Disempowerment of and violence against women : old testament perspectives

Abstract

The threats facing women with regards to disempowerment and violence against them are ubiquitous, but not invincible. This study has shown that while ANE societies, which include Egypt, Babylon, Assyria and Israel, and contemporary South Africa have some positive cultural values, the subordination of women persists. Even though there is heightened awareness of gender-based violence in the South African context, the efforts to lessen these hardships for women are still too feeble. This is due to a complex cultural milieu and other problems, such as the appeasement of the values embedded in a patriarchal society. Pentateuchal texts show us that similar challenges existed for women in ancient biblical times. The Hebrew Bible portrays many unfavourable incidences where women were disenfranchised and, in some cases, abused. Examples of care and appreciation for women, who are equally made in the image of God, are at times conspicuously absent. In view of these observations, this study proposes a Biblically-Informed Eclectic Intervention Network Theology (BEINT) model that reinterprets ancient historical texts to address the disempowerment of and violence against women. This care approach would go some way to counter the negative treatment of women in South Africa, including in places of worship. The uniqueness of the BEINT model is that it identifies the needs of hurting women and directs them to the organisations that may provide them with help and healing. Many women experiencing abuse often have no idea of the organisations or ministries that are able to offer BEINT care. The network provided by this model is likely to enhance the efforts of existing organisations that offer help to victims of gender-based violence. While ambitious in nature, this biblically-informed, care approach could address the challenges of South African women who are disempowered for cultural, economic and spiritual reasons. Because they are locally based and biblically informed, religious institutions are well positioned and have the potential to be a major resource that can be harnessed in the fight against the disempowerment of and violence towards women.