The Woman Dethroned by Christianity

                                                                             

Eve and Her Divine Attributes

Introduction

Did you know that when God created woman, He adorned her with 24 queenly attributes to place her on the throne of the universe? However, dissidents of Judaism appropriated the Hebrew Scriptures, modified them, and, in defiance of the divine command, erased or distorted these attributes to dethrone woman, crown man, and, under his reign, give rise to Christianity.

In these articles, we will analyze how the attributes granted to women were gradually eliminated and distorted until she was degraded and minimized in Christian society.

1. Beauty (Yafi)

Eve was created as the manifestation of perfect beauty, not only physical but also internal, reflecting the harmony between body and soul. She symbolized the perfection of creation, as her entire being harmonized physical, spiritual, and emotional qualities.

With the development of Christian thought, female beauty was viewed with skepticism. Theologians such as Saint Augustine (354-430) and Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) considered women more susceptible to temptation, leading to the association of female beauty with lust. The idea was promoted that women should cover their bodies and minimize their attractiveness to avoid "inducing sin" in men. Thus, female beauty lost its divine character and became a moral threat.

2. Wisdom (Jojmá)

Eve was created with divine wisdom, being a recipient of knowledge and a source of understanding. This wisdom enabled her to comprehend God’s will and guide humanity on its spiritual path.

However, with the creation and self-serving interpretation of "original sin," Eve came to be seen as a weak figure, prone to intellectual and moral error. Saint Augustine taught that women were more susceptible to error by nature. From this perspective, Eve’s wisdom was manipulated, portraying her as defenseless against sin. As a result, women’s participation in intellectual and theological spheres was restricted, imposing on them the role of obedience rather than that of a teacher (1 Timothy 2:12).

3. Grace (Jen)

Eve, full of grace, attracted divine mercy toward herself and her descendants. Her grace was an expression of divine compassion and her special relationship with God.

Christianity weakened this connection by associating women with "impurity" and "temptation." The connection to the divine was considered exclusive to men, relegating women to a worldly plane. Female grace was reinterpreted as submission, exalting those women who sacrificed themselves and submitted to men as an ideal of holiness.

4. Strength (Guevurá)

Eve was endowed with inner strength to withstand adversity and protect her offspring. Her strength was not only physical but also emotional and spiritual.

Christianity replaced this image with that of a fragile and dependent woman. The notion of "female weakness" (1 Peter 3:7) was promoted, reducing the perception of women’s strength to their ability to endure suffering with resignation.

5. Honor (Kavod)

Eve was created with intrinsic honor, reflecting her special status before God as the mother of humanity.

Throughout Christian history, original sin was used to justify female inferiority. Saint Augustine and Thomas Aquinas argued that Eve was a "defective" creature. As a consequence, women’s dignity became dependent on their sexual purity and marital submission.

6. Glory (Tehilá)

Eve, as a divine creation, reflected God’s glory in her being. Her role in creation was essential for the manifestation of divine majesty.

However, Christianity erased great female figures from history and excluded them from religious leadership, eliminating their glory from historical narratives.

7. Modesty (Tzniut)

Eve was endowed with modesty and humility, reflecting respect for God. This modesty was not limited to her external appearance but also extended to her internal attitude.

Christianity radicalized this concept to the point of rendering women almost invisible. Their dress and behavior were strictly regulated by the Church, eliminating their autonomy over their image and personal expression.

8. Kindness (Jesed)

Eve was a source of kindness, the foundation of her ability to care, teach, and comfort.

Christianity transformed this kindness into extreme self-sacrifice. Women were stereotyped as servants of men and the Church, exalting those who renounced themselves for others.

9. Peace (Shalom)

Eve was a symbol of peace and harmony between man, nature, and God.

Christianity imposed upon women the obligation to maintain peace in the home, even tolerating violence and abuse, as their subordination to men was considered absolute.

10. Joy (Simjá)

Eve represented divine joy and delight, a source of happiness for creation.

However, female joy was restricted to her role as a mother and wife. Her personal aspirations were minimized and even eradicated, as any pursuit of happiness outside these roles was considered sinful.

Conclusion

In biblical tradition, Eve is seen as a key figure in creation and in God’s plan for humanity. However, Christian leaders, from the early centuries and throughout the Middle Ages, reinterpreted her figure to justify male supremacy. Irenaeus of Lyon (130-202 AD) conceived "original sin," turning Eve into the cause of sin, which allowed patriarchal theology to relegate her from "companion" to "temptress."

To be continued...