How would you witness to another person, esp. a woman about sexism in the Bible?

Lik3 said:

How would you witness to anyone, especially another woman, that the Bible is not sexist? Could anyone here tell me about society as far as how women were viewed and treated in ancient Israeli society? Did Jesus elevate the role of women during his ministry because men have been dismissive in the past? Also could anyone tell me about how God's law concerning a woman marrying a rapist and women being stoned along with the other man? God's law seem to be harsher on women than men who commit adultery; if it is true, why?

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Do you view Jesus as sexist?

Just wondering....how familiar are you with the Bible?

Lik3 said:

Very good questions, brinny. I realize that I need to read and study the Bible more, but I admit that there are some things that I need to further understand, like the roles and views of women in ancient Israel. I personally don't view Jesus as sexist as He treated women with great love and respect.

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He ELEVATED women.

In the Old Testament there were very clear views on how God viewed women.

Deborah comes to mind.

Proverbs 31 is God's own description of a Godly woman.

In the Garden of Eden, Eve directed her husband Adam and he complied. She wasn't some underclass, shrinking violet that didn't have a "voice".

Lik3 said:

Also could anyone tell me about how God's law concerning a woman marrying a rapist

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Is this about Deuteronomy 22:28-29? If so, that passage isn't even about rape.
The Old Testament and Rape : Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:28-29

and women being stoned along with the other man?

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Assuming you mean the woman is a rape victim? If this is about Deuteronomy 22:23-24, then once again, it is not about rape. The "not-crying-out" part is indicating it is a consensual act - the woman is to be stoned because she willfully committed adultery.

If you mean a different verse in either of the above, please cite what you are referring to.

God's law seem to be harsher on women than men who commit adultery;

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Can you cite where the Law is harsher on a woman who committed adultery than on a man who committed adultery?

Lik3 said:

How would you witness to anyone, especially another woman, that the Bible is not sexist? Could anyone here tell me about society as far as how women were viewed and treated in ancient Israeli society? Did Jesus elevate the role of women during his ministry because men have been dismissive in the past? Also could anyone tell me about how God's law concerning a woman marrying a rapist and women being stoned along with the other man? God's law seem to be harsher on women than men who commit adultery; if it is true, why?

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It reflects ancient cultures? What should they expect?

Vili Fualaau and his rapist Mary Kay Letourneau

God made man over woman. This is a biblical teaching. The head of woman is man as the head of man is Christ. Women are not permitted to teach men or to speak during church. This is a biblical teaching. Everyone else who doesn't teach this do not believe in the scriptures because this is what is taught in the bible.

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. ~1 Corinthians 11:3

I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. ~1 Timothy 2:12

Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. ~1 Corinthians 11:9

So God is said to be a man of war. And he is said to be a king. He is himself masculine. So this quality is the standard of being. God has never said that woman is equal to man. The earth was given to man and under his rule is the earth and woman. That's why it's said it's a man's world.

If this is "sexist" or offensive then that's your problem but it's the way the world has worked since the beginning of time and will continue to work.

When we get into areas where the world differs from the bibles view I just say "Doesn't matter what we think is right or wrong view wise, in the end God created us and what He says is something we have to accept." Granted on this particular subject its hard since the world teaches differently. Woman came from mans rib to be a helpmate. Its just how it is.

What most people who are witnessed to get angry about is the fact that some men abuse Gods word and thus abuse women as if they only are to be slaves (so to speak). So when witnessing you tell them God never said they are slaves as if property. However they are still for lack of better words below the man. Though in my marriage I make the spiritual decisions, we still act as equals.

Lik3 said:

How would you witness to anyone, especially another woman, that the Bible is not sexist? Could anyone here tell me about society as far as how women were viewed and treated in ancient Israeli society? Did Jesus elevate the role of women during his ministry because men have been dismissive in the past? Also could anyone tell me about how God's law concerning a woman marrying a rapist and women being stoned along with the other man? God's law seem to be harsher on women than men who commit adultery; if it is true, why?

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Sexism is a human problem ... which Christian nations have made huge strides in overcoming.

Christianity diagnoses sexism as a condition of the heart, along with other societal ills.

Given that, the cure is to enable persons to overcome the weaknesses of their hearts, which is what christianity is designed to do. But christianity would never have had a chance to grow in influence if it had taken on all of societies ills from the start. And yet, where we have made strides forward is where christianity has made the largest effects.

God's law for the Hebrews in the Old Testament does seem to weigh heavier upon women than men. But I'm convinced that that's a result of the prevalence of patriarchal societies at that time, rather than the true desire of God. Recall that the Law was designed to lead us to Christ, Who frees men and women to treat each other equitably and with respect.

In summary, I would ask your friend to assess the status of women in Judeo/Christian societies ... and compare their status to other societies where other philosophies have had the major sway. It is an undoubtedly true conclusion, I think, that women garner the most respect and status in Judeo/Christian areas.

Lik3 said:

How would you witness to anyone, especially another woman, that the Bible is not sexist? Could anyone here tell me about society as far as how women were viewed and treated in ancient Israeli society? Did Jesus elevate the role of women during his ministry because men have been dismissive in the past? Also could anyone tell me about how God's law concerning a woman marrying a rapist and women being stoned along with the other man? God's law seem to be harsher on women than men who commit adultery; if it is true, why?

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I believe the Lord sees no difference between men and women. Paul told women to be silent in the church, but the Lord put Deborah in charge of Israel.

The sexism of the Bible is, in my view, a consequence of the patriarchy of Mediterranean society at that time and not a reflection of God's will.
When we look at the bible, both old and new testaments, we realize that they emerged from an extremely patriarchal society. This society devalued women to the extent that they were not even considered to be persons before the law. Not only were they devalued but they were in many ways considered to be of inferior intellect and of a carnal nature even moreso than the male. Today we know that women are the intellectual and spiritual equals of men and in every respect except physical size and strength. Jesus himslf seems to gave been largely gender blind in that he numbered women among his disciples and apostles and even close friends. Paul, at first, appears conflicted until we realize that the pastoral epistles (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus) were actually written pseudonomously some 60 years after Paul's death. This was more than enough time for patriarchy to once again take charge. In my personal opinion patriarchy just might be the ugliest evil that humanity has ever inflicted on itself. It still exerts its malevolent influence in some circles even today. As a Christian I am convinced that we should make every effort to ensure the full equality of women in every aspect of the life of our churches and in society at large.

Lik3 said:

How would you witness to anyone, especially another woman, that the Bible is not sexist? Could anyone here tell me about society as far as how women were viewed and treated in ancient Israeli society? Did Jesus elevate the role of women during his ministry because men have been dismissive in the past? Also could anyone tell me about how God's law concerning a woman marrying a rapist and women being stoned along with the other man? God's law seem to be harsher on women than men who commit adultery; if it is true, why?

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Simple.

Jesus said the husband has to be willing to die for the wife. Oh, yes, he did! You have to treat the wife as Jesus treated the church. Jesus died for the church so....

And, yes, the husband may have the final say on things, but that doesn't mean his wife's opinions are not equally valued in the marriage.

I actually told one feminist the following: "If you want to find out who treats women like sh--, live in a Muslim country for a year. Muslim women have no rights. They are regarded no higher than cattle."

Lik3 said:

? Could anyone here tell me about society as far as how women were viewed and treated in ancient Israeli society?

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Go study the Talmuds. It will give you a fair picture of ancient Jewish society.