Del Birkey discusses how patriarchy happens within the drama of the “6 Acts” of Scripture. Although his survey is primarily exegetical, he addresses patriarchy's historical, cultural, social, and psychological factors as well, while also focusing on the unity of Scripture and the complementarity of the genders. Del uses the idea of “patriarchy happening” as God's accommodation to patriarchy in human history rather than as some happenstance over which He has little control.

Workshop Session, 65 mins.
Seeking Justice and Loving Mercy
CBE 10th International Conference, Denver, Colo.

DEL BIRKEY (D.Min., Bethany Theological Seminary) has served in pastoral and teaching ministries in churches and as a visiting seminary professor. He is author of The Fall of Patriarchy: Its Broken Legacy Judged by Jesus & the Apostolic House Church Communities (Fenestra, 2005).