Yielding The Ghost and Other Things Women Did in The Book of Acts

Uncovering the hidden history of women in the early church, this episode dives deep into the Book of Acts as viewed through Elizabeth Cady Stanton's groundbreaking feminist lens. Sara Kaye and Joanna V reunite to explore what Victorian feminists discovered about women's roles in spreading Christianity – roles that male religious authorities have systematically erased over centuries.Through stories like Sapphira (who died for obeying her husband's deception), Rhoda (whose truthful words were dismissed by men), and Lydia (a successful businesswoman), we discover that women were far more central to early Christianity than traditional interpretations admit. The hosts examine how these biblical women challenge the narrative of female submission that has dominated religious discourse.The most explosive revelation comes from Ellen Battelle Dietrick, one of Stanton's collaborators, who argues that many biblical passages subordinating women were likely "bare-faced forgeries" inserted by "unscrupulous bishops" intent on silencing women. She points to a critical "missing link" of 500 years between Old Testament texts and New Testament compilation that calls into question the historical accuracy of how the Bible portrays gender roles.This episode doesn't just reinterpret ancient stories – it provides a powerful framework for understanding how religious texts have been manipulated to justify women's oppression. As Sara Kaye says, "We are not sliding back. Public discourse has slid back." Join us for this thought-provoking exploration of biblical history that reminds women everywhere: you are sovereign.*******************************YEAH - What the robot said. This episode rules. It will knock your socks off and shake loose some long-held beliefs. It's good for circulation. Here's some more information about topics discussed in this episode:The Marshall ProjectSee What Your Local Agency Received from the Department of Defensehttps://www.themarshallproject.org/mp-graphics/201412-dod/embed.htmlPeter Thiel Churching Links:Christians in tech drive religious revival in SFOne of America’s most secular cities is experiencing a religious boom with Silicon Valley overtones.https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/09/christians-tech-religion-sf/‘Wouldn’t It Be Funny if We Tricked a Bunch of People into Going to Church?’Interview by Kate LuckyMichelle Stephens of Silicon Valley evangelism organization ACTS 17 talks caviar bumps, Peter Thiel, and Christianity.https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/08/michelle-stephens-interview-peter-thiel-silicon-valley-revival-evangelism/Peter Thiel’s visions of ApocalypseIs AI the Antichrist?https://unherd.com/2025/05/peter-thiels-visions-of-apocalypse/Peter Thiel and the Antichristhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/opinion/peter-thiel-antichrist-ross-douthat.htmlSend us Fan MailCreditsRecorded at Troubadour Studios in Lansing, MIAudio Engineer Corey DeRushiaEdited by Rie Daisies at Nighttime Girlfriend StudioMusic: ‘Shifting pt. 2 (instrumental)’  by Rie DaisiesExecutive Producer Kate ML RogersLeave us a voice mailHave some feedback? Praise? General thoughts? Know how to pronounce something? Are you a religious scholar? We'd love to hear from you. Leave a message right from your phone or computer by clicking here. Recordings may be used in future episodes.  Websitehttps://bitingalltheapples.buzzsprout.comFind us on TikTok and YouTube and BlueSky