Ruth and Naomi -- Workers of Salvation

A sermon by Glynn Cardy at St Matthew-in-the-City examining two extraordinary women, Ruth and Naoimi, as they contend with a patriarchical society. November 12, 2006. "The Book of Ruth can be read as a tribute to patriarchy: 'Women's worth is to be found in getting married and producing sons.' Yet to read the Book in this way is to miss the tremendous hope and courage of the women involved. This is a tale about moving from death to life. It is about surviving poverty and vulnerability. It is about surviving in a climate of prejudice and patriarchy. It is a man's culture, where wealth is blessing and poverty is curse. Where God favours Israelites and men. Yet within that cultural world, by daring deeds and a sprinkle of fate, by fidelity to each other, and struggling forward, Ruth and Naomi have triumphed." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/?sid=74&id=670.