The Importance of Women in Ancient Civilizations I

The Importance of Women in Ancient Civilizations I

Introduction

We continue our journey through different empires, searching for the values of women in those advanced civilizations of the past. We find that there too, women played a significant role, contributing to the greatness of those societies. We will explore ancient Sumer, Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and the Roman Empire, both before and after Christianity.

Women in Sumerian Civilization

The Sumerian civilization flourished in southern Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, around 4000 B.C. It was one of the first known civilizations in human history. The Sumerians were pioneers in many aspects of civilization, including cuneiform writing, urban planning, and the development of a complex social and political structure. They created independent city-states governed by kings, priests, and priestesses; Ur, Uruk, Lagash, Nippur, and Kish, among others.

The Importance of Women in Sumerian Society

In Sumerian society, women played a significant role and enjoyed rights and freedoms. They had access to education, owned and managed their property, participated in trade, and served as priestesses in temples dedicated to Sumerian deities, being considered intermediaries between the gods and humans. The priestesses gained great influence and power in society. Their contributions in the religious, economic, and cultural spheres left a lasting impact on history and laid the foundation for the subsequent development of Mesopotamian societies.

One of the most important aspects of women in that civilization was their access to leadership and command positions. Only women led the temples, and the leadership was always held by a woman who acted as a kind of high priestess, as they were considered the living incarnation of a goddess, representing the wife of the temple god. They had the authority to decide on wars or treaties, and as the reincarnation of a goddess, they bestowed power upon the governor or king.

Notable Women in Sumerian Civilization

Kubaba (2500 B.C.): She was a Sumerian queen who established a hundred-year reign (2500-2330 B.C.). She ruled in the city of Kish, exercising political and religious leadership with great firmness and wisdom, being worshiped as a deity. She was succeeded on the throne by her son Puzur-Suen and later by her grandson Ur-Zababa.

Enheduanna (2285-2250 B.C.): A priestess, poet, and Akkadian writer, considered the oldest known poet. She held the position of high priestess of the temple of the goddess Nannar (the moon). She was the daughter of King Sargon I, who ruled the city-state of Ur. She wrote hymns and poems dedicated to the Sumerian gods, standing out in the literature of her time.

Nin Puabi (2600 B.C.): She was an Akkadian-Semitic queen and priestess who wielded political and religious power in the city-state of Ur. She was buried with 52 servant attendants who committed suicide to accompany and serve her in the afterlife.

Women in Assyrian Civilization

In Assyria, women had much greater autonomy than other women in Mesopotamia, ranging from managing agricultural properties to controlling the army. We will highlight several notable Assyrian women and their incredible contributions to the society of their time:

Shammu-Ramat or Semiramis: The Warrior Queen

This legendary woman was the wife of King Shamshi-Adad V. After his death, due to her skill and bravery, she assumed the throne as regent on behalf of her young son. She was a strong and astute leader, and she is credited with the expansion and strengthening of the Assyrian Empire during her reign. In addition to her political abilities, Shammu-Ramat was also a formidable warrior who led her Assyrian troops in several military campaigns, becoming an iconic figure in Assyrian history.

Naqi’a, the Pure: Entrepreneurial Merchant

Another great figure in Assyria is Naqi’a, the wife of Sennacherib, of Aramean origin. She was a shrewd merchant who defied the social norms of her time. The daughter of a wealthy merchant, she followed in her father's footsteps in international trade. Through her astuteness and business skills, she greatly expanded the trade routes of the Assyrian Empire. She established trade relations with neighboring civilizations and succeeded in importing and exporting valuable goods, boosting Assyria's economy. Her success in the world of commerce made her one of the most influential women of her time, and an inspiring example of determination and boldness.

Shammu-Ramat II: The Pioneering Astronomer

Shammu-Ramat II was a pioneering astronomer and scholar in the Assyrian Empire. She broke barriers in a male-dominated field and made significant contributions to the study of astronomy. She was recognized for her ability to make precise measurements of planetary movements and for developing advanced astronomical observation techniques. Her observations and knowledge helped Assyrian astronomers to better understand the cosmos and to create more accurate calendars. Shammu-Ramat II is a testament to the curiosity and intellect of women in the ancient Assyrian Empire.

