Thinking through the awful event that happened in Atlanta and the 8 lives that were lost, it hit me. I had heard this thought before, and it is only now that I see it plain as day. The theology of original sin and atonement theory are toxic in and of themselves. How?
The literal groundwork for the Gospel is that all of mankind became cursed because of a woman.
This is the source and justification for misogyny, objectification, and the sexualization of women-they sinned first. Women brought doom on all of us. Women can’t be trusted. Women fail by nature.
I remember being so mad at Eve when I was a little girl. I used to plan things I’d say to her when I get to heaven-if she’d even be there- I’d scoff. I’d tell her thanks(sarcastically) for earning us girls a period and ask her if it was normal for snakes to talk and why she’d fall for it.
The irony.
Misogyny isn’t always explicit. In fact, I’d argue that it’s most potent in small doses. It builds up story after misinterpreted Bible story, sermon after sermon, excused “boy behavior” after punished “girl behavior.” It’s generations of bread winners and homemakers. Generations of pastors and pastors wives. Generations of fearless leaders and strong, but silent, support at home.
Women are the heroes for “looking out for their brothers” through modest dress, for enduring abuse by staying in a toxic marriage “for the sake of the children”, for teaching children quietly at home, for “allowing” their husbands time to pursue dreams, hobbies, and ministry. And if women don’t sacrifice their existence for the pleasure and progeny of men? Well, then they’re villains-never victims.
You see, it was women who sinned first, therefore, they need male supervision, direction, approval, and control.
They cannot be victims because they sinned first, they must have done something to provoke because women started it.
The husband hit her? Well, are you sure she wasn’t acting out of line?
She got yelled at and belittled by her man? She was probably being too emotional or loud, God forbid she talked back.
She was cheated on? Surely she wasn’t putting out then. Doesn’t she know that it’s ok to have sex after 6 weeks pp?
Assumptions, conclusions, ‘harmless’ jokes about the kitchen, preachers normalizing a “divorce weight”, telling women teachers to “go home”, and here we are. 8 women murdered, 6 of whom are Asian American.
We are living in a world in which, for the last 4 years, a racist misogynist was embraced by 81% of people who believe the creation myth of an ancient people-that there were only two original humans, and that the female brought on the curse because a talking snake told her to eat some fruit. This 81% votes, serves in leadership and in elected positions, contributes to popular media and thus perpetuates the perceived reality of this myth, causing great harm.
I’d like to say I’m not surprised, but at this point, I actually have no words.
My heart grieves with the Asian American community. My heart mourns all lives of women that were taken by violent men who’s god is their own image.
We might be living post-enlightenment, but the church seems to be very happy to remain in the dark ages as that is where it is justified to keep burning witches.
Thought Fossils 