In recent times, many words have been spent extolling women to strive for godliness by leading quiet lives that are supportive to the male leadership over them. Barbara Hughes, in Disciplines of a Godly Woman, states that ‘submission is yielding to the authority of another’ and that ‘all believers, men and women’ should undertake it.[1] To emphasise her point, Hughes goes on to say that ‘bringing our lives into submission to His will in everything is the key to being a godly woman’.[2] The question then is, how does this submission play itself out in the interactions of men and women, particularly in relation to the church? For Hughes, the church and the teachings of submissive learning are just another part of aligning oneself with the truth of God’s Word and submitting to his rule. She states, ‘Godly women who are committed to submitting to God’s order and rule must come with open hearts to the New Testament teaching about a woman’s behaviour in the family of God’.[3] Hughes recognises how hard the commands in 1 Timothy 2 can be for modern women but firmly believes that they should be accepted as they are.[4]
Seminars and books on godliness for women regularly use prominent women in the Bible as examples. These examples are often chosen for a particular aspect of the woman’s character; whether it is Mary’s humbleness, Hannah’s persistence, Esther’s courage, or Ruth’s trust. Deborah, in particular, is often cited as an example for Christian women to follow. She is a prophetess and judge of Israel, in Judges 4-5, and is often praised for her willingness to trust in God and obey His commands. However, as prophetess and judge, Deborah holds a position of authority and exerts leadership over Barak and the nation of Israel. This appears to be in direct contrast to the ‘submissive and supportive’ role women are encouraged to take today. As such, this project will attempt to discover whether Deborah is an appropriate role model for women today.
When considering the concept of female submission within the church, theologians have found themselves on both sides of the issue. The divisions can be traced right back to differing interpretations of Genesis, and so chapter 2 will discuss the effects of the fall on the equality of humanity and the order of creation. A brief overview of both sides of the issue will be presented and the theological impact of siding with each of the viewpoints will be discussed.
Women are included in many of the stories of Israel’s history, both in the positive and negative, highlighting their position alongside men in God’s plan for his people. In chapter 3, this project will consider the role of women throughout the Biblical narrative from Creation to New Creation. Consideration of Deborah’s place and role in the Biblical narrative will also be included.
In both the Old and New Testaments there are specific instructions concerning the way women should behave and dress. Some of the instructions are considered to only have significance for society at the time given and thus not necessary for women to abide by today. An overview of these instructions will be presented, in chapter 4, as well as identification of which instructions are often dismissed as cultural. In light of the outline of a godly woman, this chapter will consider who Deborah is and what can be learnt about the godliness of her character.
Finally, in chapter 5, consideration will be given to how these descriptions and instructions fit within the framework of unity within the body of Christ.
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