Many assume Genesis is uncomplimentary of women. But it is not so; Genesis has a very high view of women.
Equals – Adam and Eve. PICTURE: From a stained glass windown in Saint-Julien Cathedral, Le Mans, France (Selbymay – licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/image cropped)
The first mention of females is to declare that they are made in the image of God. They are given the same place and care over the earth as men.
Eve is declared the only suitable equal to Adam, and by Genesis chapter three, Eve has become the responsible decision-maker.
She has the main part in the wrestle over good and evil with the snake. Adam is left in a bit part. Adam becomes conspicuous by his absence and the ease with which he accepts his wife’s decision.
Males might want to blame Eve for what went wrong, but that’s Adam’s mistake! Adam shares the blame.
Women are just as valuable in God’s world as men, even if that fact was soon forgotten.
Paul Clark’s musings can be heard on radio across Australia and at atthetop.org.au.
