Dignity of women – A Biblical Perspective

All throughout the human history women were deprived of their God given privileges. The ancient as well as the most modern societies distorted and degraded the dignity and honor of women-hood. Probably today, in this technically advanced modern era women are being used and abused more than in any time of the human history. John F MacArthur vividly narrates it in his book, “Twelve Extraordinary Women”. “Throughout the world, women are traded like animals for sexual slavery. In more “civilized” places, men routinely use women for no-consequence, no-commitment sex only to leave them pregnant, without care and support. Abortion rights groups aid and abet male selfishness and irresponsibility, and they “free” women to murder their unborn children. Women are left alone, emotionally scarred, financially destitute, and experientially guilty, ashamed, and abandoned. Where are the freedom, dignity, and honor in that?” Today the multi million porn industry thrives at the cost of women-hood. In the garb of freedom and feminism, the dignity of women is debased today. She will be lifted up to the place of honour and dignity only by assigning her God given role, in the family, Church, and society.

Many secular movements arose in the modern era to show their concern for women’s rights. For instance, the feminist movement of our time has devalued and defamed their God given feminine character instead of up lifting the status of woman. Women started occupying the places which were traditionally earmarked for men. They were sent to a combat situation, subjected to hard physical labour for which women are not fit. Meanwhile, feminism heaps scorn on women who want family and child care to be their priorities. Scripture honors women as women, and it encourages them to seek honor in a feminine way (Prov.31:10-30). It is not career but character that give them dignity and honor. More than “gender equality” Bible upholds feminine excellence and promotes their freedom, dignity, and honor.