Zakutu: The Powerful Priestess

Zakutu was a powerful priestess and spiritual leader in the Assyrian Empire. She was the high priestess of the temple of Ishtar in the city of Arbela and played a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of the Assyrian civilization. She was revered as an intermediary between the gods and humans, and her wisdom and connection with the divine granted her an authoritative status. Besides her religious duties, Zakutu was also an influential political advisor, actively voicing her opinions in the political and social affairs of her time. Her prominent position in the Assyrian religious hierarchy allowed her to have a significant impact on the daily life of the empire.

Conclusion

From political leadership to trade, astronomy, and religion, women in ancient civilizations played a fundamental role and left a lasting legacy on humanity. So next time you think about ancient history, remember that women were also key players in building those societies.

El Paternalismo y Machismo en la Historia: Orígenes y Consecuencias

Exploración del paternalismo y el machismo: Impacto en la autonomía femenina a lo largo de la historia.

 

Introducción al Paternalismo

El paternalismo, un concepto que puede resultar incómodo de abordar, ha tenido una presencia constante en la historia de la humanidad. ¿Has escuchado alguna vez la expresión "el padre sabe mejor"? El paternalismo se basa en la idea de que los hombres deben ejercer el control y la toma de decisiones en beneficio de las mujeres. Exploraremos más a fondo este tema controvertido y su impacto en la vida de las mujeres.

¿Qué es el Paternalismo y Cómo ha Influido en la Historia?

El paternalismo es un sistema de creencias y prácticas que presupone que los hombres saben lo que es mejor para las mujeres. A lo largo de la historia, hemos presenciado la imposición de roles y expectativas en función del género, donde los hombres asumen el papel de protectores y proveedores, ya que consideraban que las mujeres eran frágiles y necesitadas de guía masculina. Puede entenderse como la aplicación de las formas de autoridad y protección propias del pater familias tradicional, en busca de lo mejor para todos a través de las decisiones que tome. Este enfoque paternalista ha perpetuado desigualdades y ha restringido el potencial y la autonomía de las mujeres.

El Machismo: Rompiendo los Estereotipos Dañinos

El machismo es una abominable conducta promovida, según algunos, por el cristianismo. Está constituido por actitudes y comportamientos que violentan sin justificación la dignidad de la mujer en comparación con el hombre, siendo uno de los elementos en los que se sustenta la misoginia, ya que ambas conductas tienen el mismo origen. El machismo es un fenómeno que ha afectado profundamente a las mujeres a lo largo de 20 siglos.

Uno de los aspectos más negativos del machismo, que le ha permitido subsistir a lo largo de muchas generaciones, es que las mujeres, como consecuencia del fanatismo religioso estereotipado, le han conferido validez. La sumisión clerical les ha hecho creer que son inferiores y que su dependencia del varón es absoluta, ya que así ha sido establecido en los libros sagrados como un mandato de Dios. Muchos autores, generalmente fanáticos religiosos al servicio del cristianismo, han atribuido muchas causas al machismo y han llegado al extremo de afirmar que tal aberrante conducta nació en el paleolítico, para así tratar de excluir la responsabilidad del cristianismo como sus únicos creadores, a mucha distancia del paleolítico.

Origen y Promoción del Machismo

Aunque el paternalismo ha existido desde tiempos inmemoriales en muchas sociedades antiguas y actuales, es notable que, por intereses religiosos, se ha tratado de confundir el paternalismo con el machismo. Esto se ha hecho con el propósito de atenuar teóricamente los efectos negativos de este último sobre las mujeres. Mientras que en el paternalismo el rol del hombre es el de protector y proveedor, en el machismo, el rol del hombre es el de propietario, patrón y dueño de la mujer; es una especie de esclavitud solapada, creada como consecuencia de interesadas interpretaciones de los libros "sagrados" por los teólogos de la Iglesia, en los albores del cristianismo, específicamente sobre el capítulo 2, en la segunda creación contenida en el Génesis del Antiguo Testamento. Allí se entrega la mujer al "macho" como un objeto de su posesión, invocando el nombre de Dios.

En nuestras sociedades, a las mujeres se les inculca desde su nacimiento abnegación, debilidad, renunciación, sacrificio, entrega, sumisión y, sobre todo, dependencia del varón. Simultáneamente, a los hombres se les enseña que deben ser dominantes, agresivos, temerarios, autoritarios y seductores, y se recalca la debilidad, inferioridad y dependencia de la mujer, todo ello debidamente estructurado por la religión para ocultar el dominio instituido del macho sobre la hembra. Esta interpretación y entrega se tratarán en profundidad en posteriores escritos relacionados con la materia.

