Genesis 3:16 To the woman also [God] said: I will multiply thy sorrows, and thy conceptions: in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children, and thou shalt be under thy husband’s power, and he shall have dominion over thee. (Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition)
This 1899 translation of God’s “curse” of the woman due to her participation in the original sin seems clear enough. Male domination and patriarchy is the divinely ordained order of relationships. This verse has been quoted again and again by men (and some women) as justification for limiting of women’s participation in social and religious life. Women who aspire to full participation are “out of order” and are rejecting God’s plan.
Several days ago, we read Galatians 3:28. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The apostle Paul challenges the dominating patriarchy outlined in Genesis 3:16 on the basis of the liberating work of Christ Jesus. And the actions of Jesus we’ve considered the past several days in the stories of the gospel also challenge female subjugation.
So, what do we do with Genesis 3:16? Is it God’s plan? If not, why do you think the church has historically affirmed the curse rather than live in the freedom of Christ? Why do you think some women are proponents of patriarchy?
Prayer: Liberating God, like the children of Israel freed from their bondage, it is sometimes tempting to express a desire to return to the Egypt, imagining that it is easier than freedom. In fact, it often is easier because we’ve done it so long and we know the rules so well. Freedom is much more complicated. Yet, it is for freedom that you have set us free. Give us courage to discover the joys of liberation and the blessings of equal partnership between men and women. Amen.
Tongue on Fire 