Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

“I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall give rise to nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” vs. 16

Not that many years ago publishing companies that specialized in producing curriculum for Sunday Schools were careful not to include too many stories about women. They didn’t want to offend the men who made decisions in congregations or undermine the patriarchal systems that governed nearly all denominations. It was simply understood that men should be in charge of anything having to do with faith! It’s puzzling that such a system could come to dominate thinking among both Jews and Christians, when Genesis plainly indicates that God’s covenant was made with both Abraham and Sarah, and the identical blessing was given to each. We can be grateful that those cultural prejudices which have grown up through the years, and resulted in the subjugation of women, are being set aside in many of our denominations and congregations. Not only does the old patriarchal system not work in modern society, it’s a gross misunderstanding of the new life we have in Christ Jesus. As Paul put it so well in his letter to the Galatians: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” There is still a lot of change needed–many men are reluctant to relinquish their favored status–but at least we seem to be moving in the right direction.

Thought for the Day: Why is patriarchy so firmly embedded in our culture?