Conclusión

En este corto pasaje por la historia antigua, se puede observar que en las culturas y religiones de esas épocas, las mujeres eran consideradas como diosas madres, divinidades que ejercían poder sobre todas las cosas, con roles fundamentales que cumplir. Eran respetadas, apreciadas y queridas. En esos períodos remotos de la historia de la humanidad, los valores morales, éticos, religiosos, jurídicos y políticos estaban estructurados por y en torno a la mujer. Aun cuando se pasó de la ginecocracia al matriarcado y luego al paternalismo, la mujer nunca perdió su fundamental posición en las sociedades. Lamentablemente, esa preponderancia de las mujeres fue desechada paulatinamente por el cristianismo a partir del siglo I, para poder afianzar el machismo creado por los intérpretes, y para desechar cualquier valor que hubiese tenido la mujer en el pasado de la humanidad. Esto pudo influir en la misoginia desarrollada también por el cristianismo y el catolicismo durante los siglos posteriores, con el propósito de dar veracidad a las interpretaciones de los primeros capítulos del Génesis por los doctores, teólogos y santos de la Iglesia.

Paternalism and Machismo in History: Origins and Consequences

Paternalism and Machismo in History: Origins and Consequences 

 

Introduction to Paternalism

Paternalism, a concept that may be uncomfortable to address, has had a constant presence throughout the history of humanity. Have you ever heard the expression "father knows best"? Paternalism is based on the idea that men should exercise control and decision-making for the benefit of women. We will explore this controversial topic further and its impact on women's lives.

What is Paternalism and How Has It Influenced History?

Paternalism is a system of beliefs and practices that assumes men know what is best for women. Throughout history, we have witnessed the imposition of gender-based roles and expectations, where men assume the role of protectors and providers, considering women to be fragile and in need of male guidance. Paternalism can be understood as the application of the authority and protection typical of the traditional pater familias, aimed at achieving the best for everyone through the decisions he makes. This paternalistic approach has perpetuated inequalities and restricted women's potential and autonomy.

Machismo: Breaking Harmful Stereotypes

Machismo is an abhorrent behavior promoted, according to some, by Christianity. It is made up of attitudes and behaviors that unjustifiably violate the dignity of women in comparison to men, being one of the elements on which misogyny is based, as both behaviors have the same origin. Machismo is a phenomenon that has profoundly affected women for over 20 centuries.

One of the most negative aspects of machismo, which has allowed it to survive for many generations, is that women, as a result of stereotyped religious fanaticism, have given it validity. Clerical submission has led them to believe that they are inferior and that their dependence on men is absolute, as this has been established in sacred texts as a mandate from God. Many authors, generally religious fanatics in the service of Christianity, have attributed many causes to machismo and have gone so far as to claim that such aberrant behavior originated in the Paleolithic era, in an attempt to exclude Christianity's responsibility as its sole creators, far removed from the Paleolithic period.

The Origins and Promotion of Machismo

Although paternalism has existed since time immemorial in many ancient and current societies, it is notable that, for religious interests, attempts have been made to confuse paternalism with machismo. This has been done to theoretically mitigate the negative effects of the latter on women. While in paternalism the role of men is to be protectors and providers, in machismo, the role of men is to be the owner, master, and possessor of women; it is a kind of veiled slavery, created as a result of interested interpretations of "sacred" texts by the theologians of the Church in the early days of Christianity, specifically in chapter 2, the second creation contained in Genesis of the Old Testament. Here, women are given to men as an object of their possession, invoking the name of God.

In our societies, women are taught from birth to be self-sacrificing, weak, self-denying, sacrificial, giving, submissive, and above all, dependent on men. Simultaneously, men are taught to be dominant, aggressive, daring, authoritarian, and seductive, with the weakness, inferiority, and dependence of women being emphasized, all carefully structured by religion to conceal the institutionalized dominance of men over women. This interpretation and delivery will be addressed in depth in subsequent writings related to this subject.

