A debate sponsored by the Oregon State University Socratic Club on whether the Bible and Christianity are patriarchal, sexist, and oppressive to women
Tuesday, February 12, 2008 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Two speakers, Cody Martin and Patricia Evans, presenting divergent points of view, will explore the Bible's portrayal of women and its relevance today. The rise of feminism has created a critical
consciousness regarding the Bible's portrayal of women. Some feminists and religious-studies scholars argue that the Bible promotes a patriarchal structure and that it has been written and
interpreted by males who have imposed a sexist theology on the Christian faith. Others reject the entire Christian tradition as male-oriented and see in it a bias that denies women equality and
freedom. Both speakers will address the question of biblical teaching regarding the role of women in society and family structures and the extent to which is is culturally bound or relevant to our
own age. Cody Martin is an ordained minister and chaplain at OHSU and OHSU/Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. She is a Professional Certified Chaplain with Healthcare Chaplains’ Ministry Association.
She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Western Seminary in Portland. She lectures on “Pastoral Care to the Dying” at Western Seminary; “Supporting Patient’s Existential Spiritual Process in End
of Life Care” at OHSU School of Nursing; and “Spirituality & Medicine” at OHSU School of Medicine. Patricia Carol Evans is Senior Minister of First Christian Church of Albany. She is a graduate
of Chapman University in Orange, California, where she earned her bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology. Evans earned her secondary teaching credential at Southern Oregon State College in
Ashland. She received a Master of Divinity degree from the School of Theology in Claremont, California. She is an minister of the Disciples of Christ. The debate is the second in the Socratic Club's
sixth year as a student organization at OSU. The Club is modelled on the original Socratic Club, which was founded at Oxford University in 1941, with C. S. Lewis serving as President. At OSU it
offers a forum for opposing points of view on subjects of contemporary debate at the intersection of Christian belief and contemporary culture. Each speaker is given 20 minutes to present one side of
an issue, after which the two query each other regarding their differences before the floor is opened to questions from members of the audience. Two events are planned for each quarter. For more
information visit their web site at http://oregonstate.edu/groups/socratic The debate will be videotaped and posted on the web site for those who are unable to attend.
