This is really just a primer for another topic I wish to post in the future ; "The Genesis Curse". I was asked about it by 'Saved' on 'Victory's' topic post and explained it very poorly. In reading other posts and looking for the proper words for a good and accurate explanation, the word 'independent' surfaced repeatedly. This "proud independent woman" is a result of the Genesis curse. The Woman who declares her independence is deluded. So is the man, however you don't hear Men proudly declaring their independence much. In fact the saying goes for Men is : "No Man is a island"
However in the last days what is evil will be called "good", this is just the case in our modern society where independence is thought of as a good thing, independent from one another, independent from God, Women being independent from Men. Even now it is growing popular for Women to retain their own name when married, ie : independence. What is next? Perhaps coming up with a new gender name that doesn't have 'male' or 'man' in it as does 'female' and 'woman'
We are to be inter-dependent, which requires submission. Submission, yet another word villainized by the modern independent woman. In the last days what is good will be called 'evil'
When I hear or read some women say even some christian women say "I`independent" or "I want a man, I don`t need a man," those are usually red flags for me.
I think they say it not to come off as needy or dependent, not realizing most men don`t like to hear that.
Agreed! A big part for me is to be needed - not needed as in food or oxygen, but needed as in a child needs their parents; to know I make a difference.
I met a Christian woman on another dating site many years ago. She made it clear she didn't need a man around either for her or her son, and loved to show off her independence.
Sadly, I get the feeling she was putting her past experiences up as a wall - no idea if she ever found someone or wrote off dating altogether.
A woman shouldn't be any more independent than any God-loving man should be. That said, if it's fine for Paul to remain single and childless to better serve the Lord, then there is no casting stones at a woman who wants the same.
God made Eve in His image too, and He made her from a rib from Adam's side, that they should be side-by-side in their relationship. Not from a piece of his skull that she should rule over man, but neither did He make her from a bone of his toe, that she should be underneath him.
Let's look at 1 Colossians 1:18-20. In English the word "submission" implies a relationship with a superior and an inferior, but the word which Paul used in the original Greek did not carry such an implication. He commanded wives to hupotassomai their husbands and for husbands to agapao their wives. These two words are synonymous and basically have the same meaning - to put someone else's needs above your own. In contrast the next verse, when commanding children to obey (ypako�oun) their parents, the word obey implies someone being in authority, and the other being "submissive" (in the English usage). Paul could have used this word in commanding women, but he purposefully did not. Any man who thinks he should "rule over" woman like a child is not adhering to the teaching of Scripture. The Lord has clearly commanded that both genders treat the other as being greater than oneself.
However, this typically does not happen, which is why women feel the need to assert their "independence" more than men. Men are respected by virtue of being men, but women do not always get the equality they deserve. I do NOT believe that telling a boyfriend she doesn't need him is the way to go about this. Nonetheless, there is no need to cast stones at a gender who is only trying get the respect God made her to have. No, she is not independent from God, from man, friends, everything God made her to thrive with. She needs man as much as he needs her. But no less, is the point that should be made. God made us all equal.
Neb I agree with what your saying, however in Authoritythe househlod husband and wife have different responsibilities they are not equal.
In Ephesians 5 :23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Thats where submission comes in. It`s the husbands responsibliity to have the Mission for the household under the authority of Christ. And the wife is to Sub(mission) to that.
