In the previous two posts on this subject we have considered excerpts from Democracy in America by Alexis De Tocqueville. What Tocqueville observed, however, has been the work of centuries. In fact, the equality of the sexes that we see today is still relatively new, and we are still trying to adapt the values of our society to make it work.
When did this movement towards equality between the sexes begin? When did men and women first begin to consider the possibility that each should consider the other as equals? I believe Western Civilization began that process with the formation of Judaism and that it took the birth of Jesus and the rise Christianity provide the force necessary to solidify the concept.
Nevertheless, we should not confuse the Christian viewpoint with a political viewpoint. Neither Jesus nor His apostles advocated for women’s rights. Jesus and His apostles had a more important concern, the salvation of souls.
To understand the Christian perspective, consider how John Wesley expressed his attitude towards women’s equality in a sermon over two hundred years ago. Wesley, modeling Christ, concerned himself with the salvation of souls. To strengthen and give substance to their Christian faith, Wesley wanted women as well as men to have the opportunity to follow the example of Jesus Christ. Below, for example, is an excerpt from a sermon given by Wesley on May 23, 1786. Here Wesley argues that women be allowed and even encouraged to attend to the needs of the sick.
7. “But may not women, as well as men, bear a part in this honourable service?” Undoubtedly they may; nay, they ought; it is meet, right, and their bounden duty. Herein there is no difference; “there is neither male nor female in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).” Indeed it has long passed for a maxim with many, that “women are only to be seen, not heard.” And accordingly many of them are brought up in such a manner as if they were only designed for agreeable playthings! But is this doing honour to the sex? Or is it a real kindness to them? No; it is the deepest unkindness; it is horrid cruelty; it is mere Turkish barbarity. And I know not how any woman of sense and spirit can submit to it. Let all you that have it in your power assert the right which the God of nature has given you. Yield not to that vile bondage any longer. You, as well as men, are rational creatures. You, like them, were made in the image of God; you are equally candidates for immortality; you too are called of God, as you have time, to “do good unto all men.” Be “not disobedient to the heavenly calling.” Whenever you have opportunity, do all the good you can, particularly to your poor, sick neighbour. And every one of you likewise “shall receive your own reward, according to your own labour.”
8. It is well known, that, in the primitive Church, there were women particularly appointed for this work. Indeed there was one or more such in every Christian congregation under heaven. They were then termed Deaconesses, that is, servants; servants of the Church, and of its great Master. Such was Phebe, (mentioned by St. Paul, Romans 16:1) “a Deaconess of the Church of Cenchrea.” It is true, most of these were women in years, and well experienced in the work of God. But were the young wholly excluded from that service? No: Neither need they be, provided they know in whom they have believed; and show that they are holy of heart, by being holy in all manner of conversation. Such a Deaconess, if she answered her picture, was Mr. Law’s Miranda. Would anyone object to her visiting and relieving the sick and poor, because she was a woman; nay, and a young one too? Do any of you that are young desire to tread in her steps? Have you a pleasing form, an agreeable address? So much the better, if you are wholly devoted to God. He will use these, if your eye be single, to make your words strike the deeper. And while you minister to others, how many blessings may redound into your own bosom! Hereby your natural levity may be destroyed; your fondness for trifles cured; your wrong tempers corrected; your evil habits weakened, until they are rooted out; and you will be prepared to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in every future scene of life. Only be very wary, if you visit or converse with those of the other sex, lest your affections be entangled, on one side or the other, and so you find a curse instead of a blessing.
(from On Visiting the Sick By John Wesley Sermon 98 (text from the 1872 edition)
Let’s look again at Galatians 3:28 in context.
Galatians 3:26-29 (Today’s New International Version)
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Because God sees us as equals, men began to see women as their equals. Because pastors wanted women as well as men to have the opportunity to serve as the hands and feet of Christ, they worked to transform attitudes. In time, our laws began to change, and so it is that in our time the rights of men and women have equal weight.
