Christian Parent, Crazy World

Are the Bible’s perspectives on women outdated and misogynistic, or are they, in fact, revolutionary? In this eye-opening episode, Catherine sits down with Dr. Sandra Richter, a renowned biblical scholar from Westmont College. With decades of research and a passion for making scripture accessible to all, Dr. Richter unpacks the ways the Bible challenges cultural norms and uplifts the status of women from its very first pages. Together, Catherine and Dr. Richter explore: Radical Equality in Genesis 1: How the creation narrative establishes men and women as equally created in the image of God, setting a profound precedent for dignity and value. Cultural Critique in Genesis 2: What does it mean for a man to leave his family and cleave to his wife? Dr. Richter reveals how this challenges patriarchal norms of ancient cultures. Normative Texts vs. Situational Ethics: Understanding the difference between universal spiritual principles and context-specific instructions is key to navigating scripture’s teachings on women. Women as Prophets: From Miriam in the Old Testament to Anna in the New Testament, women played vital and often underappreciated prophetic roles in biblical history. Addressing Cultural Context:The conversation also highlights the impact of Hellenistic and Jewish traditions on attitudes toward women in New Testament times: Rabbi Eliezer’s shocking statement: “If any man gives his daughter a knowledge of the Law, it is as though he taught her lechery.” The Jerusalem Talmud’s severe stance: “Let the words of Torah be burned up, but let them not be delivered to women.” Josephus’s commentary: Jewish law regarded women as “inferior to their husbands in all things.” The Berakhot’s daily prayer: Jewish men would thank God for not being born a gentile, a woman, or a slave—language reflective of broader Greek cultural influences. Dr. Richter provides essential historical and theological insights, helping us see how the Bible subverts cultural norms and offers a radical perspective on women’s worth and roles. Why This Matters for Parents:In a world where gender roles and equality are hotly debated, understanding the Bible’s revolutionary view of women can profoundly shape how we teach and guide our children. This episode equips parents with a scriptural foundation to affirm the dignity, value, and purpose of every family member—mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers alike. Don’t miss next week’s continuation with Dr. Richter, where we’ll explore the biblical celebration of motherhood and women’s contributions to faith and family. Subscribe, Share, and Stay Connected!If you found this episode insightful, please subscribe on your app at on Catherine’s website, leave a review, and share it with others! Let’s continue the conversation about faith, parenting, and the transformative power of scripture. About the guest: Dr. Sandra Richter holds a PhD in Old Testament Studies from Harvard University and Master of Arts in Theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently the Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont. Dr. Richter has authored several works available on Amazon, including a Bible study on Deborah. Her extensive research seeks to illuminate the scriptures for contemporary audiences. EPISODE LINKS: Books Referenced: Why Not Women: A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership by Loren Cunningham & David J. Hamilton What Did Paul Really Say about Women by John T. Bristow Articles by Catherine: “Why We Should Reconsider What the Bible Really Says about Women in Ministry” “Does Scripture Oppress or Liberate Women” “Why Does Paul Tell Women to Be Silent in Church and Not to Teach?” Scriptures Referenced: 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 Romans 16 1 Timothy 2 Galatians 3:28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How can you eat better, sleep better, exercise better, work better, play better, spend better, save better, serve better, worship better, and pray better? Those are very good questions to ask at the beginning of a new year. But how can you improve your relationship with your kids this year? Now that’s a question to put at the top of the list. In this special New Year’s episode, Catherine offers 12 practical ways to improve your relationships with your kids this year. They are: Cook a Meal Together: Share the joy of creating a dish from scratch, expanding your culinary skills while nurturing your relationship. Read a Book Together: Whether it's fiction or educational, reading a book together provides a platform for bonding discussions. Game Night: Turn off the screens and bring the family around the table for some old-fashioned fun and laughter. Learn Something New: Tackle a new skill with your child, making memories and enriching both your lives. Go for a Walk: Boost both your physical and mental health with a simple stroll while enjoying quality one-on-one time. Show Affection for No Reason: Simple gestures of love and appreciation can reinforce your relationship in powerful ways. Give Daily Encouragement: Recognize and commend your child's efforts and achievements, reinforcing positive behaviors. Make a Date: Schedule regular one-on-one outings to give each child special attention and build lasting memories. Plan a Getaway: Even a brief day-trip can become an unforgettable adventure that strengthens your parent-child bond. Have Regular Heart-to-Hearts: Foster open communication by regularly checking