Despite pronounced and lingering patriarchy and the contemptuous treatment of women as well as their contributions to the society and virtually all human endeavours, studies have proven women’s enormous contribution to humanity and divinity. Descriptively and objectively, this study appraises women’s enormous contributions to the Church, particularly in the New Testament era as well as in relation to the contemporary era. God, knowing woman more than man can ever attempt, created Eve for Adam’s companionship, help, support and procreation and chose Mary Blessed virgin to be the mother of Jesus. The most distinct role the woman had played to divinity is her conception, carrying and bringing of God the son, Jesus Christ, to the earth for the redemption of mankind. This study has found that women contributed enormously to apostolic work in the New Testament in several ways. It recommends that it is high time we devoted more literature and other forms of arts appreciation to women, past and present, rather than playing down such roles. There is need to appreciate women for whatever role they have played right from the beginning of Christ’s ministry through His disciples’ apostolic work to the present Church’s activities, well being/fare, growth and development. The study is anchored on the modernisation feminism theory, which rejects patriarchy. Qualitative approach, text-content analysis and both primary and secondary sources of data collation are employed. Several library print materials and the internet sources make up the secondary data sources, while interview, observation and intuition form the primary sources.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
Perspectives on Women
Women in the New Testament
Conclusion
Recommendations
References
Objectives & Core Themes
The primary objective of this research is to objectively appraise the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions of women to the Church and apostolic work during the New Testament era and their relevance to contemporary society. By challenging patriarchal interpretations that have historically diminished the role of women, the study aims to validate their spiritual, physical, and leadership contributions.
- Analysis of women's historical and spiritual roles in the New Testament ministry.
- Evaluation of the impact of patriarchal structures on the perception of women in the Church.
- Application of modernisation feminism to advocate for gender equality and recognition.
- Examination of biblical accounts highlighting women as active participants in Christ’s mission.
- Recommendations for achieving gender role balance in modern religious and social institutions.
Excerpt from the Book
Women in the New Testament
In the genealogy of Jesus, some women are mentioned viz: (i) Tamar, mother of Perez and Zerah; (ii) Rahab, mother of Boaz; (iii) Ruth, Obed’s mother; (iv) Solomon’s mother was the woman who had been Uriah’s wife; (v) Mary, Joseph’s wife, the mother of Jesus (see Mathew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38). Man’s redemption was made manifest through woman, one of the aforementioned women, Mary, Blessed Mother, ever virgin. This is revealed as given below:
Mary [the mother of Jesus Christ] was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. Joseph was a man who did who did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” Now all this happened in order to make what the Lord had said through the prophet come true: “A virgin will be pregnant and have a son, and he will be called Immanuel” (which means, “God is with us”) (Matt. 1:18-23; Lk 2:1-7). ‘...He [Joseph] went [for census in Bethlehem] to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him [citizenship by marriage –registration]. She was pregnant, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger– there was no room for them to stay in the inn’ (Lk 2:5-7).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the ongoing discourse regarding women's roles in the New Testament Church, arguing that historical patriarchal bias has often obscured their active contributions.
Theoretical Framework: This section anchors the study in modernisation feminism, which argues that gender roles are culturally determined and therefore subject to change in favor of equality.
Perspectives on Women: This chapter examines various sociological and religious definitions of womanhood, highlighting how cultural attitudes across different societies have influenced the treatment and recognition of women.
Women in the New Testament: This section provides a detailed biblical analysis of women, such as Mary and the Canaanite woman, demonstrating their pivotal roles in the ministry of Jesus and the early Church.
Conclusion: This chapter synthesises the study's findings, reiterating that women have been essential participants in human and divine endeavors and must be recognized without gender prejudice.
Recommendations: This chapter offers practical suggestions for the Church and society to correct historical stereotypes and foster an environment of appreciation and equality for women.
References: This section lists the scholarly works and primary sources that support the arguments presented throughout the research.
Keywords
Women, Contribution, Appraising, Apostolic work, New Testament, Patriarchy, Feminism, Church history, Gender equality, Modernisation, Theology, Biblical women, Ministry, Social development
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on appraising the significant contributions of women to apostolic work and the Church, challenging the traditional, often dismissive, view of their roles in the New Testament.
What are the primary themes discussed in this work?
The themes include the historical subjugation of women through patriarchal structures, the theological reassessment of women's biblical roles, and the advocacy for gender equality in contemporary religious and social life.
What is the ultimate research objective?
The primary goal is to provide a descriptive and objective appraisal of women’s contributions to humanity and divinity, advocating for their proper recognition in both historical and modern contexts.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The study utilizes a qualitative approach, incorporating text-content analysis along with primary data sources like observations and interviews, and secondary sources such as library print materials and internet resources.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The main body examines biblical evidence of women's active participation in Christ's ministry, the impact of cultural patriarchy on Church doctrine, and the necessity of shifting toward gender-inclusive perspectives.
Which keywords best describe this study?
The work is characterized by keywords such as Women, Apostolic work, New Testament, Patriarchy, Feminism, and Church history.
How does the author characterize the role of women in the New Testament resurrection story?
The author highlights the symbolic and pivotal role of women like Mary Magdalene, who were the first to witness the resurrection and communicate the message to the apostles.
What argument does the author make regarding the "Gospel of Mary"?
The author argues that the rejection of scriptures written by women, such as the Gospel of Mary, by the canonization team was primarily due to gender bias rather than theological necessity.
What does the study suggest about the "Chewa culture" in relation to women?
The study notes that the Chewa culture in Malawi was historically matriarchal, where women were accorded high respect and seen as co-creators of life, before these structures were disrupted by colonial influence.
- Citation du texte
- Odey Robert (Auteur), 2017, Appraising women's contribution to apostolic work in the New Testament, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/354641
