Does God Really Care About Women? - Religion - Nairaland
Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Religion / Does God Really Care About Women? (937 Views)
Ladies Disclose Worst Things A Pastor Said About Women In Church / Should Christians Care About Physical Appearance? / Does God Truly Hate Masturbation? (2) (3) (4)
| Does God Really Care About Women? by lovingJehovah: 6:01pm On Nov 16, 2017 |
“Sin began with a woman, and thanks to her we must all die.”—ECCLESIASTICUS, SECOND CENTURY B.C.E. “You are the devil’s gateway: you are the unsealer of that forbidden tree: you are the first deserter of the divine law . . . You destroyed so easily God’s image, man.”—TERTULLIAN, ON THE APPAREL OF WOMEN, SECOND CENTURY C.E. THOSE ancient verses are not from the Bible. For centuries, they have been used to justify discrimination against women. Even today, some extremists still cite religious texts to legitimize the domination of women, claiming that women are to blame for mankind’s ills. Did God really purpose for women to be scorned and abused by men? What does the Bible say? Let us see. Have women been cursed by God? No. Instead, it is “the original serpent, the one called Devil,” who has been “cursed” by God. (Revelation 12:9; Genesis 3:14) When God said that Adam would “dominate” his wife, God was not indicating his approval of the subjugation of woman by man. (Genesis 3:16) He was simply foretelling the sad consequences of sin on the first couple. Thus, the abuse of women is a direct outcome of the sinful nature of humans, not of God’s will. The Bible does not support the idea that women must be subjugated to men in order to atone for the original sin.—Romans 5:12. Did God create woman inferior to man? No. Genesis 1:27 states: “God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them.” So from the very beginning, humans—both male and female—were created with the ability to reflect God’s qualities. Although Adam and Eve had their own unique emotional and physical makeup, they both received the same commission and enjoyed the same rights before their Maker.—Genesis 1:28-31. Prior to Eve’s creation, God declared: “I am going to make a helper for him [Adam], as a complement of him.” (Genesis 2:18) Does the word “complement” imply that the woman was inferior to the man? No, because this Hebrew word can also be rendered “counterpart” or “a help corresponding to” man. Think of the complementary roles played by a surgeon and an anesthetist during surgery. Can one manage without the other? Hardly! Though the surgeon performs the actual operation, is he more important? It is hard to say. Likewise, God created the man and the woman to cooperate closely, not to compete with each other.—Genesis 2:24. What shows God’s concern for women? Foreseeing what fallen, sinful men would do, God early on expressed his intention to protect women. Speaking of the Mosaic Law, instituted in the 16th century B.C.E., author Laure Aynard, in her book La Bible au féminin (The Bible in the Feminine Gender), notes: “For the most part, when the Law covenant speaks of the woman, it is to defend her.” For instance, the Law commanded honor and respect for both father and mother. (Exodus 20:12; 21:15, 17) It also required that due consideration be shown to pregnant women. (Exodus 21:22) Even today, the protection provided by those laws of God stands in sharp contrast with the lack of legal rights that some women experience in many parts of the world. But there is more. A Law That Reflects God’s View of Women The Law that Jehovah God gave the nation of Israel provided the people—men and women—with boundless physical, moral, and spiritual benefits. As long as they listened and obeyed, the nation was “high above all other nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1, 2) What was the woman’s place under the Law? Consider the following. 1. Individual freedom. Unlike women in many other nations in ancient times, the Israelite woman enjoyed a great measure of freedom. Though the husband was given the role of the head of the family, the wife, with her husband’s full trust, could ‘consider a field and obtain it’ and ‘plant a vineyard.’ If she had skills in spinning and weaving, she could even run her own business. (Proverbs 31:11, 16-19) Women under the Mosaic Law were seen as individuals in their own right and not as just an appendage to man. In ancient Israel, women were also free to have a personal relationship with God. The Bible speaks of Hannah, who prayed to God about a personal matter and secretly made a vow. (1 Samuel 1:11, 24-28) A woman from the city of Shunem used to consult the prophet Elisha on Sabbath days. (2 Kings 4:22-25) Women, such as Deborah and Huldah, were used by God as his representatives. Interestingly, prominent men and priests were willing to seek advice from them.