Nowadays, the questions often arise as to whether men and women are equal in rights. There are even specific movements that defend women’s rights, trying to prove that they have the same rights in society as men. The interpretation of biblical texts regarding this equality is also controversial. This essay will examine the perspectives on the understanding of men and women’s position in the Bible by Raymond K. Ortlund Jr. and Graham Ware.
Ortlund, in his research, says that equality between men and women and male headship, in the correct definition, was established by God at creation and remain permanent, beneficial aspects of human existence. He refers to Genesis 3:16, which introduces male headship as a consequence of sin (3:16). Ortlund also argues that God did not call humanity “women”, but called “men”, which anticipates the male headship identified in Chapter 2 (2: 7). However, in contrast, one can say that he also did not call them “man”. Thus, the attempt to argue that “men” was meant exclusively as “man” is unfounded. Ortlund also says that the man gives names to animals and gives the designation “woman”, which indicates his headship. However, the power of man over animals is due to the fact that God gave this power to humanity, including a woman, and not because he gave them a name.
Ware claims that Genesis 1 and 2 represent man and woman in perfect reciprocity without hierarchy and submission. They are created to be partners and equal in governing creation, living in God’s image and likeness. Ware argues that as exclusively masculine, humanity does not entirely fit society’s description as “created in the image of God” (1:27). He also argues that nothing suggests anything other than equality between men and women, created together in the image of God in the first chapter of Genesis. They equally share God’s image, and they are similarly commanded to fulfill the role of stewarding the earth. Ware also says that in Genesis 1, the only discussed functions are given to humanity as male and female (1: 28-30). Besides, the creation of a man before a woman in no way puts him above himself, since animals, birds, fish were created before people (1: 20-25).
Undoubtedly, the Bible texts imply equality of the genders, as men and women equally demonstrate the glory of God’s image (1:27). It is in line with God’s intention that both genders should rule (1:28). In verse 22, God spoke His blessing over the multitude of lower beings, which says that “God blessed them and told them…”. As a result, the creator empowers man and woman to carry out their mission together to rule the lower creation.
To summarize, on the issue of equality between men and women, according to the Bible, the correct point of view belongs to Graham Ware, who claims that men and women are restored in unity. They were created by God’s authority to bring his glory equally. They are spiritually equal, which is enough to establish mutual respect for the genders. The fact that God created man as a being of a dual-modality warns against a complete equalization of the two genders since this is a profound and beautiful difference. Which should not serve as a consequence of the infringement of the rights of any gender. Eve was spiritually equal to Adam and, unlike animals, “suits him” (2:18, 20). As a consequence, their masculinity and femininity determine their respective roles. A man, by virtue of his masculinity, is called to lead God. A woman is called to help God because of her femininity.
Reference
Genesis 1-3. (n.d.). Bible gateway. Web.