Many people in history have twisted Scripture to fit their own ideas - perverse or otherwise. Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 is a prime illustration of this fact. Twenty people were killed because of a feared association with witchcraft. We've recently seen an example of this in the news with the supposed "Rapture" on May 21, 2011. There is nothing that people are more willing to believe than the Bible, even if it's merely someone's interpretation. And Scripture has been used, time and time again, to abuse and mistreat women.
In my opinion, this is one of the greatest injustices blamed on God's Word, but I can see how it can be confusing. There are many instances in the Bible in which women seem to matter less and be valued less than men. Those who tyrannize women use verses like I Peter 3:7 (wherein women are described as the weaker vessels) to justify their mistreatment of the women in their lives.
I have always felt that this is a gross misinterpretation of God's love, but I never knew how I could prove it. I was in a bookstore a year ago when I came across a version of the Torah that included commentary by a Jewish scholar. It suddenly dawned on me: how could I possibly comprehend a book that wasn't written for me!
Now, before everyone complains that the Bible is for all believers at all times (which I know!), let me clarify. The Old Testament was penned by Jewish men for the people of Israel. Although God knew that it would one day become the definitive book for Jesus-followers, those men didn't. It is full of the history, culture, and traditions of the Jewish people. How can I understand that with my thoroughly modern, Western mindset? This scholar would have much more insight into the Jewish culture than I ever could.
That day, I began a journey of discovery that still continues. I don't know how many people read this blog, but I'd like to share my findings with you. I can't promise you that I'll understand everything in the Bible. I can't promise that everything I say will be correct. And I can't promise that everything I say is from the Lord. I can only give you my opinions, thoughts, and views.
This is the beginning of a series I'd like to call "God's Daughters."