—Judges 4:4-8; 2 Kings 22:14-16, 20. 2. Access to education. As party to the Law covenant, women were invited to listen to the reading of the Law, which provided them with opportunities to learn. (Deuteronomy 31:12; Nehemiah 8:2,  They could also receive training for participation in certain aspects of public worship. For example, some women likely did “organized service” at the tabernacle, while others performed in a mixed choir of singers.—Exodus 38:8; 1 Chronicles 25:5, 6.A woman in ancient Israel doing business at the market Women in ancient Israel participated in business Many women had the knowledge and skill needed to run a profitable business. (Proverbs 31:24) Contrary to the culture in other nations at that time—in which the father alone taught his sons—the Israelite mother was to share in educating her male children until adulthood. (Proverbs 31:1) Obviously, women in ancient Israel were far from being uneducated. 3. Honored and respected. The Ten Commandments clearly stipulated: “Honor your father and your mother.” (Exodus 20:12) In the proverbs of wise King Solomon, we read: “Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.”—Proverbs 1:8. The Law included detailed regulations regarding conduct among unmarried persons, showing respect for females. (Leviticus 18:6, 9; Deuteronomy 22:25, 26) A good husband had to take into account his wife’s physical and biological limitations.—Leviticus 18:19. 4. Rights to be protected. In his Word, Jehovah portrays himself as “a father of fatherless boys and a judge of widows.” In other words, he was the Protector of those whose rights were not safeguarded by a father or a husband. (Psalm 68:5; Deuteronomy 10:17, 18) Thus, in one case when the widow of a prophet was treated unfairly by a creditor, Jehovah intervened with a miracle so that she could survive and keep her dignity.—2 Kings 4:1-7. Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the family head Zelophehad died without leaving a son. His five daughters therefore requested Moses to give them “a possession” in the Promised Land. Jehovah’s response went far beyond their request. He told Moses: “Give them the possession of an inheritance in the midst of their father’s brothers, and you must cause their father’s inheritance to pass to them.” From that time on, women in Israel could receive an inheritance from their father and pass it on to their offspring.—Numbers 27:1-8. God’s View of Women Misrepresented Under the Mosaic Law, women enjoyed an honorable status, and their rights were respected. However, from the fourth century B.C.E. on, Judaism started to be influenced by Greek culture, which regarded women as inferior.—See the box “Discrimination Against Women in Ancient Writings.” For example, Greek poet Hesiod (eighth century B.C.E.) imputed all mankind’s ills to women. In his Theogony, he spoke of “the deadly race and tribe of women who live amongst mortal men to their great trouble.” This idea gained ground in Judaism early in the second century B.C.E. The Talmud, compiled from the second century C.E. on, gave this warning to men: “Do not converse much with women, as this will ultimately lead you to unchastity.” Throughout the centuries, this distrust has had a profound effect on women’s role in Jewish society. In Jesus’ day, their access to the temple precincts had already been limited to the Court of Women. Religious education was solely for men, and women were likely separated from men in the synagogues. The Talmud quotes one Rabbi as saying: “Whoever teaches his daughter Torah [the Law] teaches her obscenity.” By misrepresenting God’s viewpoint, Jewish religious leaders instilled a contempt for women in many men. When on earth, Jesus noted such prejudices, which were deeply rooted in traditions. (Matthew 15:6, 9; 26:7-11) Did such teachings influence the way he dealt with women? What can we learn from his behavior and attitude? Has true Christianity brought relief to women? The next article will answer these questions. Discrimination Against Women in Ancient Writings From the first century C.E. onward, writers such as Philo of Alexandria began to use Greek philosophy to reinterpret the Genesis account. For Philo, Eve was guilty of sexual sin and was therefore condemned to a life that “utterly deprives her of her freedom and subjects her to the dominion of the man who is her companion.” Such contempt for women infiltrated Judaism, as well as the writings of the Church Fathers. In the Midrash Rabba, a second-century Jewish text, a rabbi explained why he felt women should wear a veil, saying: “She is like one who has done wrong and is ashamed of people.” Theologian Tertullian, whose writings were influential as early as the second century C.E., taught that women should walk about “as Eve mourning and repentant.” Such teachings, often wrongly regarded as coming from the Bible, have contributed to much discrimination against women. |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by DeepSight(m): 6:45pm On Nov 16, 2017 |
