Classroom Activities

July: Women in the Church

July is a time to recognize our independence as Americans: whether draped in red-white-and-blue, watching fireworks, eating hotdogs, hosting picnics, swimming in the lake, or just relaxing in the summer sun, celebrations of freedom are the highlight of summer.

In the church, July is when we remember Mary Magdalene, an often misunderstood, yet crucial figure in the Gospels. Was she a prostitute? An adulteress? A Jesus groupie?

Independence and Mary Magdalene. Is there a connection there? Maybe...it's easy to see that women haven't had much in the way of independence in the course of human history, or much power in church history. However, if you get to know Mary Magdalene, and other biblical women, these assumptions can be turned upside down. Take a closer look at the strong, powerful, brave, cunning women of the Bible--good and evil, young and old, ugly and beautiful. Which of these role models for strong, independent women speaks most to you?

In order to understand God's purpose in creation, we must look equally at the women and the men who have lived the stories of creation, struggle, freedom, and rebirth that form the foundation of our faith. Let freedom ring.

Will the Real Mary Magdalene Please Stand Up?
Mary of Magdala Summer Film Fest
Let (All) Her Works Praise Her
Remember the Women!
Bad Women of the Bible: The First Testament
Bad Women of the Bible: The Second Testament