The Hidden Mothers: A Fresh Look at the Prodigal Son Story

For a long time, the parable of the Prodigal Son has been mostly focused on men like the father and the sons. But what if we look at it differently? Some historians think that the original listeners might have seen two important women in the story: the mother of the Prodigal Son and the mother of the older son. This could have given them a unique perspective, creating what has been called ‘the Parable of the Two Mothers’. This imagined version could reveal more about how people in the first century understood the story. It's like they had an extra layer of meaning that we might miss today. The article aims to bring this possible parallel story to light, using it as a tool to help communities tackle gender-based violence (GBV). By putting women's voices at the center, this new view can encourage a more inclusive reading of Bible texts. This approach also helps in the fight against GBV, which is a serious issue in many communities. By recognizing that women were part of these stories, we can give their voices more importance both in religious settings and in society at large. This idea aligns with the United Nations' goal to achieve gender equality and empower women.