The Bible was written in patriarchal societies yet it has never been misogynistic. It believes that men are primarily the 'leaders' of the family and the church. On the other hand, it advocates equal rights, women empowerment even.
1 Peter 3:1 says, "In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands." Husbands are given the authority in the family setting. Wives are to carry out familial duties with respect to their partner's dispensation. This is a design that even those with unbelieving husbands are to observe. Pure and reverent lives of women win men to Christ. If one would take a look, it is nevertheless a paradox. The same submission is actually power. The potentiality to influence a man lies on the one who does the submission.
In verse 3-4, it states "Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God"
Misinterpretations of verse 3 goes to the extremes of enforcing that Christian women SHOULD NOT wear make up, jewelry, fine clothes. Clearly, the verse is simply saying women SHOULD NOT BE MORE CONCERNED with those things than what really matters -the heart.
Such is empowering in the sense that the Bible does NOT merely see women as aesthetic creatures.
Women are with souls.
Women are souls.
The Bible encourages women to see themselves beyond what the eyes meet. The Bible roots for women and their possible contribution to the kingdom of God.
Verse 7 says, "In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered."
Men are called to lead families. However, they must honor their wives. Pauline epistles commands men to love them. It's true than women are weaker in some areas than men. In such differences, understanding and equality should nonetheless be the proper treatment. God sees women so special than dealing with them with harshness and disrespect hinders prayers!
Given the line of argument presented above, one could not consider himself as Christian if he sees women as insignificant dolls. Women are important to God and must be considered as so.
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