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I think we shouldn't let secular, outmoded caste systems interfere with what God has created an individual to be and to do for His glory.

I think this passage is pretty clear, despite what the Catholic Church or fundamentalists try to tell us:

Joel 2:28-29

28 “And afterward,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams,
your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days.


I added emphasis to the bits that people tend to skip because it doesn't suit what they want to think.

The one thing I would say about people who have scriptures to back themselves up is always, ALWAYS look up the passage yourself and read the whole thing. Too many people have taken a single verse out of context to support something that is the opposite of what the Bible actually says. I have even encountered instances where the subject of a verse was left out so they could use it to support something that wasn't supported by an actual reading of the verse. I have encountered places where the subject of the verse has been implicitly replaced with another subject.

Always, ALWAYS read the scriptures for yourself. Have faith in God and get to know God.

I found this on the web but it's brilliant:

Headship does not mean being a breadwinner and boss with a slave wife staying at home. At least not in the Bible. In Proverbs 31 the noble wife works hard, makes goods, trades them for profit, and buys land. Her husband trusts her and has confidence in her. She is not trapped in a house, banned from having a career.

The Bible does not say that the husband is the head of the household like a dictator is the head of a country. He is the head like CHRIST is the head: putting others before himself, making even the most painful sacrifices for others, aiming to serve for the betterment of others. It's not the husband's judgment that runs the household, because he should be submitted to Christ. See Ephesians 5.

A man who abuses his wife is committing a sin against God. A man who bosses around his wife for his own personal benefit and comfort is committing a sin against God.

In Ephesians 5, God REQUIRES a husband to love and sacrifice for his wife. To do otherwise is a sin.

While our society and many others distorted what male headship means, don't think that God has. He holds men responsible for their actions.

I agree with storm. It is sad what some christians beleive, and the bible did not even say it. I know many friends who had abusive fathers, and the father always said that the bible says they are to rule over their house, and the wife does not have a say. It is really silly.

Honestly, I see society as wanting to be "male dominated" because all our presidents have been male. Sometimes men get offended or uncomfortable when they see a woman in charge of anything. A lot of people expect women to cook, clean, and raise the kids. In society, women normally get paid less than men doing the same exact job according to statistics. Society seems to assume a lot of time that we are the weaker ones that always need help with everything, can't be too independent, and can't always voice our own opinions because we don't know any better. I also find it incredibly stupid that men don't have to wear bras and have nipples, but when women wear bras and a n****e shows if we get cold then it's so dirty and indecent to others.

I believe being single and married changes these views significantly. In society, it seems like single women have some independence, but are often seen as trophies for men or something to look at. Other times, single women might be more intimidating to others. When women get married, society assumes that us women are supposed to be a housewives, used for sex by our husbands whenever our husbands need it, give massages to our husband after a long day of work, and make sure to do the cooking, cleaning, and raise the kids.

I don't agree with anti-women views in society. I believe that women are just as equal as men. If women weren't equal to men then I don't think God would have made woman from part of man. That shows our equality. I believe that society is dead wrong about gender roles, especially when they think men are better than women or even when someone may think women are better than men. We were made equal. We may look different and act different, but we are still equal. I don't believe these views are Biblical at all. There are plenty women in the Bible that have been given authority such as Deborah, Mary, Priscilla, etc. There were also women that followed Jesus and his apostles.

I believe that in the Bible according to actions that they refer to both genders unless specified otherwise. Sometimes people forget than "man" can mean everyone, but in other scriptures, it solely includes the man. Here are a few verses about equality between women and men:

Acts 2:17 KJV:

And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Galatians 3:28 KJV:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

There are plenty more, but those are a few that I believe hit the point pretty well.

Also, Proverbs 31:10 - 31 (A Woman of Noble Character) is a good read, too. It shows that a woman and man that are married should respect each other and both take care of the family.

A woman's role. Well some have men that are somewhat tolerant of the male role, like this guy I know Aaron. To sum him up fuse the woman's nature with him... most women would have a challenge with him because he don't lead nor like roles that make men stand out. How could you deal with a woman born inside a straight mans body as your husband? Plus he ignore people when expected to take the male lead, but leaves it to you the woman with no shame at all.