Christian views of women
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Christian views of women vary considerably today and have varied even more throughout the last two millennia, evolving along with or counter to the societies in which Christians have lived.
There are many in the present day who accuse Christianity of holding a negative view of women. Yet the evidence is ambiguous: on the one hand, of the major societies that have existed on earth in the past 2,000 years, it is undeniably Christian based societies that have consistently granted women the highest social and political status. On the other, one could argue this is only a coincidence, and that other factors within the Christian world are responsible for the better treatment of women.
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Introduction
Christianity emerged from out of Judaism, which is a strongly patriarchal religion. God is distinctly male, and sets down strong role models for each gender. Eve is created out of Adam, and her role is as helpmate for him. (Although one should note that some scholars think the words traditionally translated "helpmate for him" should mean the more eqalitarian "power opposite to him".) She is placed under his authority and her weakness is blamed in the creation narrative for leading Adam astray, and indirectly for the fall of humanity into sinfulness. Only the male gender has priestly and kingly responsibility.
However even in the Jewish scriptures there are countercurrents to this strongly patriarchal emphasis. The Old Testament presents strong female role models, like the Judge Deborah, Judith and Esther, who do much to save the Hebrew people from disaster. In the books of Proverbs and Wisdom, the divine attribute of Holy Wisdom is presented as female.
There are differing interpretations of the Bible, differing traditions of various churches and differing cultures in which these churches exist. Some groups express an official view, others do not.
Historically
No denominations are known to have practiced complete gender equality from their beginnings, although some were more gender-equal than others. Some churches adopted more liberal views when they were founded; others changed their positions in the 20th century as they were influenced by feminism. Some historians believe that the early gnostic groups within Christianity practiced gender equality.
Quakers are often cited as being completely gender-equal from their beginnings, but this only lasted a few years, and was never an official position. In the 1660s Quaker women's roles became slightly more limited and remained so for many decades, though they were still progressive for their time. However, Quakers have always believed in the legitimacy of women's ministry, with a only a few exceptions in the early years.
The modern feminist movement began in Methodist Christianity in 1848 at a conference in Seneca Falls, New York where 100 men and women signed a declaration that "all men and women are created equally." Early leaders were Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott. This group worked to end slavery and give women equal rights. Slavery was officially ended in 1863 by the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War. When the United States finally recognized women's right to vote in 1920, only one person of the original 100 was still alive to cast a vote.
Currently
In general, the issues have been what the proper role of women is (a) in the home; (b) in the church; (c) in society at large. Among the denominations, movements, and organizations that express or have previously expressed a view, there are four main views:
- Full equality of roles and rights, a view currently professed by:
- The Uniting Church in Australia
- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Germany
- The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
- The Church of the Brethren
- Christians for Biblical Equality
- The Episcopal Church USA
- The United Methodist Church
- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- The Presbyterian Church USA
- Many others
- Full secular equality but restricted ecclesiastical roles and privileges, a view currently professed by:
- The Presbyterian Church of Australia
- The Eastern Orthodox Church
- The Roman Catholic Church
- The Presbyterian Church in America
- Many others
- Women should, to be in good standing with their church or with God, voluntarily accept restricted roles or rights in both secular and ecclesiastical life, a view currently professed by:
- Women should be forced to accept such restricted roles or rights, a view currently professed by:
- Mixed
- The Southern Baptist Convention's views vary. Generally the national office and member churches support general civil equality (there is resistance to female soldiers from some prominent Southern Baptists) and do not believe in female clergy. However, all members of a Southern Baptist church are allowed to vote on matters of business of a local church -- such as the hiring of a pastor, or the construction of a building.
(The above lists are examples and are obviously not exhaustive.)
It is not always clear which category a church or movement falls into. The fourth view has been criticized as contravening international norms of human rights and is not enforcable under various national constitutions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Wesleyan tradition and the Holiness and Pentecostal movements, as well as a growing number of contemporary Charismatic churches which draw from it have increasingly accepted women as leaders on an equal footing with men.
Biblical arguments for equal roles
The following are just a few of the scriptural references that can be interpreted to allow greater equality between men and women:
- Jesus said very little about the roles of men and women, but the way he acted shows how he considered the subject. In John 4:7 we find him talking to a woman as an equal, something no Jewish or Roman male of that day would lower himself to do. He talks with the Samaritan women at the well, and treats her with respect, though her own neighbors obviously treat her with disdain. In the rabbinical literature of the day, women were regarded as simply property. They were denied any education beyond the tasks of housekeeping. Men were considered unclean if they touched a menstruating woman. There was also no public respect; women could not be witnesses in government proceedings as they were said to be "all liars."
