Equality is not a biblical value. We see a decidedly hierarchical view of human relationships. For instance: ‘I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.’

So the hierarchy is clear: God first, then Christ, then man, then woman. 1 Cor 11:3.

Later in the same chapter we read: ‘A man ought not to have his head veiled, since he is the image and reflection of God; but woman is the reflection of man. Indeed, man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the sake of man.’ (1 Cor 11:7-9)

This grounds the unequal male/female relationship in the created order itself. The woman (wife) is subordinated to the man (husband) by God’s creation ordinance. Patriarchy is the rule.

This is not intended as a criticism. However, it is teaching that is almost universally ignored by Christians in the West (and elsewhere?).

For Christians the zeitgeist rules.

Categories: Bible, Christianity, Feminism, Inequality, Life in the West, Patriarchy, Unpopular views