by Lena Davis

Created on: August 28, 2009

Women have always played a role in religion. The significance of that role varies from society to society. In matriarchal societies women's roles may be more stronger. She may have more influence on the values of the culture or may be the moral authority of the land. In patriarchal societies, her role may be limited or more subordinate. For instance, she will become the sacrificial virgin in some religions. In Greek and Roman mythology there are both male and female deities, but this did not necessarily reflect an egalitarian society. The natural differences between the sexes was used as a hierarchy instead of a balance of harmony within the culture its faith.

Judaism, one of the ancient world religions, is a patriarchal based faith that gives a place of honor to the roles that women play in their faith. In fact, there are two books in the Bible dedicated to two women, Ruth and Esther. Christianity which has it roots in Judaism also gives women a significant role in the faith. Some may yet argue that Christianity is sexist against women, but I disagree. I believe the way mankind has interpreted the Bible has caused misconceptions about the role of women in the church. The scriptures reveal that in Christ Jesus there is neither male nor female. This means the image that God created of himself in humans is the spirit; "God is a Spirit, and they that worship must worship in spirit and in truth". Because God made Adam first, he gave him the privilege to tell his wife, Eve, about God's ways. God created Adam, and then he created Eve as his companion, because he said it was not good for man to be alone. The qualities that God placed within a woman are not less than man's, just different than man's. Eve became Adam's helpmate in carrying out the work in the Garden that God gave them both to do. Thus the first role of woman was to complete the union God has intended to carryout his work. Everything that God created was very good; there was order and harmony. We can see the roles that women play by examining the scriptures.

A woman's qualities allows her to play many roles in the Church. and is not limited to her being the weaker sex Another role iwomen may play llustrated from the Bible is that of a Judge and Prophetess. Deborah was one of nine Judges in Israel, before Israel was ruled by kings; this was their request but not God's idea, but he gave them the desire of their heart. Deborah received word from God to tell Barak to go up to battle against their oppressors;

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