Date

8-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Bible Exposition (PhD)

Chair

Paige Matthew Brooks

Keywords

Sexualization, Women, Fertility, Bathsheba, Tamar, Mary, Sarah, Hagar, providence, Rachel, Leah, Samaritan, Adultery, Forgiveness, Grace, Jesus, God, Holy Spirit

Disciplines

Christianity

Abstract

This research project seeks to inform others on how selected women of the Bible, those of the Old and New Testament, may have made wrong choices regarding sexualization, whether it be prostitution, infertility, or adultery, that the plan of God did not deter from their lives—within the Old Testament God used a multitude of family dysfunctions to carry out His plan to bring about the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, it was to further the Kingdom of God.

In the gospels, Jesus had a heart for women who had been involved in sexual situations of some kind, and within the biblical narratives, always showed them grace and mercy, gave them purpose, and used them for the furtherance of His kingdom. In the gospels, Jesus went to women of the same character and social situations as his matriarchal ancestors had experienced in their respective times. In the biblical world, especially in the Old Testament, women were considered second-class citizens whose primary purpose was to be respectable wives and bear children, specifically sons, to carry on the family line. Not being able to do so and being denied that right meant shame and despair, especially within a family, clan, tribe, and people. In the Book of Genesis, infertility is a common theme among the wives of the patriarchs. Because of that, many family problems arise, as seen in the story and the calamities involving Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. This specific issue would continue through generations. Unbeknownst to them, God had a plan and timing for them that would be beyond any mortal's comprehension. Because of these issues, bad choices were made. These people, especially the women, felt no different than any woman would feel today. There are many instances where these choices can bring shame and guilt. Still, God has more grace and mercy, as the apostle Paul says to the church in Rome, “But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more…” Jesus, during His ministry on earth, displayed the same grace and mercy during his specific encounters with women, such as the Samaritan woman at the well, Mary Magdalene, and the women caught in adultery. God created the first woman in the Garden of Eden, so He knows women better than anyone. His love for them and His mercy and grace surpass their understanding. God’s plan will come to fruition, and His kingdom will be established despite human error.

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