Introduction: A Personal Journey Through Scripture
As I walk through the Bible, I find myself wrestling with its words—including when it comes to the roles of women. Some passages in Leviticus make me pause, feeling as if they push women down. But as I dig deeper, I start to see something different. In a world where women often had no legal or social standing, these laws were actually setting boundaries to protect them, giving them a place in society rather than leaving them completely at the mercy of men.
That realization doesn’t erase the struggle, though. It’s easy to look at the ancient world through modern eyes and wonder, Why did it take so long for things to change? But then, I look around and realize that even today, we still have areas where society—and the Church—lags behind in fully embracing the roles women can and should play.
This journey through Scripture has made me ask deeper questions: Where are we still stuck? Where do we need to push forward? And how can I personally live out the principles God set from the beginning—treating women as true partners, as He intended?
Historical Decline and Progression: How We Got Here
At the beginning, Genesis 1:26-28 gives us a picture of a world where men and women were created as partners. Adam and Eve were both given dominion over the earth. But as history unfolded, cultural structures shifted. Patriarchy took hold, not necessarily as God’s design but as humanity’s way of organizing society in a world filled with survival struggles, war, and economic instability.
By the time of Leviticus, society was deeply patriarchal. The laws given to Israel didn’t outright overturn this, but they did carve out spaces where women had protections and rights that were unheard of in surrounding cultures. Women could inherit land in certain cases (Numbers 27:1-11), they were included in covenant blessings, and many of the seemingly harsh purity laws were actually safeguards, ensuring they weren’t exploited.
But the cultural reality of male dominance remained, and as centuries passed, women’s roles were further diminished. Even in Jesus’ time, women had little legal standing. That’s what makes His treatment of women so radical.
Biblical Examples: When Women Led, Spoke, and Changed History
Despite patriarchal norms, the Bible consistently highlights women who led, spoke with authority, and changed the course of history:
- Deborah (Judges 4-5): A judge, prophet, and military leader, Deborah wasn’t just supporting a man—she was leading Israel.
- Esther (Book of Esther): A queen who risked her life to save her people, using wisdom and courage to navigate political power.
- Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18): The first witness to Jesus’ resurrection, entrusted with proclaiming the news to His disciples.
- Priscilla (Acts 18:24-26): A teacher of theology, correcting and instructing Apollos alongside her husband, Aquila.
These women weren’t exceptions to the rule; they were examples of what happens when God’s people embrace the full participation of women in His work. And yet, in many places today, the Church still struggles with allowing women to lead in the way Scripture affirms they can.
Where We’re Still Stuck: A Global Perspective
Around the world, progress varies. Some societies have moved forward in recognizing women’s full participation, while others still struggle with outdated norms.
- Africa: Rwanda has one of the highest percentages of women in political leadership, yet in many regions, women still lack decision-making power in their homes and communities.
- Asia: While initiatives like India’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign have improved girls’ education, cultural pressures still push many women into traditional roles with limited career opportunities.
- Europe: Scandinavian countries lead in gender equality, but other areas still see gender disparities in leadership, particularly in conservative religious communities.
- North America: Women have gained significant leadership roles in business and politics, but many churches still debate whether they can preach or hold senior leadership positions.
- South America: Women have led movements for social change, yet cultural expectations often limit their roles in governance and business.
- Australia: Gender parity in leadership remains a challenge in many industries, and some church traditions still restrict women’s roles.
Despite progress, the global reality remains: in many places, women still face barriers that prevent them from stepping fully into the roles they are capable of filling.
Modern Application: Moving Forward in the Church and Society
So where do we go from here? As Christians, we have a responsibility to elevate this conversation. That doesn’t mean dismissing traditional values, but it does mean asking:
- Are we truly honoring women as partners in marriage, ministry, and leadership?
- Are we giving them spaces to lead, teach, and influence, not just support?
- Are we challenging cultural and church structures that still hold women back?
Churches can start by:
- Encouraging women to lead worship, not just sing in the background.
- Allowing women to teach both men and women, as Priscilla did.
- Supporting women in ministry and leadership rather than limiting them to children’s or women’s ministries.
Personal Challenge: Living This Out
This isn’t just a big-picture issue. It’s personal. It’s about how I live this out in my own life, every day.
I challenge myself to find places in my own world where I can:
- Respect the wisdom and insights of the women around me.
- Trust their leadership and decisions without second-guessing.
- Honor their contributions, whether in ministry, work, or home life.
- Elevate their voices, ensuring they’re heard in discussions and decision-making.
- Treat them as partners, not just helpers.
And I challenge you to do the same. Look around your life and ask: Where can you take a step toward creating the kind of partnership and equality God designed from the beginning?
If you’re looking for ways to support this movement globally, check out these initiatives:
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao – India’s campaign for girls’ education.
- UN Women – Global efforts for gender equality.
- Women in Ministry Network – Supporting women in church leadership.
The journey isn’t over, but we’re moving forward. And I want to be part of that. Do you?
