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Virgins, Lanterns, Host Bodies and the Supernatural Book of Matthew
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The battle for reproductive rights and women's autonomy isn't just modern politics—it's a struggle with deep historical roots. In this episode, we dive into the New Testament section of Elizabeth Cady Stanton's revolutionary Woman's Bible, where Victorian-era feminists dissect biblical patriarchy with remarkable insight and surprising humor.
Their analysis strips away supernatural elements while preserving Jesus's moral authority, describing him as a "mountainous man" who perceived truths before others could. As one anonymous contributor boldly states, Jesus "commands far more love and reverence as a true man with human possibilities than as a God superior to all human frailties."
The parallels between past and present are striking. When we discuss modern politicians referring to women as "host bodies," we can't help but connect it to Mary, "the original host body," whose immaculate conception story these Victorian feminists saw as diminishing ordinary motherhood. Their reinterpretation of the parable of the ten virgins is particularly revolutionary—rather than women competing for a bridegroom, they read it as a call for women's self-sufficiency and intellectual independence.
Perhaps most powerful is Elizabeth Cady Stanton's critique of women who sacrifice their own education to support men and institutions that exclude them: "Women go to make themselves ladders by which their husbands, brothers, sons climb up into the kingdom of knowledge, while they themselves are shut out from all intellectual companionship." Her rallying cry to women to "light your own damn lamp" resonates just as strongly today as it did in 1895.
Join us for this feminist time-travel adventure that will change how you view both religious history and contemporary gender politics. Whether you're religious, spiritual-but-not-religious, or a committed skeptic, you'll find something thought-provoking in these brilliant women's fearless questioning of patriarchal authority.
Credits
Recorded at Troubadour Studios in Lansing, MI
Audio Engineer Corey DeRushia
Edited by Rie Daisies at Nighttime Girlfriend Studio
Music: ‘Shifting pt. 2 (instrumental)’ by Rie Daisies
Have some feedback? Praise? General thoughts? Know how to pronounce something? Are you a religious scholar? We'd love to hear from you. Leave a message right from your phone or computer by clicking here. Recordings may be used in future episodes.
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Chapters
1. Host Bodies and Podcast Introductions (00:00:00)
2. Biting All the Apples: New Testament Begins (00:06:40)
3. Victorian Feminists on Jesus and Miracles (00:10:35)
4. Anonymous Writer's Powerful Jesus Perspective (00:21:35)
5. Mary's Lineage and Immaculate Conception Critique (00:28:20)
6. Parable of Ten Virgins: Feminist Interpretation (00:39:55)
7. Women as "Help Meets" and Self-Liberation (00:45:15)
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