If You are a Woman, are You Really Equal?

Sadly, still today, there are those in the world who do not accept women on equal terms with men, and NOT just in the Church. In every area of our lives, too many Nations, peoples STILL see women as "less" than man, and that is truly sad. Even here in the United States, we STILL have a way to go before we can claim to lead the world in equality. Now, I am well aware that the United States is a FAR BETTER place to live than practically every other Nation in the world, and I choose to live here because I love our Nation. That being said however, I'm not wearing "blinders," and I know we can STILL improve on how we treat women in every area of our Society. Consider this latest report:

Found here:
World's Best Place to Be a Woman
By BethGreenfield, Shine Staff

• Posts

ByBethGreenfield, Shine Staff | TeamMom – 18 hours ago

While the United States endlessly debates the notion ofwomen having it all, Iceland has simply made it a reality. That’s theconclusion, at least, of the annual Global Gender Gap Report, released by the World EconomicForum this week. Iceland tops the list of 136 countries ranked in terms ofgender equality for the fifth year in a row — followed by fellow Nordiccountries Finland, Norway, and Sweden — and a big part of the reason is the attainablework-lifebalance that exists there. Unlike in the United States, which came in atNo. 23.

I am a woman, but I do not accept myself on equal terms as men because God made Adam and then he made Eve. When Adam and Eve sinned, God placed a curse upon women. Man was placed to rule over women as the head of the home, the church, the nation, everything. If we had not sinned in the beginning, then we would not be facing these consequences. We will not be equal on this Earth. We will not be equal again until we reach Heaven. It's as simple as that.

I will not argue my place here. We as humans, sinned. This is what we owe as our price for that sin. Imagine having to die on a cross for a world that doesn't love you? As a woman, I would live beneath the reign of a man any day not to have to die on a cross.

Sunny

Sunny, thank you for your heartfelt comment, and I don't blame you for not wanting to argue your place on this. Such discussions can turn "ugly," and mean spirited. I fully understand.

That being said, I believe that when we allow traditions to replace Spiritual understanding, we do err.


Mark 10:1 .) And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. 2 .) And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. 3 .) And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? 4 .) And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. 5 .) And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 .) But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 7 .) For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 .) And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 9 .) What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Yes, this is speaking of a man divorcing his wife........but the lesson is very important in that Jesus says:

"And they twain shall be ONE FLESH: so then they are no more twain, but ONE FLESH." Seems to me that IF we are in obedience to this, then how can ONE FLESH have "inequality" residing within itself?

Now, that's just from a Spiritual standpoint..........BUT the article I referenced is dealing with Social/Work Force equality....that being equal pay for equal labor and such. Just saying......... God bless.

Please define what you mean by equality. I'm not sure why you claim that you are not "leading the world in equality" in the United States - equality is something you either have, or you do not have. Are you able to provide examples that prove your claims?

It sounds as if you have a lot of humility, SunnySky. But when you say you don't accept yourself on equal terms with men, I trust that you mean you don't have the same authority as men. Certainly, all men (and this includes women) are created equal, in terms of their value (i.e. true equality).

I have equal standing in Christ -- that of a forgiven sinner -- and that's the MOST important equality of all. But I'm with sunnysky on this, we ARE not equal, nor should we aspire to be equal.

And what do you mean by equal? I'm different than my husband. I relish those differences. If we weren't different, we wouldn't be able to be husband and wife.

This is why I asked for p_rehbeim to define equality. Equality has to do with value. As a man isn't worth more than a woman, I believe men and women are equal (e.g. a murderer should be executed, whether man or woman, and whether his victim be man or woman). This said, equality doesn't have to do with role, or purpose. Men and women are certainly different, and it would be erroneous to think they have the same roles because of their equality. Men can't give birth to children, and women shouldn't be in authority over their husbands - the bible makes this clear.

Yes Married_Richenbrachen,

That is exactly what I mean. I feel as though I do not have the overall equal authority of men and that I should not seek it. Please forgive me for not clarifying myself.

I DO believe that I have been given the same forgiveness for my sins as any man. That I do believe is equal across both sexes.

Sunny

Of course.........

Yet, if you and your husband subscribe to the words of Jesus, are you not ONE FLESH? Meaning ONE? If so, then equality, or inequality on a spiritual level should not enter into the picture should it?

Now, as often happens, folks rush to turn such discussion towards men vs. women in the Church........when had they read and understood the OP, they would see that I was referring to the equality of men and women with respect to social issues such as equal pay for equal labor.

While we should REJOICE in the differences that allow us to become ONE FLESH, should we not expect that men and women (within our earthly society) receive equal considerations?

Example: Both you and your husband are working as (insert whatever occupation you wish). Both you and your husband are equally capable, and equally productive at your labor. Yet your employer determines that your husband will be compensated a certain amount for his capabilities/productivity (oh, say $20.00 an hour), but YOU, because you are a woman, will only be compensated $14.00 an hour, simply because you are a woman. Doesn't matter that you are just as capable and productive as your husband, you are a woman.

Now, back to spirituality. You certainly do have equal standing in Christ, but there are those who will and do disagree with you. You do know that don't you? If you have equal standing in Christ, how are you not equal? ???

Physically different? Yes, and thank God for that.........Spiritually different? That's for you to determine I suppose.

God bless.........