in on your child’s emotional well-being. Ask for Feedback: Be open to your child's perspective on how you can improve as a parent and act on their feedback. Pray the Word of God: Strengthen your family spiritually by regularly praying scripture over your children LINKS: Find the Scripture list to pray over children HERE. EPISODES REFERENCED: Episode 22: 13 Ways To Be a Better Parent in 2022 Episode 13: 4 Types of Prayer Every Believer Should Know Episode 14: How To Battle for Your Kids in Prayer Episode 15: What Should I Expect When I Battle in Prayer Episode 37: 7 Ways To Bless Your Kids with Words Episode 49: How Do We Combat the Epidemic of Teen Suicide? Episode 50: What Can We Learn from a Survivor of Teen Suicide? GAMES REFERENCED: Apples to Apples, Settlers of Catan, Rummikub, Lost Cities Bob Ross Stuffed Doll BOOK REFERENCED: Praying God’s Word SCRIPTURE REFERENCED: Numbers 6:24-26 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Start your New Year with a fresh spiritual mindset! In this episode, Catherine introduces five essential disciplines that form the cornerstone of exponential spiritual growth. Forget the hype around new trends—true transformation begins with mastering the basics. These tried-and-true foundational disciplines of the Christian faith—though they may seem simple and familiar—are the very ones that can propel us forward in our spiritual journey. They are: Prayer: The lifeblood of your spiritual journey. Commit to real, focused daily prayer—it’s the oxygen your soul needs. Bible Study: Dive into Scripture daily to nourish your spirit. Whether through book studies, topical exploration, or memorization, God's Word is your guide. Giving: Break free from materialism and make eternal investments by giving a portion of your income to God’s work. Service: Get involved in your local church. Serving others is both a calling and a training ground for your greater purpose. Sacrifice: Experience God’s presence by prioritizing Him above all. Fasting is a particularly powerful practice to clear spiritual roadblocks. Bonus Discipline: Fasting—a discipline that unclogs your spiritual arteries and enhances your connection with God. Catherine also shares a sneak peek into upcoming episodes, featuring exciting guest interviews with experts like: Dr. Tamara Rosier on navigating ADHD in families Dr. Sandra Richter on women in Scripture Dr. Alex McFarland on the state of evangelicalism Jonathan Cahn on end-time prophecy Takeaway:These foundational disciplines are simple yet powerful tools for profound spiritual growth. Prioritize them in your life today, and get ready for monumental breakthroughs in your faith journey! Episode Links: Catherine’s Free Resources Episode 84 “How To Learn More Scripture in 2024 Than You Ever Have Before” Fasting by Jentezen Franklin Scripture’s Referenced: Luke 14:28 Luke 16:10 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this heartwarming episode, Catherine Segars sits down with Jill Wagner, a beloved actress known for her work in Hallmark movies and now on Great American Family, to discuss her latest project and her passion for family, faith, and community. Together, they explore Jill’s dedication to creating entertainment that reflects her core values—especially during the holiday season. Jill delves into her deeply personal new Great American Family documentary "Christmas on the Farm," premiering on December 23rd. This unique project offers an intimate glimpse into Jill’s life, highlighting the profound role her faith and close-knit community play in shaping her journey. For Jill, this isn’t just another holiday special; it’s a heartfelt reflection of the joy, love, and togetherness that define the Christmas season. In this uplifting episode, Jill discusses: · The inspiration behind "Christmas on the Farm," revealing how this special project unfolded. · Her incredible journey from being a Hallmark favorite to becoming a cherished part of the Great American Family community, a network that champions family-oriented, faith-filled entertainment. The heartwarming story of inviting a family affected by Hurricane Helene into her home for Christmas dinner and the community who banded together to provide for their needs. Catherine and Jill delve deeply into the role of faith in their lives, reflecting on how it shapes their personal and professional decisions. Jill expresses her gratitude to Bill Abbott, the CEO of Great American Family, for fostering a network that prioritizes values-driven content and supports creators who are committed to producing wholesome, family-friendly entertainment. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a celebration of the importance of aligning personal values with creative pursuits. Catherine and Jill remind listeners that Great American Family is an incredible resource available for those seeking uplifting, faith-forward, and family-centered entertainment for the holidays and beyond. About the Guest: Jill Wagner is an accomplished actress and producer, known for her work in various television shows and movies. She has recently turned her focus towards faith-based projects, aiming to bring authentic and uplifting stories to the screen. Through her work on Great American Family and her involvement in community-focused initiatives, Jill continues to inspire and spread messages of love, faith, and hope. EPISODE RESOURCES: Great American FamilyJill Wager Instagram & Facebook Streaming Services: Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.