PRESENTATION OUTLINE
The role of women in the Bible and in the Catholic Church
We are learning how to identify different books and text types in the Old and New Testament; use the Bible’s referencing system to locate books, people, places, events and objects in the Bible.
We are using different texts including the the wisdom of St Paul and investigate experiences of different communities including the Jewish communities in first century Palestine, early Church communities in Australia (c. 1788 CE - c. 1850 CE) and contemporary Church communities to connect ideas about the significance of community for Christians.
Why do you think we are learning about this?
How will I know if I've been successful today in my learning?
Old Testament
What role did women play in ancient Israel?
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- Participated in all aspects of community life except becoming a priest
- Women were traders, managed real estate
- Women worked cooking, creating clothing, spinning, weaving
- Women led prayer in the family
- Women like Miriam in Exodus led the women of Israel in prayer
- Deborah was a judge and a prophet
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- Women were not usually able to read or write
- They were not usually independent - relying on their father/husband/other males
New Testament
What do we hear about women living Palestine at the time of Jesus?
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- What do we think about the place of women in society at the time of Jesus from some of the stories we hear?
Some Women Accompany Jesus
Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
The Early Church
What can we learn about the role of women in the Early Church from the letter of St Paul?
From a letter by St Paul to the Romans
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. The God of peace be with all of you.Amen.
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf, that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my ministry to Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God’s will I may I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
What is the role of women in the Catholic Church today?
