Often the phrase, the woman question, is used to identify what happens to women. I would argue that ‘to’ is the proper adjective, not ‘for’. So often, even in the church, it is used as an excuse but certainly not in favor of women. But when it comes to Christianity, what is woman’s ‘place’? (Genesis 2:18, 21-23 AMP)
“Now the Lord God said, “It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him—a counterpart who is] suitable and complementary for him.”
…
“So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. And the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man He made (fashioned, formed) into a woman, and He brought her and presented her to the man. Then Adam said,
“This is now bone of my bones, And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.””
But… do men and women understand and realize what this means, how the relationship should be? I doubt it. And I do believe that women are just as ‘confused’ as men because so often it is phrased/answered in terms of equality. But ‘equal’ is rarely defined, merely generalized to if man ‘has’ (fill in the blank) then women should too! You do realize that there are areas that women and men will never be ‘equal’ nor do they need to be. But it isn’t a blanket statement to be applied across the board to every situation. Again, the question – when it comes to Christianity, what is woman’s ‘place’? I’ve always wondered if anyone has stopped to consider what is man’s place. Superior, authority are not the proper adjectives. And how do Paul’s words apply?
I must admit that a verse later on in Genesis may have confused this question. Or… is it meant to give meaning?
“Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.” So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:26-27, AMP)
Does Genesis 2 contradict Genesis 1? Of course not. Scripture confirms scripture and is not in contradiction. Personally, I think that Chapter 2 expands on Chapter 1’s verses. However more important is the New Covenant verses:
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union with the Christ, the Anointed] have clothed yourselves with Christ [that is, you have taken on His characteristics and values]. There is [now no distinction in regard to salvation] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you [who believe] are all one in Christ Jesus [no one can claim a spiritual superiority]. And if you belong to Christ [if you are in Him], then you are Abraham’s descendants, and [spiritual] heirs according to [God’s] promise.” (Galatians 2:27-29, AMP)
This is our standard. This is how relationships should be practiced. And this is how we respond to the ‘women’s question’. Perhaps the problem is one of how to scripturally apply the method? Maybe the ‘fault’ is more how women have demanded a hearing and men’s reaction to how this affects their ‘position’? So have I answered the question, The Woman Question? Or have I only added further misunderstanding? No and Yes?
Actually I think that both men and women tend to try and ignore the issue. But if it is still a question in the ‘church world’ then it isn’t answered. And equality is not part of the answer. My belief is that we ALL have a place, a part, a role, a gift and the same Lord. This is who we should look to, both men and women, and He will provide the answer.
