I have written elsewhere that I am opposed to efforts to re-translate Scriptural references of man and mankind to gender neutral terms. Please read my article, The Image of God in Man, to understand my reasons why. Though recently, upon further reflection, I wondered if it wouldn't be useful for the politically correct to gain ground for gender equality in the arena of theological terms.
For example, the doctrine of the depravity of man has been examined inside and out for centuries, without equal time on the depravity of woman. I say this facetiously because we all understand that the doctrine of the depravity of man does include both genders, all races, and all ages of people. However, since we do have the magnifying glass on woman for now let’s consider a Scripture on woman and sin.
This is of particular interest to me because, though at one time my social interactions were almost solely limited to the discipleship of college men, now God has lead me to marry a woman, given me three daughters, and blessed me to be the only man in an office of five women. Don't tell me God doesn't have a sense of humor!
Thus poised consider this zinger of Scripture from Paul.
11) Let a woman learn in quietness with full submission. 12) But I don't permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. 13) For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14) Adam wasn't deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; 15) but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.1 Timothy 2:11-15 (WEB)
Wow.
Now that cuts against every grain in modern culture. First, we see that God does not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man. I believe the focus of this command speaks to the realm of Christian authority, the family and the church, and so may not include business or government. Second, we see that Adam was not deceived, but Eve. This does not mean Adam did not sin. Rather Adam sinned with full knowledge and his eyes open, whereas Eve was misled. Third, we see that Eve also sinned. This fact can actually be of some encouragement. A fellow who is all too well acquainted with his own sin when facing conflict with women may be inclined to think that all the fault is his. He may reason, "certainly a creature so beautiful, attractive, and smooth of speech could not be a sinner." However, this is not the case at all as our study reveals.
The corruption of sin extends to man and woman, ugly and beautiful, smart and dumb, black and white, young and old. Only with God's grace can Christian men and women consider one another compassionately as fellow soldiers in the fight against sin. The fact of woman's sin is also quite important to the young man ready to marry the beautiful woman on his arm. He should marry, but also be reminded that he and his beauty possess enough sin together to destroy one other. They would be wise to ask God to be with them every step of the way.
Lastly we also see that God urges women to be "saved" through raising children. Obviously this does not mean that women are justified before God by the work of raising children. Women are saved by God's grace, just the same as men. Instead, God is saying that if women want to be saved from a fruitless Christian life they should pursue marriage and motherhood. Sometimes God does place a special call on a woman away from marriage or motherhood. If so there are tons of places to serve Christ within his family. However, this Scripture reminds us that marriage and motherhood is a very great purpose and honor for women. Praise God that even though women also suffer from a depraved sinful nature that God loves them and has redeemed them to wonderful purposes... just as men.