- In Luke 8:1-3 and several other passages, we see that Jesus had women disciples.
- Jesus calls a woman, Mary Magdalene to be the first witness to carry the good news of the resurrection. This is extraordinary, and notable with regard to the fact that women were not allowed to be witnesses in legal proceedings under rabbinical law. Many women ministers have held this to be the main justification for their equal calling.
- In Acts 2:14-18, in Peter's sermon at the initiation of the modern church, he quotes the prophet Joel about the pouring out of the Spirit in the last days. Jesus had promised the Holy Spirit, and said that He would guide us into all truth. The benefits of the Spirit are shared equally by men and women. In fact, both sons and daughters will prophesy. (Prophecy here is not so much a foretelling of the future, rather the primary meaning is to speak for God.)
- Paul is accompanied by house-church leaders Priscilla and Aquilla. Priscilla, a female, is a dominant figure in Paul's ministry and leads over Aquilla.
- A woman named Junia (man named Junias is also possible interpretation according to the original greek) is mentioned of note among the apostles (KJV) Romans 16:7.
- There are also numerous accounts of female deaconesses, elders and bishops.
- Pliny the Younger, in a correspondence to Emperor Trajan of Rome, writes of two female deaconesses whom he had tortured.
- In Galatians 3:27-29, the author (Paul) makes a blanket statement that baptism into Christ constitutes putting on or clothing one's self with Christ. This passage :
- ..."There is neither Jew nor Greek, no bondservant or freedman, neither Man nor Woman, for you are all one in Christ"
This effectively removes all conditions of separation based on race, gender, and social status e. g. slave or free. According to Paul, one's faith in Christ makes one an equal heir, as a descendant of Abraham, thus becoming one in Christ Jesus.
On the other hand, Conservative Christians argue that this passage speaks only of the new ease of salvation and not of right to church office. They assert that when speaking of salvation we are all "one" in Christ Jesus, but when speaking of church office, women are excluded by, most notably, 1 Corinthians 14:34 and 35.
Two passages, which do not specifically mention women, are seen to also support any person who does Christ's work. In Mark 9:38 the disciples report to Jesus that someone is casting out demons in his name. They said they forbade him, because he is not "one of us." Jesus tells the disciples to leave him alone. Those who are not against us are for us, he says. Even a cup of water given in Jesus' name should not be opposed and will have its reward.
Jesus' stories often centered on deeds of compassion and generosity, traits often associated with womankind. An example is the Parable of the widow's mite, in which a tiny gift from an impoverished woman is regarded by Christ as being a generous gift, equal with a lavish gift from a rich man.
Also, much of the imagery in the Bible depicts the Church as a bride, with Jesus Christ as the bridegroom. Therefore, every woman is in some sense an icon of the Christian Church. Men are also encouraged to live as icons of Christ, but to imitate Christ's humility and laying down of his life, rather than attempting to imitate Christ's lordship. See Ephesians 5.
Biblical arguments for distinct gender roles
The following are just a few thoughts and scriptural references that reveal equal yet distinct functions/roles between men and women at home and in the church:
Introduction:
The scripture endorses different functions/roles between men and women in the home. (1 Peter 3:1-6; Eph 5:22, 25; Titus 2:4; Colossians 3:18-19). In general, men are exhorted to lead with love and consideration, while women are told to submit with loving reverence. There is never a single instance where these roles are reversed within the context of the home. Both Paul and Peter based these principles on God's creation order, and old testament theology as opposed to particular cultural traditions. (1 Peter 3:1-6; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16; 1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Corinthians 14:33-38 ). Their teachings were expected to be timebound and practiced in all Christian Churches. ( 1 Timothy 2:12; 3:15-16 ;1 Corinthians 14:33-38 ; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16). Early church documents also reveal that the orignal hearers interpreted these teachings quite literally. (http://www.tertullian.org/anf/anf04/anf04-09.htm)Apostolic churches like the Orthodox and Catholic's also maintain teachings of gender distinction as well as most churches throughout church history.(http://www.religioustolerance.org/femclrg1.htm
The apostle Paul taught that the same principles apply in a formal church setting:
1. Paul addresses women in formal church settings to keep silent based on Torah law regarding female subjugation to men (1 Cor 14:34-35). He also claims that the instructions are the commands of the Lord.
