element of this passage that it was life-changing for Dr. Bird to be made aware of in her own faith journey. Come take a look!

This video walks through the misunderstandings that most people of faith have regarding Genesis 2, in light of this topic of 'marriage,' and engages the elements of the passage that were game changers for Dr. Bird in her own educational process. Being better informed on biblical passages can be quite empowering!

Many Christians think of this passage in Matthew 19, verses 4-6, as central to defining a Christian marriage. But does this passage really help us to define marriage? What about those next half a dozen verses? Aren't they relevant, too? Take a look at what I mean!

This passage in Ephesians has a long and storied history, including being the source for claiming that marriage could be called a "sacrament." This video is the final one covering the passages that people use to define "biblical marriage," though it is the most complex of the four. Be prepared to work through it slowly, if any of this content is new to you. Why not join me for some thoughtful reconsideration of what this familiar passage is actually talking about and accomplishing in people's lives, today? It will be worth it!

A handful of words have been translated, perhaps, rather misleadingly. Does this matter to you? Is it possible that different word choices, in our translations, might change the way you think about "marriage," today?

Since people turn to the stories and these ancestors in the faith, why don't you take a few minutes to process what their relationships, and the laws related to them, convey to you about marriage? We will look at several key moments in the creation of the tribes of Israel and spend some time mulling over what made adultery an issue (how it was defined then vs. today). I will invite you to think about what that phrase "uncovering nakedness" tells us about the people writing those ancient laws. I will even offer new insights into those well-worn ideas in Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13.

Are Jesus and Paul "family values" guys as some of us have been taught to think? I suggest that you watch this one only if you're truly open to considering new angles on this topic. The things attributed to Jesus and written by Paul on marriage and sex are actually a bit shocking!

Are women in the Bible held up primarily as "baby-makers"? Or are there other ideals that run throughout these sacred texts that are, perhaps, just not tapped into very much? If the latter, why do you suppose the tradition has overlooked them? You may think that you've heard it all on this subject, but I promise that there are new insights here to consider!