Podcast Synopsis:
"Intertwined with Misogyny: The Origin of the Weaponization of Biblical Texts" explores how the English translation of the Bible commissioned by King James I continues to shape religiousand cultural attitudes toward women and marginalized groups. The first segment of the podcastfeatures a conversation with Dr. Melissa Johnson, who provides background information onKing James’s rise to power, his role in the witch trials, and his political motivations behindproducing an English Bible translation. Together, we examine how the King James Version(KJV) intertwined political ambition, gendered power, and theological authority to justifymisogyny under the guise of divine order. We break down how the translation process reflectedKing James’s desire to solidify his authority, align himself with the Protestant movement, andembed his own patriarchal and anti-women perspectives into a religious text. In the second halfof the podcast, my second guest, Bryanna Rosario, and I discuss how remnants of thismisogynistic framing persist in modern religious discourse, particularly within ChristianNationalist movements that use scripture to rationalize discrimination. By tracing the historicalroots of biblical weaponization to King James’s personal and political agenda, this podcastinvites listeners to critically re-examine how sacred texts can be manipulated to perpetuateinequality and exclusion. Additionally, the podcast urges listeners to reconsider the ethical andcultural implications of accepting sacred texts without interrogating their origins. The goal ofthis podcast is not to discredit faith, but to foster a more informed and criticalunderstanding of how religious texts have been interpreted and weaponized over time.
Student Bio:
My name is Madeline Hopson, and I am graduating in December 2025. I was born in Henderson, Texas but moved to Flippin, Arkansas during middle school. I am double majoring in Political Science and Psychology with a Pre-Law concentration. My involvement at Lyon includes being a four-year member of the Lyon Volleyball team, numerous honor societies, Executive Editor for the Wheelbarrow, Writing Center Tutor & Supplemental Instructor/Observer for the MAC, Year One Mentor, Lyon College Ambassador, and lastly, co-founder and president of the Lyon College Young Progressives. Additionally, I am a member of several clubs on campus, such as the Political Science Club, Law Students' Association, Sand Volleyball Club, and the Gardening Club. I have presented three research projects at numerous conferences. After Lyon, I plan on attending law school in August of 2026.