Conclusion

In this brief overview of ancient history, it can be observed that in the cultures and religions of those times, women were considered mother goddesses, divinities who exercised power over all things, with fundamental roles to fulfill. They were respected, appreciated, and loved. In these remote periods of human history, moral, ethical, religious, legal, and political values were structured by and around women. Even when the transition from gynocracy to matriarchy and then to paternalism occurred, women never lost their fundamental position in societies. Unfortunately, this preeminence of women was gradually discarded by Christianity from the 1st century onwards, to strengthen the machismo created by its interpreters and to eliminate any value that women may have had in humanity's past that could influence the misogyny also developed by Christianity and Catholicism during the following centuries, with the purpose of giving credibility to the interpretations of the early chapters of Genesis by the doctors, theologians, and saints of the Church.

Los Vínculos Cósmicos de la Biblia: Un Análisis Revelador

En Busca de Respuestas e Interrogantes

Los Estilos y Orígenes de los Textos Bíblicos

Preámbulo

Mitos, Misterios, Conflictos y Revelaciones: Las Intrigantes Coincidencias entre la Biblia y Antiguas Civilizaciones

Orígenes y Paralelismos Mitológicos

La fascinante relación entre la Biblia y las antiguas civilizaciones ha despertado un interés creciente en el estudio de los textos bíblicos desde una perspectiva comparativa. Este análisis busca explorar los posibles orígenes y paralelismos mitológicos que podrían haber influido en la creación de los relatos bíblicos.

El Génesis Revisitado: Evidencias de Influencias Externas

Las afirmaciones del artículo anterior pueden corroborarse en los estilos identificables en los textos originales en hebreo antiguo, e incluso en las diferentes traducciones. Una duda que ha surgido desde hace muchos años, sin respuestas confiables por parte de la Iglesia, es si los relatos contenidos en la Biblia son originales de los distintos autores o son copias de relatos vividos y registrados en tabletas provenientes de antiguas civilizaciones.

Influencias de la Mitología Sumeria en el Génesis

Existen numerosos especialistas y expertos en lenguas semíticas que, después de descifrar y traducir textos cuneiformes sumerios, babilonios y asirios, han encontrado fascinantes paralelismos en algunas historias relatadas en dichos textos. Estas historias sugieren que los relatos sumerios, que datan de unos 6000 años antes, podrían haber sido la fuente de muchas de las historias bíblicas.

El Paralelismo entre los Paraísos Sumerio y Hebreo

En siete de las muchas tablillas sumerias (1900-1600 a.C.) halladas en las ruinas de la biblioteca de Asurbanipal en Nínive, hoy custodiadas en el Museo Británico de Londres, se encuentra un poema denominado Enuma Elish, en el cual se relata la creación del mundo. Allí también se describe una leyenda de un paraíso sumerio llamado Dilmun, una tierra virginal y prístina donde reinan la tranquilidad y la absoluta felicidad, y donde se obtiene la inmortalidad. Este lugar fue el escenario de una historia protagonizada por los dioses Enki, Ninhursag y Namnin. Este paradisíaco lugar guarda un extraordinario paralelismo con el Edén y la historia de Adán y Eva contenida en el Génesis 1.

En la historia sumeria, el reptil es el emblema de la diosa y el árbol o planta sagrada es un símbolo de fertilidad. Lo interesante del Génesis hebreo es la presencia de símbolos de otras mitologías reinterpretados con distintos significados. Así, la imagen sumeria de una serpiente divina, un árbol sagrado y una diosa enfurecida con su consorte por haber comido la planta mágica se convierte, en el Génesis, en un árbol de fruto prohibido, una serpiente seductora y libidinosa, y un hombre débil inducido por la mujer a transgredir, lo que conduce a su caída.

Cambio de Roles y Significados

El paralelismo entre estas dos historias de paraísos muestra una inversión de roles, pues en el paraíso sumerio, la diosa (hembra) está enfurecida con su consorte por haber comido la planta mágica, siendo el consorte (macho) el infractor. En cambio, en el Génesis hebreo, la mujer es la transgresora y la que induce al hombre a la transgresión. Por supuesto, la Iglesia rechaza sin argumentos válidos todo lo relacionado con las historias de esas antiguas civilizaciones, ya que aceptar las similitudes con los relatos bíblicos derribaría la fachada de su invención de un Dios antropomórfico que creó la humanidad.