(anyone actually read the OP and the Article referenced? Might help to understand.........just saying)

Of course, we are equal.Bible says that God created Eve to help Adam. Help with what? Cleaning & cooking? Help like whom? Certainly not as a slave or servant. That wouldn't make man happy! Something will be missing in that kindrelationship.Don't we enjoy hanging out with people with whom we have something in common. Don't we flock together with the ones having same feather like ours? Being courteous & friendly with people is different from being a friend. We have to be at par on some level to enjoy someone's companionship.Men & women are equal but different in many ways. The differences defines us and makes it interesting.Stronger people are capable of unconditional love, tremendous ability to submit & exercise patience.... and then perseverance. Women can't be inferior as most of them possess these trait. Commonsense.I think women get mad at men for expecting to submit though they don't love them like Jesus loves the Church. When there is perfect love, this problem will disappear.

I believe a person is only as equal as they feel.

Actually, I don't believe in equal pay for equal work. Why? Because women have so many more responsibilities outside of the workplace. Women are the primary caregivers to their kids and therefore require more time off of work. Then, of course, there is maternity leave. So, truly, if my hubby and I were working the exact same job, I would expect that he would get paid more because he would be more committed to the position/company.

Sexist of me, right? Right. I am sexist. I STRONGLY believe in the different roles of the genders.

This does NOT extend, however, to basic human rights. In that, we should all be equal. I realize there are places where that is not true, and that is very sad. There are many cultures in which women do not have the same basic rights as men, and that is wrong.

I enjoy submitting to my husband. He loves me so much that if I saw that he needed a floor mat, I would become it with out a problem. do I stand abuse? No. Am I demeaned? Not by my husband. We agree that a woman ought to be at home if they are married and be a Prov. 31 wife. they should be treated equal. we also agree that if there are financial struggles then maybe the best recourse is for both the husband and wife to get a job. Otherwise she should be home. My fellow women can look down on me if they want but maybe they should read Proverbs 31.10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A woman like this uses her own materials to make things worthy of sale, wear, or trade. She buys the groceries.She gets up early and gets things going: breakfast, etc. She buys real estate to til and plant and harvest to feed the household during the winter. She doesn't let herself go, she watches how she eats and exercises. she checks not only the stuff that she has bought but also the quality of the stuff she intends to sell; she stays up late to complete her duties. She makes absolute sure that everyone and everything in the house is properly prepared for winter. she clothes her Family in the finest clothing she can get/make. she has a business out of her home. she ABOVE ALL fears and follows God and His wisdom. She makes sure that things run smooth in the house and is not lazy.

She does ALL these things in order that her husband can go and learn the things of God and return and teach the household. The feminist movement and husbands that didn't love their wives ruined the the truly virtuous position of a woman. They make Stay at home moms out to be lazy and fat and ugly. A lot of working women look down on them, like having a paying job makes them somehow superior. In truth, Stay at Home moms and House Wives have it best, especially if they have a loving God fearing husband.Here is a blog post I apologize in advance for the strong language but this shows exactly what I'm talking about. “You’re a stay-at-home mom? What do you DO all day?” | The Matt Walsh Blog[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] [/FONT]

Women Are Paid Less Than Men Not Because of Discrimination


[video=youtube;IMkDEe8ypfU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMkDEe8ypfU[/video]


It wasn't me!

But the...

But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.

Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, He began to question them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest. Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them, “Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me.”


What HE said!

This sounds like you're pushing for socialism to me, if only indirectly. In a free market, an employee is paid what is agreed with his employer. If men are able to bargain better than women, or are better workers so are more in demand, this means the employer will be prepared to pay them more, right? This has nothing to do with equality, or even "equal pay for equal work".

I've seen many women in the workplace, and I know my wife works harder than all these women being a wife and a mother for our family. What I hate is that I am taxed more to subsidise such women, who neither work as hard as me nor my wife. The result is that hard-working wives and mothers who stay at home to provide for their families get even less. If you want to improve "equal pay for equal work", I suggest combating the socialism/communism that is spreading through society like a cancer.

Woman and men deserve equal respect
im from a bit of a feminist background as the men in my life have not deserved respect and really dont deserve to be called men. but thats another topic
The bible clearly shows that woman are precious and that it takes a good man to get a good wife.
my mums says woman can do anything a man can do which is mostly true !!! But we shouldnt have to

Stay at home mums deserve prizes !! i may nt agree with everythign o took from your message but i definitely respect ehre you are coming from and admire you <3

Thank you so much that is the sweetest thing! God Bless you. <3

You contradict yourself...........seriously......either that or you do not understand the concept of "equal pay for equal work." Don't know which.......and no, your comment isn't sexist in my opinion, but, rather, not understanding the concept of equal pay for equal work.......for what you are suggesting is not "equal" work. It is "less equal" work by the woman, and, in that instance, I would understand a "lesser" compensation.

Equal means equal.......odd that you want to "part and parcel" equality based on your beliefs......now, many, many people do that, so you are not alone......but either "equal" means "equal" or it doesn't.

Saved means saved......or no?

How far do we go with "part and parceling" equality? Only as far as you say?

Just saying............when people impose their "standards of equality" on others, they do err in my opinion.........Either equal means equal, or it doesn't...........

Shrimp..........your comments contradict themselves, and the comments of others here.......especially those you highlighted in green.......don't know if you realize that or not........

Let me say however, if this is what you believe, and you are satisfied, God bless ya and hold fast to what you believe. Just don't insist that everyone toe the line you have drawn for your life........