By TQ BONNER
Introduction
The Bible is certainly not a good role model for young girls as most of the Bible’s famous stories have betrayed women in such a negative light, beginning with the opening act of Adam and Eve.
The role of women is frequently cast in a less-than-empowering hue. While the sacred text offers glimpses of strong women through stories and Proverbs, these accounts are only sometimes prominent in Sunday sermons.
Even the pivotal figure of Mary, the mother of Jesus, revered as one of the most powerful women in the Bible, doesn’t always receive the attention and emphasis she deserves in discussions within religious congregations.
Some religious Scholars believe women should not hold positions of authority in the church, and in any debate, these Scholars are quick to point to several Bible verses.
1 Timothy 2:12 (NIV):
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet.
1 Corinthians 14:34–35 (NIV):
Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.
Ephesians 5:22–24 (NIV):
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
1 Corinthians 11:3 (NIV):
But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
Titus 2:3–5 (NIV):
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands so that no one will malign the word of God.
You don’t have to be a Bible expert; there’s no interpretation issue here; these verses are pretty clear. However, there are also Bible verses and scripture that justify slavery.
Ephesians 6:5 (New Testament):
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.”
Colossians 3:22 (New Testament):
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”
Peter 2:18 (New Testament):
“Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.”
Titus 2:9–10 (New Testament):
“Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
Exodus 21:20–21 (Old Testament):
“Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.”
The Historical Suppression
It is a documented fact that man has sought to suppress the history and influence of women as it relates to spirituality and religious leadership.
Since the dawn of history, women’s roles in the spiritual realm have largely been relegated to the shadows.
Women were rarely uttered in the same breath as spiritual leaders; at best, their presence was acknowledged as useful in certain rituals but never as having a central role in religion.
They were often seen as symbols of fertility and sexuality, not part of any orthodox religious practice.
From the formalization of religious hierarchies during the Middle Ages to the tragic witch hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries, women were marginalized and persecuted.
Colonialism further erased indigenous spiritual roles held by women.
Ancient societies
Beneath the pages of religious texts, a different story emerges.
There is evidence, in various cultures over the millennia, that female presence has been central to spirituality and has, in fact, determined the form, nature, and even the very essence of religion.
One needs only take a closer look at the ancient cultures of many countries in Africa, Greece, India, and China to find glowing examples of powerful female spiritual leaders — women who were revered and respected for their wisdom and insight, who held valuable positions in their societies and were seen as role models of feminine power and divinity.
Modern Echoes
In the Baptist Churches and Christianity in America, there’s a noticeable absence of women in the black church leadership.
Venturing into any black church across America, a striking pattern emerges: most of the congregation comprises women actively participating but often confined to smaller roles within the church structure.
The notion of women preachers assuming prominent positions within the church has not found widespread acceptance. It’s a phenomenon that has persisted for years, and part of the reason is the submission of women within these congregations.
Gender roles and representation in religious texts have long been a source of debate and controversy.
In many cases, female characters are completely absent from certain religious texts or are reduced to symbols or metaphors with no real power or agency.
This oversight has had significant implications for how women are perceived and represented in religious contexts.
Great article