The Radical Attitude of the Historical Jesus Towards Women Cover Image

A történeti Jézus radikális viszonyulása a nőkhöz
The Radical Attitude of the Historical Jesus Towards Women

Author(s): Szabolcs Czire
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Biblical studies
Published by: Erdélyi Unitárius Egyház
Keywords: Jesus; women; radicalism; Jewish tradition; equality; women disciples; “daughter of Abraham”

Summary/Abstract: During the first century women’s status and freedom was strictly limited by Jewish law and custom. And there is no attempt within the gospel and later the New Testament traditions to feature the role of women. Th erefore, the high number of references to women in the Jesus tradition is historically intriguing in itself. It shows unmistakably that Jesus’ attitude towards women can certainly be called radical or revolutionary.We find several specifi c references to women disciples. We see Jesus addressing women directly while in public. Contrary to the rabbis and other teachers of the day, we see him using illustrations of his teaching, where women are presented as positive spiritual examples and role models. We see Jesus defending women before hostile religious leaders and a furious multitude, and using the unheard phrase “daughter of Abraham”. We see a Jesus who extends honor and respect to all women. He teaches that women are men’s equals in the sight of God, and they also can receive God’s forgiveness and love. We see a Jesus who never treats an individual woman as merely a member of a class of people, but as a person in her own right, assuming that they are a part of Israel and are sharing in the new reality of the Kingdom of God.

  • Issue Year: 122/2016
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 19-38
  • Page Count: 20
  • Language: Hungarian