Continue wasting precious energy rationalizing and analyzing ancient worthless fables. God does not have any bias for or against women because God has no interest in the human race at all. 1 Like |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by jayriginal: 6:53pm On Nov 16, 2017 |
DeepSight: Hey Bro, how have you been? |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by DeepSight(m): 7:06pm On Nov 16, 2017 |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by spy24(m): 7:08pm On Nov 16, 2017 |
God has interest on women but men are the spiritual leaders before women and children |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by lovingJehovah: 2:44am On Nov 17, 2017 |
Can you tell me the core basis of your assertion? DeepSight: |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by DeepSight(m): 10:54am On Nov 17, 2017 |
lovingJehovah: Tell me the basis of yours. Is there anything in this dark and miserable world which evinces the care and love of an omnipotent deity towards humanity? ? ? ? ? |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by lovingJehovah: 12:32pm On Nov 17, 2017 |
You cannot win by being in denial of the marvels of creation. The sublime galaxy and the awe-inspiring wonders in the oceans and in the earth. Scientists know that they cannot get any closer to knowing the real truth about the source of the gravitational force and the bars that restrict the oceans from overflowing. Need I mention the secret behind the Bermuda triangle? Who can tell where the shooting stars come from? Who else could have confirmed that the world was hanging on nothing? Are we going to argue about the power that hangs the cloud in the sky without dissipating and make it rain down? The Bible alone could have given us the name of the first man, Adam. Do we want to argue that Edom and Nineveh could have been buried for nothing? The ancient treasures excavated in the middle east and all those inscriptions in the relics of the ancient kingdoms point to the authenticity that there is someone called Jehovah who made everything. You couldn't have come this beautiful in design by chance. It takes someone with sublime ingenuity to make it happen. Someone who has no restriction in his creativity and ability to bring anything to life. DeepSight: |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by DeepSight(m): 12:52pm On Nov 17, 2017 |
lovingJehovah: Of course including such marvels as allow an already traumatized shoemaker who is deaf to have a building fall on him and cripple him further. The sublime galaxy and the awe-inspiring wonders in the oceans and in the earth. There is nothing sublime about it in the face of the misery and suffering of the observers. Scientists know that they cannot get any closer to knowing the real truth about the source of the gravitational force and the bars that restrict the oceans from overflowing. Neither can ants understand our conversation. So what/ Need I mention the secret behind the Bermuda triangle? Probably a natural phenomenon or even coincidence. At all events assuming that it is a man eating circle, how does that prove your benevolent God? Who can tell where the shooting stars come from? Meteors and meteorites dear, please go to school. Who else could have confirmed that the world was hanging on nothing? An extra terrestrial could have. Are we going to argue about the power that hangs the cloud in the sky without dissipating and make it rain down? The Bible alone could have given us the name of the first man, Adam. This is sttupid my dear. It appears you do not even know the history of the collation of the bible. You couldn't have come this beautiful in design by chance. I don't believe it was by chance. By the way, since you say "beautiful" please try visiting hospitals to see seriously malformed humans born that way from birth. It takes someone with sublime ingenuity to make it happen. Someone who has no restriction in his creativity and ability to bring anything to life. Agreed, but maniacal enough to contrive inconceivable misery and suffering. |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by DeepSight(m): 1:05pm On Nov 17, 2017 |
lovingJehovah: Please explain the sublime galaxy and the awe inspiring oceans to this child - Thank you.
