An equal partnership: Man and woman

AT TIMES I have been disheartened by the number of churches that talk about egalitarian theology, but are not actually practicing it. Egalitarianism, is a movement based on the theological view that not only are all people equal before God in their personhood, but there are no gender-based limitations of what functions or roles each can fulfill in the home, the church, and the society. It is sometimes referred to as biblical equality. Egalitarians understand the Bible as teaching the fundamental equality of women and men of all racial and ethnic groups, all economic classes, and all age groups, based on the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Let me also say that it should not be confused with secular political, economic, social egalitarianism.

Growing up, many of us were taught that the man is the head of the household (which hold truth in the word of God), and we’ve probably heard about how the husband is supposed to “wear the pants in the family.” But most of what is said is actually based in religion, and they contradict the Word of God. In the beginning, God designed marriage as an equal partnership between man and woman, with both of them sharing equally in a close relationship with Him. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth” (Genesis 1:27, 28).

Notwithstanding, that all changed when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. The gender equality they previously enjoyed disappeared, and the stage was set for unequal relationships, patriarchy, and male domination. This was not God’s original plan, but sin brought consequences. “Unto the woman He said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam He said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life” (Genesis 3:16, 17).

This continued until Jesus was born to undo the damage that was done and re-establish gender equality. Some of the ways He did this included speaking to women, who were considered social outcasts (John 4:5-27), and showing mercy and compassion to women seen as inferior in a male-dominated society (John 8:1-11). Jesus challenged the traditional mindset of men exercising dominion over women, and He willingly died on the cross to abolish the curse that locked men and women into unequal relationships. Women in pagan societies during biblical times were often treated with little more dignity than animals. Some of the best-known Greek philosophers—considered the brightest minds of their era—taught that women are inferior creatures by nature. Even in the Roman Empire (perhaps the very pinnacle of pre-Christian civilization,) women were usually regarded as mere chattel—personal possessions of their husbands or fathers, with hardly any better standing than household slaves.

Most people are unaware that the way marriage and gender relationships have evolved is biblically incorrect, but the Scriptures reveal that God never meant for men to be above women or for women to be subservient. “And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them” (Deuteronomy 28:13). This applies equally to both men and women.

Women today continued to be used and abused. Pornography turns women into objects and victims of dirty, cowardly Peeping Toms, who leer at them with greedy eyes. Throughout the world, women are traded like animals for sexual slavery. In more “civilised” places, men routinely use women for no-consequence, no-commitment sex only to leave them pregnant, without care and support. Some rights groups aid and abet male selfishness and irresponsibility, and they “free” women to murder their unborn children. Women are left alone, emotionally scarred, financially destitute, and experientially guilty, ashamed, and abandoned. Where is the freedom, dignity, and honor in that? Let me point out that, ancient and contemporary, within the Bible, from cover to cover, the Bible exalts women. In fact, it often seems to go out of the way to pay homage to them, to ennoble their roles in society and family, to acknowledge the importance of their influence, and to exalt the virtues of women.

The quality of our relationships greatly impacts our overall happiness, especially in marriage. Marriage is a blessing and a gift from God, but many people don’t truly understand His original intent for it. With divorce rates at an all-time high and many young people today choosing to remain single, marriage has gotten a bad reputation. But God’s design for this sacred relationship is radically different than the world’s view. God loves us all equally and our relationships should reflect that. Freedom in Christ extends to everyone!

While equality has been a hot topic in some denominations and groups of churches in recent years, it’s still something that’s pushed under the carpet by many others – often never being discussed. Our job should be to paint a picture of a world where equal value and opportunity is beneficial, not a slight against those who may be starting to notice a sudden lack of automatic advantage.

I believe that the church should encourage everyone equally in leadership as they are gifted. This includes encouraging not just young married women, but also older women, and single women, alongside men. The Pastors should publicly encourage and support women in leadership roles, and express appreciation for their influence and gifts.

For Christian men that believe that women should not preach and teach, let me ask you a few questions and provide answers at the same time. Who were the first people that saw the resurrected Christ and were given the lofty task of changing humanity? Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and other women who came to the tomb. Who was called by Paul, “A fellow worker in Christ” and held up as great teacher? Priscilla. Who was given the responsibility to answer to angels, take scorn and shame, bear the Son of God and encourage Him to greatness? Mary.

As we celebrate “International Women’s Day” on March 8, let me put on record that Women aren’t footnotes in Scripture; they’re some of the most vital players in all of Christianity. I believe that we must fight for the cause by going into every corner of every church to call out inequality. Influential leaders who continue to perpetuate gender inequality must be publically questioned, in love, but in firmness.

Men will not rule over women in heaven, and the Bible says to do our very best to bring heaven to earth (Matt. 6:10). Will we be earthly people who continue to hold up power hierarchies based on gender, or will we be kingdom people who tear down power hierarchies and allow the Spirit to invade our establishments? Gender equality, the full partnership of men and women in both worth and authority, will set us apart from the world and will result in a global revival for the Christian Church.