¿Quién, Cuándo y Por Qué Cambiaron los Roles?

No puede determinarse con exactitud quién ni cuándo se cambiaron los roles en el Génesis. Lo que sí puede determinarse con claridad es que ese cambio se hizo para situar a la mujer en un plano secundario y negativo, haciéndola responsable de una gran culpa, de un “pecado” creado por la imaginación de los teólogos de la Iglesia, y para justificar la misoginia, como se demostrará a lo largo de este blog.

El Desafío Teológico y la Herejía de Nathaniel Schmidt

Para el cristianismo y el catolicismo, este paralelismo representa un grave problema, pues es muy embarazoso que la Biblia esté basada o sea copia de historias y personajes de otras civilizaciones.

Uno de los más destacados estudiosos del Génesis fue el Profesor Nathaniel Schmidt, devoto hebraísta cristiano, orientalista, teólogo y pastor bautista, profesor de Lenguas Semíticas durante ocho años en la Universidad Colgate de Nueva York. En 1896, fue despedido de su cargo después de ocho años sobresalientes, acusado de herejía. Schmidt fue uno de los intérpretes de textos sumerios, babilónicos y asirios, y el catolicismo consideró que sus escritos teológicos habían sacudido los cimientos del cristianismo y el judaísmo. Afirmaba que en la Biblia se resumían historias ya escritas y vividas por esas antiguas civilizaciones. Lo más significativo es que en ninguna de esas historias antiguas se menciona a Dios en absoluto; solo se refieren a contactos de esos antepasados con seres provenientes de otros mundos.

El Legado de la Investigación Herética

En consecuencia, puede inferirse que las historias judías y cristianas sobre Dios, contenidas en el Génesis, son realmente una recopilación de historias de contactos reales con extraterrestres.

El Profesor Schmidt fue además excomulgado, y poco tiempo después de ser despedido de la Universidad Colgate, fue contratado por la Universidad de Cornell, donde enseñó lenguas semíticas durante 36 años. Continuó inquebrantable en sus afirmaciones e investigaciones más profundas acerca de las historias bíblicas. Posteriormente, otros estudiosos de las lenguas antiguas, como el Profesor Mauro Biglino, escritor, traductor de hebreo masorético, filólogo y hebraísta que trabajó para Ediciones San Pablo del Vaticano, también fueron despedidos por sus escritos teológicos, que no eran afines a los de la Iglesia. Biglino publicó dieciséis libros relacionados con la Biblia y la religión. Zecharia Sitchin, cuyas obras han sido traducidas a 26 lenguas, y muchos otros estudiosos de lenguas antiguas han corroborado las afirmaciones del profesor Schmidt.

Por supuesto, el catolicismo, con su inmenso poder, ha atacado y descalificado a quienes han incursionado en esas investigaciones. No solo negó tales estudios, sino que ha hecho lo imposible para relegarlos al olvido, pero sin fundamentos válidos que los minimicen.

The Cosmic Links of the Bible: A Revealing Analysis

The Cosmic Links of the Bible: A Revealing Analysis

In Search of Answers and Questions

The Styles and Origins of Biblical Texts

Preamble

myths, mysteries, conflicts, and revelations: the intriguing coincidences between the bible and ancient civilizations

 

Origins and Mythological Parallels

The fascinating relationship between the Bible and ancient civilizations has sparked growing interest in studying biblical texts from a comparative perspective. This analysis aims to explore the possible origins and mythological parallels that may have influenced the creation of biblical narratives.

Genesis Revisited: Evidence of External Influences

The assertions made in the previous article can be corroborated by the styles identifiable in the original texts in ancient Hebrew and even in the various translations. A question that has arisen for many years, without reliable answers from the Church, is whether the stories contained in the Bible are original to the different authors or are copies of accounts experienced and recorded on tablets from ancient civilizations.

Influences of Sumerian Mythology on Genesis

There are numerous specialists and experts in Semitic languages who, after deciphering and translating Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian cuneiform texts, have found fascinating parallels in some of the stories recounted in these texts. These stories suggest that the Sumerian narratives, which date back some 6,000 years, could have been the source of many of the biblical stories.