|
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by lovingJehovah: 1:31pm On Nov 17, 2017 |
It doesn't end here. We have a hope of the resurrection and living in a peaceful new world where death will be no more. No one living today can live forever in this earth. We will all die. Nevertheless, God has a better plan for righteous people. He did not cause death and suffering. Man caused this by being disobedient. There are millions of people neglected by the governments of today but you cannot deny that there is no government. The Bible mentioned that God is not the ruler of this world. Satan is and he challenged Jehovah that he could bring about a better government and this is why we suffer. Moreover, Jehovah has a time schedule to bring to end the entire pain and sorrow that humans face when he ushers in his kingdom. Jesus urged us to pray for that kingdom to come. The fact that God allowed Satan to rule and dominate does not mean that there is no God or that he is weak. No one else can bring about a change but Jehovah through his son, Jesus. This child is not superior to other kids dying elsewhere in the world. Death is death no matter how it comes it remains a bad thing. DeepSight: |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by lovingJehovah: 1:53pm On Nov 17, 2017 |
DeepSight: |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by DeepSight(m): 1:59pm On Nov 17, 2017 |
lovingJehovah: What other than wishful thinking shows you this? No one living today can live forever in this earth. We will all die. Nevertheless, God has a better plan for righteous people. Why did he come up with an imperfect plan in the first place? He did not cause death and suffering. Man caused this by being disobedient. That is the silly story you were told. What about animals? They caused their death and suffering too by eating of some apple/ Stop being childish and silly. There are millions of people neglected by the governments of today but you cannot deny that there is no government. I have not denied the existence of a Creator or Creators. The Bible mentioned that God is not the ruler of this world. Satan is and he challenged Jehovah that he could bring about a better government and this is why we suffer. Moreover, Jehovah has a time schedule to bring to end the entire pain and sorrow that humans face when he ushers in his kingdom. Jesus urged us to pray for that kingdom to come. The Bible is contrived nonsense with small glimmers of wisdom only. This child is not superior to other kids dying elsewhere in the world. Death is death no matter how it comes it remains a bad thing. You are a cold masochist deceived by religious claptrap if you can say this. If that picture cannot speak truth and reality to you, then you are beyond redemption. |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by DeepSight(m): 2:01pm On Nov 17, 2017 |
lovingJehovah: Please go and correct your formatting before I respond, Bye for now, lover of Vultures waiting to eat children. |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by Nobody: 2:09pm On Nov 17, 2017 |
no he doesn't give a shìt. 1 Like |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by lovingJehovah: 3:04pm On Nov 17, 2017 |
The fact is that you believe that all evil came from God. Yet, you do not believe that shooting stars also come from him? You conceive that pain and suffering came from God, yet you do not believe that you were also designed by God. You believe in the extraterrestrial that you have not witnessed or seen but you deny the veracity of the word of God. Listen, God does not have anything to lose if you chose to hate on him. Love always wins. He is invisible and you cannot reach him physically as to hurt him. The things that you say against him will not hurt his integrity. For the ones who want to love and worship him, it will always be a win. If this is the picture that get you emotional, then you have no emotion. There are millions of people suffering and dying around you but you turn a blind eye. Using this picture as a barometer to get people to hate God is a lost war for you. Personally, what have you done for the world? What truly has been your contribution? We see CNN heroes who out of nothing create a life for others. There are things that you can do to change the conditions of living for many people. Sitting in your comfort to hate God can never change anything. Since you do not believe in God, why not usurp his power and make the change that you want to see? DeepSight: |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by Kobojunkie: 2:44am On Jun 03, 2023 |
spy24:I am afraid that lie was fed you by your mogs and pastors and has nothing to do with God. Jesus Christ never set any human up as spiritual leader over others in His flock - Matthew 23 vs 8 - 10.  |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by spy24(m): 8:49am On Jun 03, 2023 |
Kobojunkie: Does the command in first corinthians. 14: 34 -35 look like a command from any mog ? What of first Timothy. 2: 11-12 |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by Kobojunkie: 12:36pm On Jun 03, 2023 |
