Not sexist

Old Testament

• Genesis 1-3: Eve is made from Adam’s rib to be his helper. Eve gave into temptation first. As a punishment God says, “Your husband will rule over you.”
• There are evil women like Jezebel and Delilah.
• Only males are counted in the census, and prophets and priests etc. are male.
• Men could divorce women, but not vice versa.
• Rape/adultery were seen as a violation of man’s ownership rights.
• Women were “unclean” for much of adult life (menstruation). God is called “Father”, “He”, “Him”, etc
• The Bible was written by men, for men

• "Contrary to tradition, she is not created as the assistant or subordinate of the man. In fact, most often the Hebrew word 'ezer' (which means 'helper') connotes superiority (Ps. 121:2; 124:8; 146:5; Exod. 18:4; Deut. 33:7, 26, 29)" Dr Phylis Tribble
• The Old Testament was written in a different time when society was patriarchal.
• There are lots of good women in the Old Testament - in fact an analysis showed there are several times more good women than bad! Queen Esther saved the Jews from death; Ruth set an example of love and loyalty; Deborah was a prophet, and her wisdom was much admired.
• "Wisdom is described as a female attribute in many texts. And some scholars believe that the Song of Deborah, which was probably composed by a woman, is one of the oldest pieces of literature within the Bible (Judges 5)." David Ashford

New Testament

• Jesus' disciples were all men
• Jesus was male, and called God 'Father'
• Paul said:
• “Women... be subject to your husbands.” Ephesians 5:22-23
• “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I permit no women to teach or have authority over men, she is to keep silent. ” 1 Timothy 2:9-12

• Jesus repeatedly spoke to women when men of his time would not have (e.g. 'outcast' women such as prostitutes)
• He had women followers (Martha, Mary and Mary Magdalen)
• Jesus taught in the 'Court of Women' in the Temple, which was unusual
• Jesus appeared first to women after his resurrection
• Jesus displayed feminine qualities of tenderness, compassion, gentleness - He cried in public
• He who loves his wife loves himself” Ephesians 5:28-29
• “There is neither male nor female for your one in Christ Jesus" Galatians

Church history

• “Women should remain at home, sit still, keep house and bear children" Martin Luther (1483-1546)
• Women have no authority in the church - no women bishops in CofE (as of 2011) and no women priests in the Roman Catholic Church or the Orthodox Church
• Role of the woman is to bring up the family, which is contrary to feminist ideals
• Christianity has argued against women's rights to contraception and abortion

• The Anglican Church has women priests and female bishops (in some countries)
• Valuing women as mothers and wives gives them greater respect and a more important role than 'feminism'
• Women within the church feel loved, valued and supported
• Christianity has always taught love, respect and justice for all people, including women
• United Reformed Church and the Salvation Army have always allowed women to be ministers.
• The Baptist Church allows women to be ministers now since the 1920s.
• The Church of England allowed women to become vicars in 1992. It caused widespread division with some male leaders, and other men and women, leaving the Church.