The Parallel between Sumerian and Hebrew Paradises

In seven of the many Sumerian tablets (1900-1600 B.C.) found in the ruins of the library of Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, now housed in the British Museum in London, there is a poem called Enuma Elish, which describes the creation of the world. It also tells a legend of a Sumerian paradise called Dilmun, a virginal and pristine land where tranquility and absolute happiness reign, and where immortality is obtained. This place was the scene of a story featuring the gods Enki, Ninhursag, and Namnin. This paradisiacal place bears an extraordinary parallel to Eden and the story of Adam and Eve contained in Genesis 1.

In the Sumerian story, the serpent is the emblem of the goddess, and the sacred tree or plant is a symbol of fertility. What is interesting about the Hebrew Genesis is the presence of symbols from other mythologies reinterpreted with different meanings. Thus, the Sumerian image of a divine serpent, a sacred tree, and a goddess enraged with her consort for having eaten the magical plant becomes, in Genesis, a tree with forbidden fruit, a seductive and lascivious serpent, and a weak man induced by the woman to transgress, leading to his downfall.

Change of Roles and Meanings

The parallel between these two paradise stories shows a reversal of roles, for in the Sumerian paradise, the goddess (female) is enraged with her consort for having eaten the magical plant, with the consort (male) being the transgressor. In contrast, in the Hebrew Genesis, the woman is the transgressor and the one who induces the man to transgression. Of course, the Church rejects without valid arguments everything related to the stories of these ancient civilizations, for accepting the similarities with the biblical stories would dismantle the façade of their man-made invention of an anthropomorphic God who created humanity.

Who, When, and Why Were the Roles Changed?

It cannot be determined with precision who or when the roles were changed in Genesis. What can be clearly determined is that this change was made to place women in a secondary and negative role, making them responsible for a great guilt, for a “sin” created by the imagination of the Church’s theologians, and to justify misogyny, as will be demonstrated throughout this blog.

The Theological Challenge and the Heresy of Nathaniel Schmidt

For Christianity and Catholicism, this parallelism represents a serious problem, as it is very embarrassing that the Bible is based on or is a copy of stories and characters from other civilizations.
One of the most prominent scholars of Genesis was Professor Nathaniel Schmidt, a devout Christian Hebraist, orientalist, theologian, and Baptist pastor, who taught Semitic Languages for eight years at Colgate University in New York. In 1896, he was dismissed after eight outstanding years, accused of heresy. Schmidt was one of the interpreters of Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian texts, and Catholicism considered that his theological writings had shaken the foundations of Christianity and Judaism. He asserted that the Bible summarized stories already written and experienced by these ancient civilizations. The most significant aspect is that in none of these ancient stories is God mentioned at all; they only refer to contacts of these ancestors with beings from other worlds.

The Legacy of Heretical Research

Consequently, it can be inferred that the Jewish and Christian stories about God, contained in Genesis, are really a compilation of stories of real contacts with extraterrestrials.
Professor Schmidt was also excommunicated, and shortly after being dismissed from Colgate University, he was hired by Cornell University, where he taught Semitic languages for 36 years. He remained unwavering in his assertions and conducted deeper investigations into biblical stories. Later, other scholars of ancient languages, such as Professor Mauro Biglino, writer, translator of Masoretic Hebrew, philologist, and Hebraist who worked for Edizioni San Paolo of the Vatican, were also dismissed for their theological writings, which were not in line with those of the Church. Biglino published sixteen books related to the Bible and religion. Zecharia Sitchin, whose works have been translated into 26 languages, and many other scholars of ancient languages have corroborated Professor Schmidt’s claims.

Of course, Catholicism, with its immense power, has attacked and disqualified those who have delved into these investigations. It not only denied such studies but has done everything possible to relegate them to oblivion, but without valid grounds to minimize them.

MONOPOLIO ECLESIÁSTICO EN LA INTERPRETACIÓN BIBLICA

Imposición bajo amenaza del monopolio interpretativo control y Manipulación

Introducción

La manipulación de la Biblia para controlar, dominar y perpetuar la misoginia y el machismo. El monopolio eclesiástico en la interpretación de la Biblia justifica la opresión.

 

El Monopolio Interpretativo Eclesiástico

La Biblia, base de dogmas y doctrinas, era de la exclusiva propiedad del cristianismo, y sólo la Iglesia, por mandato de Dios, tenía la facultad de interpretarla y aplicarla, ya que ellos solo tenían la capacidad y el poder de entenderla, pues estaban inspirados por el Espíritu Santo.

