Course Introduction
Who are the women in the Bible? What does the Bible say about women, explicitly and implicitly? How do we make sense of biblical teachings about women in the church, in the home, and in society? Explore these questions through guided study, personal reflection, creative practices, and focused discussion.
Free? Yes. In keeping with Eden Spiritual Care's mission of making spiritual formation opportunities widely accessible, classes are funded entirely by generous donor contributions so you can take classes at no charge! If you would like to make a donation to help fund future classes, you are welcome to do so, but there is absolutely no expectation that participants will donate. Suggested donation to provide space for one person in a future class is $150.
- Dates: May 26 through June 30, 2022 (6 weeks)
- Weekly Zoom sessions on Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23 and 6/30)
- Registration is closed. Please email us if you would like to hear when this class is offered again.
What to expect
This online course involves approximately 3 to 4 hours of learning activities each week:
- Reading (books and articles, chosen by the instructor)
- Viewing video lectures
- Reflecting through informal writing, and sharing your thoughts and questions in online discussion forums with other learners
- Talking with fellow learners through three 1-hour video conferencing discussions
- Processing your growth and questions one-on-one with the instructor through two 10-minute video conferencing check-ins, at mutually agreed-upon times
- Getting constructive, growth-focused feedback from the instructor
- Optional deeper processing through a one-on-one spiritual direction session with the instructor (donation suggested)
Your take-aways
- Develop or deepen your familiarity with women depicted in the Bible.
- Grow in your awareness of the perspectives behind the writing, editing, and compiling of the Bible, and the cultural contexts from which the biblical texts emerged.
- Understand the basic distinctions between egalitarian and complementarian viewpoints, and understand how each viewpoint sees its perspective as grounded in the Bible.
- Increase your own comfort with having tough questions of your own.
- Increase your own ability to listen, consider, and respectfully discuss perspectives different from your own.
- Examine what Western culture depicts as the ideal image of a Christ-following woman, explore how this compares and contrasts with how the complete biblical narrative portrays women who followed Jesus.
- Be able to thoughtfully express your own understanding of how God views women and what it means for all people to be made in God’s image.
Who this is for
This intro-level course is open to anyone ages 18 and up!
- People of any gender
- People of any educational background
- People who have identified as Christ followers since their childhood, or have only recently begun identifying as Christ followers, or who have never or no longer identify as Christ followers but who are curious to learn more about the Bible, Jesus, and Christianity
- People who identify as conservative, liberal, complementarian, egalitarian, feminist, or fundamentalist, as well as people who dislike labels and/or are not sure what these labels mean
- Still not convinced this is a class for you? Read more here.
Course Requirements
- Internet access with enough bandwidth that you are able to stream videos smoothly
- Access to a web device with a camera and microphone for video conferencing
- Ability to read, write, and speak in English
Questions? Comments?
About the Instructor
Sierra Neiman Westbrook, M.Div.
Founding Director of Eden Spiritual Care & Certified Spiritual Director
Sierra spent seven years working in the Christian publishing field before beginning eight years of teaching at George Fox University (writing, theology, and spiritual formation) and Portland Seminary (spiritual formation). A graduate of Portland Seminary, Sierra holds a Master of Divinity degree and a certificate in Spiritual Formation & Discipleship. She is also certified through Portland Seminary as a spiritual director. Sierra brings to her work a curiosity about how theology of lament, narrative pastoral care, and explorations of one's God image can enrich a person’s relationship with God. She also enjoys hiking, watching ballet performances, baking, writing, drinking lots of tea, and spending lots of time with her husband, Justin, and their young son.
Sierra Neiman Westbrook, M.Div.
Founding Director of Eden Spiritual Care & Certified Spiritual Director
Sierra spent seven years working in the Christian publishing field before beginning eight years of teaching at George Fox University (writing, theology, and spiritual formation) and Portland Seminary (spiritual formation). A graduate of Portland Seminary, Sierra holds a Master of Divinity degree and a certificate in Spiritual Formation & Discipleship. She is also certified through Portland Seminary as a spiritual director. Sierra brings to her work a curiosity about how theology of lament, narrative pastoral care, and explorations of one's God image can enrich a person’s relationship with God. She also enjoys hiking, watching ballet performances, baking, writing, drinking lots of tea, and spending lots of time with her husband, Justin, and their young son.
