Why does Scripture so often portray women as central to God’s work of redemption—even in stories of deep dysfunction and failure? In this episode, Dr. Ingrid Faro, Old Testament scholar and interim president of Northern Seminary, joins Dru Johnson to explore her groundbreaking work in Redeeming Eden: How Women in the Bible Advance the Story of Salvation.

Dr. Faro shares how her personal journey through theological trauma, cultic church experiences, and academic discovery led her to reexamine Genesis 1–3 and the women of the Bible. She explains how Hebrew terms like ezer and tzelah (often translated “helper” and “rib”) have been misunderstood, how Eve’s story actually radiates hope, and how strategic female figures consistently propel salvation history forward.

The conversation also tackles misinterpretations of Genesis 3:16, the patterns of dysfunction and healing across the biblical narrative, and what the Bible really says about evil. This episode is a deep and hopeful reconsideration of gender, power, and goodness within the story of Scripture.

You can find Ingrid's "Redeeming Eden" here: https://zondervanacademic.com/products/redeeming-eden

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Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of Women in the Bible 02:58 Challenges and Misunderstandings 05:52 Theological Journey and Discoveries 08:56 Women as Key Figures in Redemption History 12:04 Genesis and the Role of Women 14:53 Understanding the Image of God 18:10 Eve's Story and Redemption 20:58 The Dynamics of Desire and Power 23:56 Women and Men in Collaboration 26:55 The Nature of Evil in the Bible 29:57 Future Works and Closing Thoughts

Redeeming Eden & Eve: How the Bible Strategically Uplifts Women (Ingrid Faro) Ep. #237

The Biblical Mind