Esta afirmación, sin fundamentos sólidos y que no puede probarse ni con teología, ni con filosofía, ni con exégesis, ni con la ciencia, ha sido discutida por la misma iglesia en documentos como la Encíclica Providentissimus Deus del Papa León XIII (18 de noviembre de 1892), en el Concilio Vaticano II (1962-1963) y más recientemente por el Papa Benedicto XVI (2005-2013).

Nadie se atrevía en el pasado, ni se atreve en el presente, a poner en duda tales facultades. Si alguien osaba discrepar, perdía la gracia de Dios con la excomunión y era considerado hereje, grave delito que se equiparaba a un crimen de lesa majestad.

Raíces de la Misoginia

Para buscar y encontrar respuestas al origen de la misoginia, es necesario adentrarse en el pasado y en las interpretaciones de los libros sagrados, que de sagrados nada tienen. Traductores, escritores, papas, emperadores y los sabios santos y doctores intérpretes de la Iglesia tergiversaron, modificaron, añadieron y suprimieron esos escritos para variar el contenido de esos libros en función de sus creencias e intereses, y con el fin de manipular, engañar y sojuzgar a seres humanos hasta convertirlos en fanáticos, no por la persuasión, sino imponiendo la mentira, el miedo, el terror y la tortura.

Para los efectos de este escrito, la mayor referencia será sobre el Génesis o Antiguo Testamento, ya que es allí donde nace toda la mentira urdida contra las mujeres y donde se origina la creación del machismo y la misoginia.

El Estatus de la Biblia

De otras partes o libros de la Biblia se harán someras menciones, ya que esos libros han sido los más manipulados, los más adaptados para engañar y, en consecuencia, los más alejados de la verdad o verdades que tratan de enseñar.

Para los creyentes y, sobre todo, para los fanáticos, la Biblia es la palabra de Dios, aunque su redacción la realizaron hombres que usaron sus facultades como verdaderos autores.

Orígenes Inciertos

En ninguna parte la Biblia dice que es la palabra de Dios, y quien le atribuyó esa facultad fue el Papa Dámaso I (304 - 384) en el Sínodo Romano del año 382, cuando promulgó el Canon de Escrituras Sagradas, contentivo de la lista de libros del Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento que deberían ser considerados en lo sucesivo como la palabra de Dios, es decir, la Biblia.

En el Concilio de Trento (1545-1563) se fijó el Canon de la Iglesia Católica declarándolo Dogma, y en el Concilio Vaticano I (1869-1870) se declaró que tanto el Antiguo Testamento como el Nuevo Testamento fueron escritos bajo la inspiración del Espíritu Santo y tienen a Dios como autor. Al respecto, existen muchas respuestas e interpretaciones, la mayoría de ellas en latín, para que solo pudieran entenderlas personas de cierta formación intelectual, contentivas de retóricas muy elocuentes, escritas por doctores de la Iglesia y adornadas con muchos epítetos, ciertos muchos de ellos; pero esos no certifican que sea la palabra de Dios.

Rubrican sus explicaciones afirmando que Dios inspiró a los muchos autores de la Biblia, y que esa inspiración es un hecho que escapa a toda experiencia y comprensión humana; así concluyen que es un misterio, término usado a menudo por los sabios religiosos cuando no pueden explicar lo inexplicable o una mentira a sus fanáticos. En síntesis, si fueron humanos sus muchos redactores, no se puede admitir en esta época que tales libros les fueron dictados a esos autores por Dios, ni tampoco que fueron iluminados por el Espíritu Santo para escribir esos textos; en consecuencia, no se puede tener como absolutamente ciertos esos escritos, y ello ha sido probado históricamente.

Incertidumbre Histórica

Entre las tantas interrogantes que surgen, varias preguntas son recurrentes: ¿Quién, ¿quiénes y cuándo escribieron el Génesis? ¿Son escritos originales o copias? Hasta hoy, no se sabe a ciencia cierta quién o quiénes lo escribieron. Los cristianos lo atribuyen a Moisés, durante los 40 años que pasó en el desierto, pero los estudiosos y los múltiples traductores de los originales afirman que el Génesis es la adición gradual de material a lo largo de muchos siglos y por muchos autores. Algunos consideran que los once primeros capítulos merecen ser considerados aparte del resto del Génesis.

