How does the oppression of a vulnerable minority group begin? As Pastor Nancy walks us through the first chapter of Exodus, the storyteller reveals the common methods of tyrants. Troublingly, we find that not much has changed. First, separate the people from remembering their own history. Second, using the language of us/them, rhetorically attack a marginalized group. Once these two moves have made a demonization of a group possible, then the tyrant moves to overt acts of oppression and violence.
Exodus also provides us with examples of what to do when Empire sows division to keep power: Shiphrah & Puah, Hebrew midwives; the mother and sister of Moses, and the daughter of the king of Egypt.
Listen as Pastor Nancy highlights stories of resistance and allyship, in the women of Exodus 1 and 2.
Scripture passages: Exodus 1:8-21 (2:1-10); Romans 12:1-8
