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Women in the Bible and Science - Some Contradictions
Women in the Bible and Science - Some Contradictions
Ruy Miranda (He is not a religious person)
 Bible Quotes Science Info
We find some contradictions
in the theme woman in the Bible and in Science related
to the differences between men and women. Apparently,
there are also contradictions within the sacred text
itself. This can be clearly seen in the Old and New
Testaments, consequently involving the holy scriptures
of Jews and Christians alike.
Old Testament - In the Book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 27, we
read that man and woman were created in the image and likeness of God.
So God created man in His own image; in the image
of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Later, woman is described as being inferior to man. This message is
explicit in the words of God spoken to Moses in the Book of Leviticus,
chapter 27, verses 1-4.
Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
"Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: `When a man consecrates
by a vow certain person to the LORD, according to your valuation,
`If your valuation is of a male from twenty years old up to sixty years
old, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to
the shekel of the sanctuary.
`If it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels;
'
It would appear that this evaluation of the woman in the Bible has
something to do with one's physical strength in relation to work,
considering that, in verse 7 of the same Book, the tithes to be paid by
men and women, through the estimation of vows of the temple, decline sharply
when both have reached the age of sixty years or more.
`And if from sixty years old and above, if it is a male, then your
valuation shall be fifteen shekels, and for female ten shekels.'
Therefore, there are apparent contradictions:
-- Within the text itself.
-- Within the text in relation to our current knowledge.
Within the text itself - In the Book of Genesis, man and woman are equal
because both were created in the image and likeness of God. Yet, in the
Book of Leviticus, they are evaluated in very different ways.
Within the text in relation to our current knowledge - The comparison of
the text with our current knowledge can only be done in the fields of
sociology and biology because in the theological field, we are confronting
material that involves faith.
In His instructions to Moses, God clearly makes a distinction between man
and woman. If this distinction is based on the ability to work, the
creation once again surprises the Creator: today, in countries where women
have the opportunity to develop their potential, their performance is
identical to that of a man's and, in some areas, superior.
New Testament - In the New Testament, the most explicit and
vehement expression of woman's inferior position is found in the writings of the Apostle
Paul. Paradoxically, it was he who also imparted advice on the similarity
between man and woman.
The first position is found in citations made in the first epistle to the
Corinthians, specifically in chapter 11, verses 3, 5, 8-9, and 13 and
chapter 14, verse 34.
But I want you know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of
woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors
her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.
For man is not from woman, but woman from man.
Nor was man created for the woman, but woman for the man.
Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to
speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
The second position of the woman in the Bible, an instruction about
equality, is found in the epistle he wrote to the Galatians, specifically
in chapter 3, verse 28.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,
there is neither male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Science does not recognize women's inferiority in relation to men; biological differences have no part to play in moral judgments and social
differences. Then there are contradictions between science and the woman in
the Bible. On the other hand, the contradictions found in these sacred
texts still continue today in the religions that have adopted them. For example: The women are blocked en certain functions in the churches.
Bible and science diverge clearly in relation to the value of men and wome.
April, 2005
Updated December, 2005
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