“Look for the Women: A Virtual Bible Study in Search of Hope”
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hinsdale, Ill. (project site)
Have you ever heard the announcement “Word of God, word of life.” at the end of a reading at church and been destabilized or confused? The Bible contains stories of violence, destruction and evil. In order to provide readers of the Bible with a tool to read difficult stories, this study draws upon the wisdom of Rachel Held Evans and her final book, Inspired. She wrote that the stories of women in the Bible, when sought out, offer a more complex story, help us to confront evil systems of violence and patriarchy, and are instructive for people who want to build a better world. In that spirit, this study set out to find women (prophets, slaves, concubines and unnamed characters) to see how their stories might be instructive for us. Miriam, Hagar, Sarah, Lot’s wife and Rizpah: each of their stories contains immense tragedy, but these women are prophetic and resilient. This study utilized art, scholarship and poetry. The main goal was to empower people with a specific hermeneutic (looking for the women) to aid their study of Scripture.
Karl Anliker, M.Div., Final Year
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC)
Karl grew up in Indiana with two parents who are scientists and faith-filled Lutherans. Karl’s faith was nurtured by a loving suburban congregation, Christ Lutheran Church in Zionsville. His journey in ministry was formed by outdoor camp experiences and a Lutheran Volunteer Corps position with All Peoples Church in Milwaukee, Wis. It was under the beautiful night sky at summer camp and at protests and revivals with All Peoples Church that Karl experienced the call to serve the church. While studying at LSTC, Karl has joined his passion for ministry with a passion for community organizing, uncovering our shared stories and building the better world we all need, together. Karl lives with his wife, Charlotte, in Hyde Park, Chicago, where they find joy in walking around the neighborhood.
