Bringing First Century Christianity to Life

Welcome to BettyScheetz.com!

 

Welcome family, friends and soon to be friends to my website.

I love traveling and experiencing other cultures because it opens my mind to finding the Jesus in everyone I meet and how differences make us all interesting. When I bring my understanding of the first century Mediterranean culture into my scripture prayer and teachings opportunities, it provides yet a new and deeper understanding of Jesus and those who walked with him. It influences much of what I write, my involvement in works of charity, and my travels. Take a moment to read about the culture in which Jesus and Paul live in my article in New Theology Review, browse the site find other things that might interest you. Thanks for coming.   

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I will be announcing the name of my completed novel soon. Here is a blurb to attract your interest

DSC_0482Forced to watch the legal stoning of her raped friend, the anger of fourteen-year-old Elitha bar Boethus embolden her to seek equality for all women stuck in their rigid, patriarchal, first century world. Mounting injustices thwart her efforts and tear away at her faith. The final blow strikes when she discovers the rapist to be someone close to her. She flees the safety of the family compound and lands into life-threatening trouble. This novel is based on the Adulterous Woman from the Gospel of John

 
 

 Understanding First Century Christianity from our modern perspective

New Theology Review with Betty Scheetz's article

 

My Article in New Theology Review, includes an analysis of first-century Mediterranean culture and its household code based on values of honor and shame.  Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians provides a world-changing vision of marriage and all other relationships with the power to transform today’s culture.

This article is very helpful if you want to get a better idea of what the culture was like at the time and how to better understand the New Testament messages.

 

Award Finalist 2020

I am honored and grateful that the first chapter of my book was chosen as one of three finalists in the American Christian Fiction Writers contest “First Impressions” for 2020.

Published in 2020

Random Acts of Kindness

On October 30, 2020, I was walking in the parking lot toward Joanne’s fabric shop when a young man stopped me. He was holding out a beautiful bouquet of flowers. “Would you like these flowers?” the young man asked. Being skeptical, I wondered what price I would have to pay. I looked to the other side of the lane where a man and young woman stood. The man nodded to me in a way that I knew this was something special. The young man handed me the above pictured flowers and said, “We are randomly handing out flowers in honor of my mother.” Still a bit stunned, I thanked the young man and he walked away. I wish I had taken the time to ask him questions about his mother whom it seemed he had recently lost. I turned around once I had gained my wits, but it was too late. The father, daughter, and the young man had disappeared. To this day, I keep this family in my prayers and wish them well. Their random act of kindness has touched me deeply. What a wonderful way to celebrate their mother.