spy24:1. Why are you taking commands from a man and not from Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ, the one who you claim to belong to, already told you that All are equals -- no division between genders -- in His Kingdom. Yet you feel a supposed command which you believe violates Jesus Christ rendering Him a liar is what you should opt for? Are you being real? 2. Is the passage you quoted the direct words of Jesus Christ Himself or that of a man? |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by spy24(m): 1:26pm On Jun 03, 2023 |
Kobojunkie: First questions first, Jesus had 12 apostles how many of them were women ? Jesus also told the apostles that they would teach other people that will come after them what he's gospel is all about trough the gift of the holy spirit Matt.28:19-ff,. John 14: 26 What the apostles thought after the death of Christ are commandments of God |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by Kobojunkie: 1:31pm On Jun 03, 2023 |
spy24:1. So because Jesus Christ didn't get women into His first 12 means what Jesus Christ said of all being equals in His Kingdom is a lie? 2. You do know that the same Jesus Christ also sent out 72 others, this time with women in their midst to do the very same. Or are you under some assumption that the first 12 where the only disciples Jesus Christ ever had? 3. The apostles ignored the New Covenant and Law Jesus Christ had taught them to teach in order to teach a different Law instead? |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by spy24(m): 2:56pm On Jun 03, 2023 |
Kobojunkie: First question again, where exactly in scripture did Jesus say all being are equal Secondly the apostles were specially chosen by Christ and they are on a different standing to the other 72 you mentioned, if you read the life account of Jesus very well, you'll discover that they( the 12 apostles ) were always distinctively mentioned in all that Jesus did. e.g luke. 6:13 -15 Matt. 26: 18 - 23 .matt.19: 28... and many other instances in the synoptic gospel. Also read revelations. 21:14. And thirdly how did you arrive at the conclusion that the apostles abandoned all that Jesus Christ had thought them In all their writings they acknowledged the authority of Christ. First corinthians.1: 10-15. First peter.1:1-2 And many others I know, but cannot quote now And your third assertion that they ignored the new covenant is also questionable The primary reasons why the the apostles in the suffered persecution was because of their unwillingness to drop the message of Jesus... They died like their master Christ, a faith Jesus told them that they'll suffer acts.4:13- 20. Acts 5: 25 - 41. Paul said same thing in second corinthians. 11: 23-30 These men were killed cause of Christ I tell you they'd have stopped preaching if they were motivated by earthly gains.. |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by hashtagged(m): 3:00pm On Jun 03, 2023 |
spy24: The Bible shows us facts that God loves his children which are both men and women end of story |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by Kobojunkie: 3:24pm On Jun 03, 2023 |
spy24:1. Matthew 23 vs 8 - 10. 2. So, the others who were equally chosen by Jesus Christ and the many after that were not also chosen by the same Jesus Christ? 3. I asked you a question there since you suggested they went on to teach something you referred to as the Law of God, which needed clarifying since there was more than one Law of God at the time. 4. I am afraid I am not an apostle to the apostles so I don't partake in the singing of songs of praise to the apostles. sorry! |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by spy24(m): 4:31pm On Jun 03, 2023 |
hashtagged: God loves his children both men and women true But God uses men for his work that's a fact that is clear all over the bible from the new testament to old testament.. you cannot contradict this fact using the bible |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by spy24(m): 4:42pm On Jun 03, 2023 |
Kobojunkie: Oga are you trying to be clever by half or you don't just want to understand ? The 12 were a special group as shown in the passages I showed you. Do you know the names of the other seventy two you are mentioning ? Do you know why the 12 were specially mentioned ? Among the 12 did you see a woman's name ? Infact a simple general study of the bible shows that God deals with men and not women, it doesn't mean he hates them it's just his design. Just say you don't believe the bible. Instead of contradicting it |
| Re: Does God Really Care About Women? by Kobojunkie: 4:47pm On Jun 03, 2023 |
spy24:1. That you believe them a special group does not mean I believe the same. According to Jesus Christ, the same instructions He gave to the first 12, He also gave to all His followers so, you would need to justify by way of scripture where this idea of yours that they are special comes from. 2. The same Jesus Christ after sending out the first 12, send out another batch of 72 with same instructions as He had previously given to the first 12 and this second group contained women. 3. I believe what Jesus Christ said which is that His followers, both males and females, are all equals. |
(1) (Reply)
See How Lord’s Chosen Church Members Dress During Evangelism / Don’t Give Up Victory Is Sure – Pastor Chris Oyakhilome / 20 Types Of People You Meet In A Nigerian Church Choir
(Go Up)
| Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 103 |