The Gospels: Relationship Between Women And Religion

In most cases throughout history, women have been forced into a lesser role in religion and politics. The relationship between women and religion has long been a turbulent venture. In Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, women are generally held in a place of respect- so long as modesty is kept. In Christianity, feminine articles are attached to values such as wisdom. In the New Testament women are some of Jesus’s most devout followers. In each of the gospels a group of women in present in attending Jesus’s crucifixion. Despite the positive qualities like faithfulness and purity, the role of women was shaped not by the Gospels, but the epistles of Paul, and the writers under the name of Paul. Female followers were common in the first century,
Mary Magdalene is the only woman who is named to be at Jesus’s death in all four of the books. Jesus looked upon women with compassion and respect. One of the most telling instances of this is in the Gospel according to Luke, as well as Mark and Matthew. The scenario is such that Jesus, who is walking in a crowd and is touched by a woman with consistent blood loss. When she is immediately healed, Jesus turns to her and says, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.” In the Gospels, Jesus showed no preference in healing. Equality is something that is not spoken about, but is acted upon. The views that represent Jesus as having only male disciples has also come under scrutiny. It is no secret that Jesus mingled with the fringe groups in society, so it is not farfetched that he would have female disciples if not in the very least, freely associate with them. The Gospels seem to make points for equality above any sort of
Unfortunately, the Pastoral epistles were the ones most commonly referred to by Church figureheads. This pseudo-Pauline doctrine can easily be held accountable for creating a heavily patriarchal church, and in effect, perpetuation of stereotypical gender roles. The original Paul is quite a bit better when it comes down to the line. He teaches acceptance, and a break from the traditional ways of ministering. Paul even encourages women of strong faith to minister the local churches. However, he still refused to break with tradition, in that there were still customs women had to obey. While the two Pauls have major inconsistencies at best, there was another that held true with his very own system. Why chose the lesser of two Pauls when there is a third option? Jesus held a consistent treatment of women throughout what we know of his life. Jesus ignored many of the rules and regulations concerning women. Not only did he speak to women outside his family, but he taught them, and placed men and women on equal terms. Assuming Jesus wanted to change societal roles would be far over reaching academic certainty, and fact. That aside, it is clear to see that Jesus had no care for the construct. These three teachers had immense impact on world history. Shaping western culture is no small feat, and the costs are just recently starting to be