This week we finish our discussion about The Handmaid’s Tale, a novel by Margaret Atwood that was published in the 80’s and has become an icon for reproductive rights and feminist literature. 

One of the biggest troubles we face in the pop-culture status the book and show has garnered is how it portrays certain passages in the Old Testament. Today we discuss the ancient Near East practice that is a central plot point of the story and think through how we, as Christians, should read about sinful things our fathers in the faith did. We also dive in to Atwood’s view of the world, religion, and politics. Why is her novel so relevant to our culture today? Join us!

Episode Navigation

 1:00 Feminism and our current climate in Atwood’s own words.

 

8:50 A little insight into what it means to be Jerry. 

 

15:20 We dive back into the discussion & why it matters to us. 

 

19:30 Worldview matters. 

 

22:30 What is the patriarchy anyway?

 

25:15 The first story of the “handmaid” in the Bible being given for sexual slavery. 

 

37:00 A misunderstanding of Christian hierarchy.

 

40:20 Atwood’s political and theological argument. 

 

52:27 Ultimately, a Christian society in The Handmaid’s Tale is that women must be oppressed. We reject that and discuss why.

 

1:03:33 The world can’t abandon its need for God. We are not happier since trying to kick him out. 

 

1:09:08 Reproductive freedom and what it actually means.

GET EXCLUSIVE CONTENT BY Supporting through PATREON

2 Comments

  1. Jennifer Stovern

    Hi ladies, long time listener, first-time commenter. I have listened to the Handmaid’s Tale book a few years ago and until last year I watched the series and kept up with it, since God has really been opening my eyes about feminism in particular and I felt convicted not to watch it. One detail you sweet ladies keep getting wrong that is taking away from your credibility if someone has watched the show is that the book and the show refer repeatedly to Rachel and Leah and their handmaids, and not Sarah and Hagar. The gentlemen in the show who form their Rebellion initially call themselves the Sons of Jacob, so I hope that helps make a little bit more sense. I also think there’s a little bit of a difference in Sarah versus Rachel, who was the first one I think to give one of her servants as a handmaid. Sarah had been promised by God that she would have children and she was impatient, whereas Rachel had not been promised anything and was barren but still wanted the credit. The people in the books to justify their sex slavery use this since for some reason they are sterile. I really hope this helps! 🙂

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

©2021 Sheologians

©2021 Sheologians

Share This