“Again, He bent down and wrote on the ground” (John 8:8). I often view Jesus in this story as not just bending down to write on the ground, but perhaps even sitting on the ground. With the angry mob in front of him accusing a woman of adultery, Jesus sits and writes. These strategies are unnerving and perhaps unconventional for the ancient world, but are also inspiring avenues for change in the ancient world and in our modern-day society. Sit-ins are a nonviolent strategy that was used in the 1960’s to challenge racial inequalities in the United States. In addition, the skill set required to write your local and/or state representatives can be an effective means to bring awareness to the injustices present in your community. In the Woman Caught in Adultery from the Gospel of John, Jesus is observed as being a possible catalyst for these two techniques.
The story of the Woman Caught in Adultery highlights the ancient world’s view on the role of women in society. Jesus’ ministry which includes woman as disciples is revolutionary for Judaism at this time. In this particular story, Jesus sees beyond objectifying woman as sexual objects. This accused woman is more than a possible adulterer; therefore, has more to offer society than what the men at the time deem worthwhile. Furthermore, the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery also resonates within our modern-day American society stifled by exclusivity. We tend to compartmentalize; placing people into groups that threaten our worldview, thus offering a false sense of community and even security. Therefore, our society becomes victimized by our own confirmation bias. Psychology Today states, “confirmation bias suggests that we don’t perceive circumstances objectively.” Rather, “once we formed a view, we embrace the information that confirms that view while ignoring, or rejecting, information that casts doubt on it.” Culturally, this ideology rears its ugly head in the form of racism and sexism. In the video series Priest, Prophet, King (Word on Fire), Bishop Robert Barron refers to this societal creation of false communities as when humans become ‘satanic’ or accusatory. This false community in turn is manifested in isolation for the victim.
The notion of bully, victim, and bystander are present in the vocabulary of secondary school teachers. While adolescents are in a state of self-discovery; at times, healthy and unhealthy decisions reflect isolating behavior in place of communities of acceptance and peace. As a Catholic secondary school educator, language as ‘Body of Christ’ and ‘People of God’ need to be a point of emphasis to challenge adolescents from forming cliques, engaging in gossip, and isolating members of the school community through negative and defamatory social media posts. However, the school system is not the only place where the concepts of bully, victim and bystander can be applied. Bullying behavior is present in the workplace as employees may be victims of sexual harassment and/or abuse. There have been many reported cases in the news media of sexual misconduct on different levels which has led to the #MeToo movement. Could a person’s confirmation bias towards the role of women have led towards these patterns? This campaign has brought awareness to the universal expectations of ethical and professional conduct of men by coworkers, colleagues, and employers. A direct correlation can be made between the lessons of the Woman Caught in Adultery and the victims who have used their voice to stand up against patterns of abuse of male power in the workplace; which is limited thinking about a woman’s role in society cannot be tolerated!
“Neither do I condemn you” (John 8:11). The Gospel of John brings to light Jesus as the Incarnation whose mission is to overwhelm us with love. Jesus’ forgiving nature as God challenges His culture on accusations and gossip in order to see truth and dignity where humans need to be accepted not compartmentalized based on race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, or sexuality. Whether the main character in the Woman Caught in Adultery is guilty of any moral law may not be the primary lesson of the story. The victim in the story needs hope that her present condition can improve through the support of influential individuals in a male dominant society. Likewise, the bullies in the story are in need of guidance. Pride may indeed be the sin that plagues their story and our story. The awareness of hubris, the acceptance of humility and advocating harmony may be the guidance needed. Lastly, Jesus as the bystander speaks out against the injustices of His time, and provides a model to combat isolation and false communities through the realization of our potential as People of God. There are many aspects in this story to analyze and draw conclusion, but let us not overlook or forget that forgiveness is indeed part of the process for the victimized.
Standing up for what is right requires courage which may lead to sacrificing our comfort zone, reputation, or status. In His world occupied and intimidated by Roman rule where, according to Christianity, ‘the heartening of heart’ was apparent among many Jewish elite, Jesus’ courage as the bystander to stand up for the victim and stand up against the bullying mob ultimately models the expectations of Christian discipleship.
About the Author
Adam P. Zoeller is the theology department chair of Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, KY. He earned his B.A. in religious studies and B.A. in clinical psychology from Spalding University (Louisville, KY) and his M.Ed. in educational leadership from the University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati, OH). He holds a Master’s Catechist Certification from the Archdiocese of Louisville.
Adam has presented the following workshops for the National Catholic Educational Association:
1. Practice & the Game: Using Sports Language to Teach the USCCB Curriculum Framework, (NCEA Webinar, 2017)
2. Media Literacy & Scriptural Exegesis: Essential Skills for 21st Century Religious Educators,
(2017 NCEA Convention & Expo)
3. From heart to missionary zeal: Using language and lessons from athletics to aid adolescent catechesis in the New Evangelization, (2018 NCEA Convention & Expo).
Adam has written the following reflections for NCEA Talk:
1. Paschal Mystery: Storytelling and Media Literacy (September 2016)
2. Personal Litany of the Saints (April 2017)
3. Motion Offense in Basketball. (November 2017)
Adam can be reached at [email protected]
