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Order Sandra's new book: Nobody's Mother

Visit Sandra's website: Dr. Sandra Glahn

Sandra Glahn's journey from infertility to theological scholarship transforms our understanding of women's purpose beyond traditional motherhood. Her research on Artemis worship in ancient Ephesus provides crucial context for interpreting Paul's teachings about women in 1 Timothy, challenging centuries of limiting interpretations that confined women primarily to domestic roles.

• Personal struggle with infertility led Sandra to question whether a woman's primary purpose is motherhood.
• Despite church teachings that women's teaching gifts should be limited to raising children, Sandra pursued theological education.
• Her supportive husband insisted his "manhood was not that fragile" when she became the family breadwinner.
• Jesus' words, "Mary has chosen what is better," affirmed her decision to study theology despite cultural expectations.
• Sandra's research reveals misunderstandings about Artemis worship that have influenced interpretations of "saved through childbearing."
• Many Christians have "guarded church doors against feminism while leaving the back door wide open to misogyny."
• Understanding historical context helps reconcile Paul's apparent contradictions about women's roles in ministry.
• True mothering extends beyond biology to nurturing others spiritually and intellectually.

Join us for our three-part conversation with Sandra Glahn, author of "Nobody's Mother," as we expand our understanding of maternal influence and women's roles in advancing God's kingdom.

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Dr. Sandra Glahn shatters misconceptions about the goddess Artemis of Ephesus and reveals how cultural context transforms our understanding of biblical passages about women's roles in the church and family.

• Artemis was not a fertility goddess but actually "nobody's mother" – a virgin huntress who was known for killing women and children.
• Artemis worship dominated Ephesus during Paul's ministry there, influencing the spiritual climate he addressed in letters like 1 Timothy.
• Paul's instructions in 1 Timothy address false teachings circulating in house churches, potentially connected to Artemis worship.
• Paul never directly attacked Artemis by name but presented Jesus as better – a wise approach for engaging culture.
• Women were created to multiply, mother, and rule – but multiplication isn't limited to biological reproduction.
• The Genesis command to "be fruitful and multiply" is never repeated in the New Testament; instead, we're commanded to multiply disciples.
• Women like Lydia, Priscilla, and Phoebe were key church leaders without mentioning children.
• Deborah "arose a mother to Israel," showing mothering as a broader concept of spiritual nurture and leadership.

Order Sandra's new book: Nobody's Mother

Visit Sandra's website: Dr. Sandra Glahn

Support the show

Begin Your Heartlifter's Journey:

1. Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide.
2. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY
3. Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon
4. Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW
5. Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon
6. Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International

Send us a text

Through personal stories and theological insights, New Testament Scholar and author Sandra Glahn challenges traditional views of motherhood and explores how maternal presence can be expressed beyond biological childbearing. Her journey through multiple pregnancy losses led to profound questions about women's purpose that ultimately expanded her understanding of female calling in both family and faith communities. In this three-part series, Sandra and I talk about:

• Sandra's story of growing up expecting motherhood to be her highest calling.
• The identity crisis caused by experiencing eight failed pregnancies.
• How the cultural ideal of stay-at-home mothering shaped women's understanding of purpose.
• The theological journey that led Sandra to seminary against conventional expectations.
• Jesus' words about Mary "choosing what is better" as validation for women's theological pursuits.
• Examination of 1 Timothy 2:15 about women being "saved through childbearing."
• The connection between the Artemis cult in Ephesus and Paul's teaching about women.
• Recognition that both men and women are given spiritual gifts to benefit the entire body of Christ.
• Expanding our understanding of "mothering" beyond biological definitions.

Join us to explore how reframing maternal influence can unleash women's power in homes, churches, and the world.

Order Sandra's new book: Nobody's Mother

Visit Sandra's website: Dr. Sandra Glahn

Support the show

Begin Your Heartlifter's Journey:

1. Visit and subscribe to Heartlift Central on Substack. This is our new online coaching center and meeting place for Heartlifters worldwide.
2. Download the "Overcoming Hurtful Words" Study Guide PDF: BECOMING EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY
3. Meet me on Instagram: @janellrardon
4. Leave a review and rate the podcast: WRITE A REVIEW
5. Learn more about my books and work: Janell Rardon
6. Make a tax-deductible donation through Heartlift International