Does the Bible discriminate against women?

Women have become leaders in all spheres of life although religions would still argue that women cannot be leaders in the church. Reading through the Bible, the Christian holy book, one would note the character that is commonly mentioned is that of a man and in most verses the interpretation that goes with it is that men are the ones who are more dominant than women. But does this mean that women are less equal than men? Does this mean that the Bible discriminates against women, PAIDA MPASO finds out.

“There is neither a Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

Throughout its pages, the Bible is consistent in its treatment of women. This is probably the kindest thing that can be said about God’s gender relations. He is consistent. From start to finish, the Bible is unwavering in its opinion of women as inferior and unworthy posessions.

Ancient Bible history records that the Bible has a long and unvarying history of discrimination against women. Undoubtedly, no other book has done more to prevent gender equality. The Bible seems to have had it in for women right from the start.

It was man that was created in God’s image, whereas woman was an afterthought that was manufactured out a man’s limb.

Further, the Bible documents that the first woman in history made a pretty big mess of things. Eve messed things up for the whole human race by eating of the forbidden fruit and coaxing her husband to do the same. So, since that time, woman has been blamed for all sin, imperfection, sickness, and death.

As a result of Eve’s action, all women born on the face of the earth have been cursed to feel pain during childbirth and be dominated by men.

In Corinthians, the Bible further says that a woman should not speak in public but should ask her husband anything she does not understand at home.

Chisomo Prayer House, Prophetess, Carol Chapomba says women have never been discriminated by God for there is no male or female in God’s eyes.

“God loves us all, in the Old Testament, there was a lot of discrimination, not just about women, but Jesus came and wiped all that and we are all the same, a woman is an important character in the family,” she says.

According to her, a woman is special in the eyes of God just as a man is and that is why there are some women of distinction in the Bible.

“When we read the Bible, there is Ruth, Deborah and Mary Magdalene who were given prominence, and that means something. And when Jesus rose from death, the first person who saw Jesus was a woman, so issues of discrimination should not even come into play,” she adds.

The book of Proverbs sums up the Bible’s view of women quite succinctly when it says, “A capable wife is a crown to her owner.”

National coordinator for the Women’s World Day of Prayer, Regina Phanga further says a woman is a special being and there is no way, a woman can be discriminated.

“Everybody is born out of a woman, and she is the care giver, she moves any community and I am sure if she was not recognised by God, we would be saying a different story, but because God blessed her, that is why she is here,” she says.

She further adds that people must respect women and must not look down on them in any way.

“Even in a family the husband must respect women for God has put something in women which is very useful, and beneficial to all,” she adds.