The Social Impact Of Women's Events Mentioned In The Bible

Abstract

This article examines the major events in the life of women in the Old and New Testament and the consequences these events had on society. The interest of this investigation revolves around the selected biblical women – Eve, Sarah, Hagar, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene with the aim of analyzing their position in the biblical stories and in relation to the wider community. The creation and the fall of Eve have influenced the perception of gender and human nature both in theology and the society leading to the creation of positive and negative stereotyping. Sarah’s faith story gives emphasis on the concepts of waiting on God and God’s promises whereas Hagar’s story of banishment and protection focuses on aspects of God’s acceptance and provision of care for the outcast. Mary, the mother of Jesus, symbolizes purity, obedience and a motherly figure- a model of a women in religious practices. [1]The roles of women in early Christianity can be considered as important as the readers see Mary Magdalene being transformed and becoming the first witness of Jesus’ resurrection. These stories brought light to the issues in gender roles; faith and survivals that has relevance to both the contemporary society and the early times. The article is therefore rallying people to take time and reconsider these stories so as to embrace their long-term impact towards changes of societal norms and values in order to have a biblical interpretation that reflects on equality.