Is the Bible Sexist

QUESTION: Is the Bible sexist?

ANSWER:

There has been much controversy on whether or not the Bible is sexist. It is not. God loves the entire human race and sent His Son Jesus to die for the sins of every individual. His crucifixion on the cross was not for a particular race, specified nation, or gender; He sacrificed ultimately for the sins of the whole world.

The Bible is God's divinely inspired word to this world. In it He expresses love to "all that hath ears to hear." In Acts 10:34 Peter says "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism."

When the Bible reads "man," that word is sometimes used in reference to "mankind" or to the "human species." To substantiate this is Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Man and wife are to love and respect each other. They are to submit to each other as the church does to Christ. The Bible can be used as a blueprint for life with complete instructions on what it takes to have a godly marriage and raise respectful, productive children.

Often the people of the Bible were instructed on caring for widows and the elderly - being benevolent to all people. There are many women and men in the Bible and throughout history who are given as examples of how God can (and does) use anyone who is willing and obedient to serve Him.

One of the most misunderstood verses in the Bible is Paul's instruction to the church of Corinth. He says their women should keep silent in church and direct any questions to their husbands at home. This verse was directed to that particular church since the women in that church were being disruptive to the church.

There were many great women in the Bible including Ruth, Esther, Deborah, and Mary. There were women used in ministry such as Phoebe and Pricilla. All believers, including men, are referred to as the "Bride of Christ." Clearly the Bible demonstrates that Jesus died for all, God loves all, and He will use anyone willing to be used to promote the gospel. We encourage you to read more about the Bible.