Lindi Wells Martsolf, MDiv (Nazarene Theological Seminary)
‘A Blessing or a Curse: Redeeming Birth in the Old Testament’ (NTC)
Based on a literary analysis and comparative reading of selected biblical passages, Lindi’s thesis argues for a positive portrayal of childbirth for its own sake rather than just as a means to the positive end of producing offspring. A more comprehensive understanding of childbirth reveals that pain and suffering are not simply obstacles to be endured to produce male heirs, but serve as a revalidation of women as life-givers. Rather than viewing birth as crisis, a closer examination of the childbirth process reveals that the negative connotations around pain and suffering ultimately shift toward redemptive and restorative purposes.
In addition to being a student, Lindi is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and a full-time faculty member at Trevecca Nazarene University. While Lindi is passionate about teaching, she is also a ‘creative’ at heart. She enjoys theatre, dance, live music, and reading. Lindi also enjoys long-distance running and will take any opportunity to travel, although being the mother of three boys hasn’t provided too many recent opportunities. Regardless, time with her husband and kids is never time wasted and together they enjoy playing games, puzzles, going to soccer games, and amusement parks.
Supervisors: Dr. Samuel Hildebrandt, Dr. MiJa Wi, Dr. Sarah Derck
Email address: LRWellsMartsolf@trevecca.edu