The Bible has a lot to say about the equal dignity and worth of men and women. Both men and women are created in the image of God and are therefore of immense value (Genesis 1:27). However, the Bible was written in patriarchal cultures that did not view men and women as equals. As a result, there are some problematic passages that appear to condone sexist attitudes and practices.
In the Old Testament, women are often viewed as the property of their fathers or husbands. For example, the tenth commandment lists a wife along with a man’s house, oxen, donkeys and other possessions (Exodus 20:17). There are instances of women being treated as spoils of war (Numbers 31:17-18), given in marriage without consent, divorced capriciously, and viewed as having less dignity and value than men. These examples reflect the sexist culture of the time.
In the New Testament, we begin to see a subtle shift away from outright sexism. Jesus treated women with love, respect and dignity. He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1-42), healed women publicly (Luke 8:43-48), and allowed women to travel with him and be part of his ministry (Luke 8:1-3). The gospels record that women were the first witnesses of the resurrection, even though women’s testimony was not considered valid in that culture (Matthew 28:1-10).
The apostle Paul has several problematic passages about women remaining silent in church, not teaching men, and submitting to their husbands (1 Corinthians 14:34-35, 1 Timothy 2:11-15). These teachings reflect common views about gender roles at that time. However, Paul also spoke of the equality of men and women in Christ (Galatians 3:28) and recognized women as church leaders, like Junia (Romans 16:7) and Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2). He worked alongside prominent women like Priscilla (Acts 18:2).
So while the Bible contains some troubling examples of sexism, it also depicts movement toward greater equality. Scripture upholds the essential dignity and worth of both men and women. As God’s image-bearers, women have gifts to contribute to family, church, and society. There are positive examples of women leaders in the early church. The biblical ideal is mutual submission and service, not power and hierarchy in relationships (Ephesians 5:21).
In summary, the Bible reflects the sexist cultures in which it was written. Yet it also contains the seeds of a redemptive vision for equality. As Christians, we should reject the sexist parts of Scripture and highlight the more inclusive and liberating passages. We need to interpret and apply the Bible through the lens of Jesus’ example of valuing women as equals. This honors the overall story of Scripture and the God revealed in its pages.
Ways the Bible has been used to justify sexism
Though the Bible affirms the equality of women and men, some teachings have been distorted to justify male dominance and keep women in restricted roles and duties in church, home, and society. Here are some key examples:
- Viewing women as the property and servants of men
- Restricting women from leadership positions over men
- Emphasis on women submitting to their husbands without a balanced view of mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21)
- Excluding women from crucial religious duties and rituals
- Blaming women for the introduction of sin into the world (1 Timothy 2:14)
- Using sexual purity solely for women as a measure of righteousness
- Not allowing women to be educated, express opinions, or reach their potential
These limited views of women have led to discrimination, control, and even abuse. Sexism denies the biblical truth that both genders reflect God’s image. The church must reject harmful views that diminish women and embrace the empowering message of Scripture.
Examples of sexism in the Old Testament
The Old Testament was written in an ancient Near Eastern context where women were often viewed as the inferior gender or as the property of men. While the Bible makes progress in elevating dignity of women, it still contains troubling examples of sexism:
- Women depicted as spoils of war (Numbers 31:17-18, Deuteronomy 20:14)
- Female captives taken as wives without consent (Deuteronomy 21:10-14)
- Wife listed as property in Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:17)
- Rape of an unbetrothed virgin requires marriage & payment (Deuteronomy 22:28-29)
- Lot offers his daughters to mob (Genesis 19:8)
- Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:6-26)
- Abram and Sarai in Egypt (Genesis 12:10-20)
- Restrictions on women’s inheritance, vows, rituals (Numbers 30)
These examples do not align with the biblical view that women and men are equal before God. They diminish the worth, freedom and dignity of women. We must view them as descriptions of flawed cultural practices, not God’s ideal will for gender relations.
Examples of sexism in the New Testament
Though Jesus brought liberation for women, the New Testament was still written in a male-dominated Greco-Roman context. As a result, it contains teachings that have been used in sexist ways:
- Women told to keep silent in church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)
- Women prohibited from teaching men or exercising authority (1 Timothy 2:11-15)
- Wives instructed to submit to husbands (Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:1-6)
- Headship/authority of man over woman (1 Corinthians 11:3-9)
- Requirement of head coverings for women in worship (1 Corinthians 11:5-6)
- Jesus’ 12 disciples were all male
- Greetings addressed to brothers but not sisters (James 1:2)
These passages have been used to restrict women from leadership, keep them out of religious roles, and make them subordinate to men. However, other New Testament texts affirm the equal standing of women and men in Christ.