En escritos posteriores se profundizará sobre el Génesis, por ser un tema altamente sensible, pero de fundamental importancia para entender dónde y cuándo se originó la degradación de la mujer y el odio transmitido durante muchas generaciones, que las ha mantenido en un estado de inferioridad.

Continuará.

THE MONOPOLISTIC INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE: CONTROL AND MANIPULATION

 

THE MONOPOLISTIC INTERPRETATION OF THE BIBLE: CONTROL AND MANIPULATION

Introduction

The manipulation of the Bible to control, dominate, and perpetuate misogyny and machismo. The ecclesiastical monopoly in the interpretation of the Bible justifies oppression.

 

The Ecclesiastical Interpretative Monopoly

The Bible, the basis of dogmas and doctrines, was the exclusive property of Christianity, and only the Church, by mandate of God, had the authority to interpret and apply it since only they had the capacity and power to understand it, as they were inspired by the Holy Spirit.

This claim, without solid foundations and which cannot be proven with theology, philosophy, exegesis, or science, has been debated by the Church itself in documents such as the Encyclical Providentissimus Deus by Pope Leo XIII (November 18, 1892), in the Second Vatican Council (1962-1963), and more recently by Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013).

No one dared in the past, nor dares in the present, to question such authority. If someone dared to dissent, they would lose God's grace through excommunication and be considered a heretic, a grave crime equated to a crime of lèse-majesté.

Roots of Misogyny

To seek and find answers to the origins of misogyny, it is necessary to delve into the past and into the interpretations of the sacred books, which are not sacred at all. Translators, writers, popes, emperors, and the wise saints and doctors of the Church's interpreters distorted, modified, added, and suppressed those writings to alter the content of those books according to their beliefs and interests, and to manipulate, deceive, and subjugate human beings into fanatics, not by persuasion, but by imposing lies, fear, terror, and torture.

For the purposes of this writing, the main reference will be the Genesis or Old Testament, as it is there where all the lies concocted against women originate, and where the creation of machismo and misogyny begins.

The Status of the Bible

Other parts or books of the Bible will be briefly mentioned, as those books have been the most manipulated, the most adapted to deceive, and consequently, the furthest from the truth or truths they attempt to teach.

For believers, and especially for fanatics, the Bible is the word of God, although it was written by men who used their faculties as true authors.

Uncertain Origins

Nowhere in the Bible does it say that it is the word of God, and the one who attributed that authority was Pope Damasus I (304 - 384) in the Roman Synod of the year 382, when he promulgated the Canon of Sacred Scriptures, containing the list of books of the Old and New Testaments that should be considered henceforth as the word of God, i.e., the Bible.

In the Council of Trent (1545-1563), the Canon of the Catholic Church was established, declaring it Dogma, and in the First Vatican Council (1869-1870), it was declared that both the Old Testament and the New Testament were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and have God as their author. On this matter, there are many responses and interpretations, most of them in Latin, so that only people of certain intellectual training could understand them, containing very eloquent rhetoric, written by doctors of the Church and adorned with many epithets; many of them true; but those do not certify that it is the word of God.

They conclude their explanations by affirming that God inspired the many authors of the Bible and that such inspiration is a fact that escapes all human experience and understanding; thus they conclude that it is a mystery, a term often used by wise religious men when they cannot explain the inexplicable or a lie to their followers. In short, if the many authors were human, it cannot be admitted in this era that such books were dictated to those authors by God, nor that they were illuminated by the Holy Spirit to write those texts; consequently, those writings cannot be considered absolutely certain, and this has been historically proven.

Historical Uncertainty

Among the many questions that arise, several are recurrent: Who, who, and when wrote Genesis? Are they original writings or copies? To date, it is not known for certain who wrote it. Christians attribute it to Moses during the 40 years he spent in the desert, but scholars and the multiple translators of the originals affirm that Genesis is the gradual addition of material over many centuries and by many authors. Some consider that the first eleven chapters deserve to be considered separate from the rest of Genesis.

In later writings, Genesis will be explored in more depth, as it is a highly sensitive topic but of fundamental importance to understand where and when the degradation of women originated and the hatred transmitted through many generations, keeping them in a state of inferiority.

To be continued.