Resolved: Paul’s Views of Women Were Not Oppressive

     I took "Introduction to the New Testament" a couple of semesters ago and every week we had to look at different topics and decide to argue one side. 

          Paul had complicated opinions of women.  Were they oppressive?  I do not believe so.

          In Galatians 3:28, it is written, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”  This passage suggests equality between the sexes.  It suggests that all are equal in the eyes of the Lord.

          In 1 Corinthians 11:11-12, it is written, “In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman.  For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.”  This, again, suggests equality.  However, in 1 Corinthians 11:7, it is written “A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.”  This seems to give authority to the man over the woman.

          I believe that Paul’s views of women were complicated.  He seems to believe that she is equal in God’s eyes, and equally able to receive salvation just as easily as a man may attain it.  However, he seems to believe she has a different role on earth.  He seems to think that because she was created to be man’s companion, she must be under his authority.  While she is to be saved also, she has a different role.