It is fallacious to assume that the Bible--a work that took over a millennia to complete, speaks for a single voice. Biblical depictions of women can be attributed to breadth of sources: poems, historical writings, folk-tales, and prophetic books. As such, the women described throughout the holy book are a unique blend of historical figures, legends, or fictitious inventions. Naturally, the depictions of these women vary and as such must be viewed contextually; as religious concepts have been historically conditioned they are dependent on revelation expressed in time and place (Ernst 5). As Mr. Ernst brilliantly illustrates, “Over-arching themes and principals” take “precedence” over individual verses (34). Noble as such themes may be, they
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Herein lies the story of creation and the first depiction of Eve as “the rib that the Lord had taken from the man” (Genesis 2:22). Entrenched, such a definition has become—that it has sought refuge in the word woman. The prefix wo translates to “of”; therefore women, by definition, are “of men.” Such a limpid definition at the outset offers biblical authors a pretext to operate under the assumption that men are superior to women. This definition parallels Adam’s comments towards Eve when he declares, “for out of man this one [women] was taken” (Genesis 2:23). Yet again, such a depiction reinforces the notion that women are inferior to men. The latter is proven throughout the story of the Garden of Eden, wherein Eve’s feckless decision to eat from the tree of knowledge and evil led to sinful downfall of humanity. Despite receiving a warning to “not consume” the fruit, Eve proceeds with the act. Consequently, God condemns Eve and declares that “your desire shall be for your husband” and that he “shall rule over you” (Genesis 3:16). Her defiance to God results in exile from Eden and is henceforth seen as the vessel who wrought innumerable ills upon man. It is through such depictions that women’s experiences are trivialized and therefore viewed as unworthy of having purposeful experiences based solely on the fact that they are not …show more content…
According to the Pew Research Center, “35% of adult millennials” are religiously unaffiliated; as opposed to 25% in 2007. In a mere nine years, the number of those eschewing religious life has increased by 10% and is expected to rise. Such a decline may also be due to a lack of knowledge about Christianity. Rather than educating themselves, some young people may decide to make sweeping generalizations and shut themselves from religious life. What has led people to step away from the word of God? Demeaning portrayals of women, degrading treatment of homosexuals, and overall prejudice. Young people are increasingly operating outside the confines of traditional gender roles that the Bible has helped establish. Naturally, in effort to distance themselves from such norms, many are slowly dissociating themselves with
Herein lies the story of creation and the first depiction of Eve as “the rib that the Lord had taken from the man” (Genesis 2:22). Entrenched, such a definition has become—that it has sought refuge in the word woman. The prefix wo translates to “of”; therefore women, by definition, are “of men.” Such a limpid definition at the outset offers biblical authors a pretext to operate under the assumption that men are superior to women. This definition parallels Adam’s comments towards Eve when he declares, “for out of man this one [women] was taken” (Genesis 2:23). Yet again, such a depiction reinforces the notion that women are inferior to men. The latter is proven throughout the story of the Garden of Eden, wherein Eve’s feckless decision to eat from the tree of knowledge and evil led to sinful downfall of humanity. Despite receiving a warning to “not consume” the fruit, Eve proceeds with the act. Consequently, God condemns Eve and declares that “your desire shall be for your husband” and that he “shall rule over you” (Genesis 3:16). Her defiance to God results in exile from Eden and is henceforth seen as the vessel who wrought innumerable ills upon man. It is through such depictions that women’s experiences are trivialized and therefore viewed as unworthy of having purposeful experiences based solely on the fact that they are not …show more content…
According to the Pew Research Center, “35% of adult millennials” are religiously unaffiliated; as opposed to 25% in 2007. In a mere nine years, the number of those eschewing religious life has increased by 10% and is expected to rise. Such a decline may also be due to a lack of knowledge about Christianity. Rather than educating themselves, some young people may decide to make sweeping generalizations and shut themselves from religious life. What has led people to step away from the word of God? Demeaning portrayals of women, degrading treatment of homosexuals, and overall prejudice. Young people are increasingly operating outside the confines of traditional gender roles that the Bible has helped establish. Naturally, in effort to distance themselves from such norms, many are slowly dissociating themselves with