Women Have to Lead

Shortly after the nullification of Roe v. Wade, I received an email from one of my blog readers that complained about how the Bible seems so anti-woman. She wanted me to reinterpret the Torah in favor of women.

I would love to do that, but in the Old Testament, women are usually considered property. My reader would do better discussing her issue with a rabbi, a female one. I know this: my Jewish female friends are strong, independent women.

Because I’m not Jewish, I don’t spend much time in the Old Testament. I know it has wonderful sayings, great quotations, and tells the history of Judaism, which is also the history of Jesus, but I’m a New Testament Follower, so that’s where I look for my guidance.

I admit that in some of the New Testament, women are second-class citizens and/or simply property as well. I don’t like that. I think both Paul and Jesus give me good answers.

I am not a fan of Paul, but he was important in the growth of Christianity. However, he lived two thousand years ago when his world was flat with three tiers and Yahweh on top. That’s not my world. But Paul wrote some ideas that still resonate. In Galatians 3:28, he wrote, “There is neither Jew nor gentile, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” My take is that women are equal. Paul also had many women friends who were leaders early on in his movement. Unfortunately, he negated women being equal when he stated that women should be submissive in church and at home. So much for Paul. He isn’t my Christ.

I know that Jesus placed women in leadership positions. Unfortunately the early church (men) were (and still are) threatened by women and have eradicated much of the information stating that Jesus used them in leadership positions. I’ll admit most often the New Testament often portrays women as inferior, as property.

In the Great Commandment, quoted from the Old Testament, Jesus states that Followers are to love God, neighbor, and self. He uses the word agape, which means unconditionally—that includes men and women. These words are my marching orders, consequently; there is not a doubt in my mind that women are equal to men, maybe even stronger.

To my women readers and all women wanting to be emancipated (again): you have to lead this battle. First, you must lead by example: Stop going to churches that consider you second-class citizens. Don’t work for companies that underpay and overwork women. Demonstrate weekly against SCOTUS or any elected officials who won’t codify abortion rights for all women. Demand equality from all men and make sure they suffer consequences if they don’t.

I promise, if you lead the way, I’ll follow. Just tell me what you want me to do. There couldn’t be a better time than now. The troops are restless and ready to go.

Peace Love Joy Hope

Photo by Alex Motoc on Unsplash