2. Women are told to learn in silence with attitude of subjection in formal church settings based on creation order (1 Timothy 2:12-15)
3. Women are restricted from teaching and "usurping" authority over men in formal church settings for same above reason with ties to family order.(1 Timothy 2:12-15)
4. Women are not addressed/considered when discussing roles of church authority like that of bishops, elders, deacons. However, they are given the mandate to be on a similar morality as their husbands in these roles. (Titus 1:5-, 1 Timothy 3:1-12,14-15)
5. Although many women were present and active in the ministry of the gospel, and Jesus and the Apostles publically trancended/opposed/resisted various Jewish laws and customs relating to inequality, Jesus and the apostles neither chose nor considered to choose women as apostles or deacons. (Luke 6:13; Acts 1:14-26;Acts 6:3)
6. These exhortations were given to various church contexts and to traveling evangelists(Timothy, Titus) which were told to remain true to these specific teachings (removing the argument that they were cultural prescriptions), letters often circulated to all the churches, coincided (within the texts themselves) with teachings regarding family order, coincided with Torah, there is a consistency of doctrine in all letters of the NT, coincides with early church documents and traditions, and noted by Paul to be the commands of the Lord and traditions amongst "all the churches of God" ( Areas: Corinth, Ephesus, Crete,etc..; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16; 1 Corinthians 14:33-38; 1 Timothy 3:14-15)
Other notes: Within scripture, we can also find examples where women are allowed to speak in formal church settings although with the condition that they are veiled. (1 Cor 11:1-16) This reveals that the ruling principle is not limitation, but that ministry should be done with an attitude of reverence and submission to those in authority, and Gods design and order. Paul reveals through the guidelines and principles of gender distinction that God is concerned with the preservation of family, creation, and church order. That is why men's leadership roles are formally endorsed throughout the pages of scripture as opposed to women's.
However, in scripture, one can find that outside contexts of formality, women operate in many gifts of the Spirit like evangelizing, prophesying, serving, praying, teaching, laboring in ministry, preaching.(John 4:28-30; 1 Cor 11:1-16; Matt 27:55; Acts 1:14; Acts 18:26; Phil 4:3; Luke 2:36-38)
Equality
The scripture is clear that in Christ, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:28)" As well, Acts 2:17-18 says, "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
God expects all church members (male and female) to use the gifts God has given them (within the guidelines in scripture and in reverence to God's order and design)
Luke 12:48- …Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required…
These are truths which reveal the equality of men and women. However, equality need not mean similarity. Neither should it produce envy and jealousy; but appreciation, dependancy, and love. (1 Cor 12). God chooses whom he desires not based on any form of superiority, but his will. (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). So how should church ministry look? It should always be done in an attitude of reverence and submission to those in authority, and to Gods design and order.
Gender distinction NEVER endorses abuse of authority, and oppression since in all these texts those in leadership are given mandates to rule with godliness and love. Jesus taught that love is the marker a real faith in Christ. Love must be subject to Christ's example.
Scriptural references
Family
1 Peter 3:1-6 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Ephesians 5:22 - Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord…as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it…Even so husbands should love their wives as their own bodies…let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
Titus 2:4 - …Women… be sober… love their husbands... love their children…be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Colossians 3:18-19 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Church
1 Corinthians 14:34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
1 Timothy 2:12; 3:15-16 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety… I am writing these instructions to you so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
1 Corinthians 14:33-38 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also says the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be…
Titus 1:5-9… you should set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly…must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8…a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
1 Timothy 3:1-12,14-15 …if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice… he must have a good report of them which are without… 8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well….I am writing these instructions to you so that, 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
"Declaration Inter Insigniores on the question of the Admission of Women to the Ministerial Priesthood." Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, October 15, 1976.
Apostolic Letter Ordinatio Sacerdotalis (On Ordination to the Priesthood)." Pope John Paul II, May 22, 1994.
"Apostolic Letter Mulieris Dignnitatem (On the Dignity of Women)." Pope John Paul II, August 15, 1988.
Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Mary, the mother of Jesus
Many Christians also see Mary as the prototypical Christian, as in the Bible, she was the first to hear the Good News of Jesus's coming. She is one of the few of Jesus's followers reported to be present at his crucifixion. Thus she is a woman who is most imitated among Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox saints. Every pregnant woman is seen in the Orthodox church as an icon of Mary pregnant with Jesus.
See also
External links
- Christians for Biblical Equality (http://www.cbeinternational.org)
- The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (http://www.cbmw.org/)
- Image of Woman (http://www.addall.com/detail/0932894046.html) - ISBN 0932894046