Episode 87: Nice, Churchy Patriarchy - Liz Cooledge Jenkins
That's a nice patriarchy you got there. Be a shame if someone were to smash it...
Whether your church is complementarian, soft complementarian, egalitarian or has never thought about the distinction, the odds are good that patriarchy is damaging people in your fellowship, and damaging the witness and ministry of your church.
In this episode we examine how this happens, and why - and what we can do about it, taking our lead from author Liz Cooledge Jenkins. Her book, Nice Churchy Patriarchy: Reclaiming Women's Humanity From Evangelicalism, is an excellent starting place (with an excellent further reading list) for anyone wanting to examine their faith and faith community and how it may be hurting or holding women back.
Liz is an absolute legend and exceptionally gracious and fun as we navigate these important waters with her, asking:
Can complementarianism ever be healthy? What should someone questioning their faith because of patriarchal church do? What can men do to be helpful? How funny can a podcast about fighting oppression really be?
The answers may surprise you!
Listen to this episode for all this, as well as Liz’s personal recommendations for educating yourself further on patriarchy in the church, intersectional feminism and a theology that moves beyond maleness into wholeness.
She’ll also introduce you to the joy that is Flamey Grant. You’re welcome.
You can find out more about the book and read more of Liz's thoughts at lizcooledgejenkins.com
You can listen to Episode 87 anywhere: in the kitchen doing some housework in a gender-equitable way; in the pulpit, preaching with the confidence that in Christ there is no longer male nor female; in the sure and certain knowledge that sexist is never sexiest; or right here…
At the time of publishing we remember that Gaza is still under fire from Israel and that none of our liberation is complete without the liberation of the Palestinian people. For more about that, see our previous episode.
New to Beer Christianity? Come on in, the water’s gender fluid.
Beer Christianity is an anti-capitalist, pro-BLM, pro-LGBTQ+, post-post-post-evangelical podcast where we drink a bit and talk a lot. Our aim is to be real, helpful and entertaining.
Follow Beer Christianity on Twitter: @beerxianity and find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and, once upon a time, Stitcher (RIP).
If you leave us a voicenote at speakpipe.com/beerchristianity we might air your question on an episode. Literally only one person has ever done this. Rather voicenote or message us on Insta.
Beer Christianity also has a newsletter in which Jonty and guest authors comment on the news, theological issues and stuff that matters. He updates it way less than he should. But whaddaya gonna do? Have good mental health and no neurodivergence? Pssshh. Sign up to the Beer Christianity newsletter on Substack.
There's a connected Show With Music on Spotify called New Old Music. Check it out if you like eclectic music and weird chat. It's not terribly serious.
Jonty's novel, Incredulous Moshoeshoe and the Lightning Bird, is not literature but it’s quite fun if you like Supernatural, Africa or the Goth scene.
We don't really want to preach at you, but some people like to know what we believe. It's this: Jesus Christ is the Son of God and came to teach us a better way to be while reconciling us to God and each other in a way we could never do without Him. He also changed water into wine. Nice.