The Words of Her Mouth: Psalms for the Struggle listens to and wrestles with ancient poems through the lenses of modern women: Martha Spong, Mihee Kim-Kort, Beth Richardson, Alicia Crosby, Marilyn Pagán-Banks, Julia Seymour, Kentina Washington-Leapheart, Jennifer Garrison Brownell, Katie Mulligan, and Layton Williams. 

What does it look like to read the texts we now call the gospels like first- and second-century readers? There is no evidence of anyone regarding the gospel as a book published by an author until the end of the second century. So, put differently, what does it mean to read the gospels "before the book"? For centuries, the ways people discuss the gospels have been shaped by later ideas that have more to do with the printing press and modern notions of the author than ancient writing and reading practices.

Sing out, my soul, the wonder . . .

Mary’s baby has arrived, and she can’t contain her joy! As Joseph sleeps, she examines her newborn’s tiny mouth, his wild hair, his little hands. Yet what’s most wondrous is that this child is not just Mary’s own but a gift that God has shared with everyone.

Today the Quran is used by some to justify war and acts of terrorism, the Torah to deny Palestinians the right to live in the Land of Israel, and the Bible to condemn homosexuality and contraception.