Ways the Bible challenges sexism
Though influenced by patriarchy, the Bible contains powerful teachings that undermine sexism and point to liberation and equality:
- Equal standing of women and men in creation (Genesis 1:27)
- Dignity upheld for women throughout Jesus’ ministry
- Mary commended for choosing spiritual growth over domestic roles (Luke 10:38-42)
- Galatians 3:28 affirms no gender distinction in Christ
- Prominent women leaders in the early church like Phoebe and Junia
- Positive examples of husbands and wives working together (Priscilla and Aquila, Mary and Joseph)
- Massive role of women in Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection
These liberating themes show that the Bible’s fundamental view is focused on equality, dignity, and partnership between genders, not hierarchy or discrimination.
Common arguments for biblical sexism
Some Christians use the following biblical arguments to defend hierarchical or sexist views of gender:
- Male headship: They point to verses about men being the head of woman to argue for male authority in home and church (1 Corinthians 11:3-9, Ephesians 5:23).
- Creation order: They argue that God created Adam first, then Eve as a “helper”, implying authority of men over women (Genesis 2:18-23).
- Eve’s deception: They see Eve being deceived by Satan (Genesis 3:1-7, 1 Timothy 2:14) as showing that women are more easily deceived and should not teach.
- Female submission: They emphasize Bible verses about wives submitting to husbands as God’s design for marriage roles (Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18).
However, these arguments take verses out of context and ignore the cultural backdrop. The overarching message of Scripture upholds mutual submission, not hierarchy between genders.
Responses to common biblical arguments for sexism
Here are biblical counter-arguments to the texts commonly misused to justify sexism:
- Male headship – This refers to sacrificial service, not authority. Jesus’ example of headship is laying down his life for the Church (Eph 5:25-27).
- Creation order – Both male and female equally bear God’s image and share dominion over creation (Gen 1:27-28). Woman as “helper” (ezer) refers to strength and rescuer in Hebrew, not servitude.
- Eve’s deception – Adam also ate the fruit (Gen 3:6) and as head is more accountable. Both genders are equally vulnerable to deception and in need of grace.
- Female submission – Is mutual submission (Eph 5:21). Self-giving love, not power, is the model for both husband and wife.
In Christ, traditional patriarchal privilege and hierarchy between genders are abolished (Gal 3:28). Scripture calls men and women to share authority, gifts and responsibilities in the home and church.
Healthy approaches to controversial texts about women
How should Christians interpret difficult Bible passages about women today? Here are some healthy interpretive approaches that uphold the dignity of women without ignoring or dismissing biblical texts:
- Consider the cultural background and how it shaped the author’s perspectives.
- Examine how other Scriptures balance or provide an inclusive vision compared to restrictive texts.
- Look at the whole biblical story arc towards justice and egalitarianism.
- Focus on texts about Jesus dignifying women in a patriarchal context.
- Emphasize liberating passages about equality over problem texts.
- Read Scripture through the lens of love as fulfillment of the law (Galatians 5:14).
With wise and careful interpretation, we can glean Scripture’s life-giving message of equality while understanding the influences of patriarchy on some biblical authors.
Ways churches have enabled sexism
Regrettably, church tradition and teaching have often enabled sexism instead of challenging it. Some key examples include:
- Excluding women from leadership roles and pastoral ministry
- Emphasizing female submission over mutual submission between spouses
- objectifying women and blaming victims in cases of rape and abuse
- Dismissing women’s spiritual gifts and abilities as less than men’s
- Minimizing contributions of women leaders in the Bible
- Disallowing women from religious education, rituals, preaching
Churches must admit where we have misused Scripture to limit women instead of applying the Bible’s liberating vision. We need to raise the dignity of women and celebrate their gifts if we want to reflect God’s heart.
How Christians can respond to sexism
What should be the Christian response to sexism and patriarchy in church and society? Here are some suggestions:
- Study Scripture’s whole liberating vision for gender equality.
- Affirm the gifts and leadership of women alongside men.
- Advocate for cultural and structural changes that empower women.
- Celebrate examples of women leaders throughout church history.
- Confront sexist language, bias and discrimination.
- Critique limiting gender stereotypes about women and men.
- Focus on mutual service not rigid roles in marriage.
May the church fully embrace the biblical call to honor the equal dignity of men and women in our practices. With humility, courage and wisdom may we become agents of gender justice in church and society.