*I've edited this post to make it, hopefully, a bit more clear.*
In the Gospel of Matthew, when the Pharisees approach Jesus with a question about divorce (really an intense question about men, women, and marriage: Matt 19:3-8), Jesus responds twice by making reference to “the beginning”.
The Pope follows His example, and it’s a good thing too, because it never really works to accept the terms of a discussion when the terms-giver isn’t exhibiting good will.
Looking at bad things (like divorce, or inequality), even if one acknowledges that those things are occasionally necessary (“because of the hardness of your hearts”) or clearly a fact in history (such as the undoubted mistreatment of women at various times and in various places), doesn’t get you any closer to discovering God’s original intent or uncovering true goodness.
It doesn’t get you to the bottom of things. And, besides, the person who gets his message across is the one who refuses to let the negative folks define the discussion.
So the Pope, trying to explain to the late-20th century feminist universe how it could be that man and woman have a vocation to a sincere gift of self (no power politics necessary), starts “in the beginning” — with Genesis.
Why start here, other than to follow Jesus' example? Christians immediately see that starting here gets at God's original intent for man, before the Fall — before our waywardness starts clouding the picture.
We (as do many others) believe that God is good and what He intends for us is good. We just have to uncover what that might be. And so following Jesus' example in going “back to the beginning” is good enough for us.
But even simply from an anthropological point of view, the Bible presents one of the oldest and most coherent accounts. There might be older stories of creation, but this one seems the most complete (I'm no expert, but that's how it looks to me).
Even if you don't believe in God, accept Scripture or the authority of the Pope, even if you've never thought of Genesis as other than a childish story or perhaps even one derogatory to the female sex, you may be surprised by the depth of what the Pope has to say, in his study of Genesis, about women. And I encourage you to enter the discussion with an open mind!
In On the Dignity and Vocation of Women, our first text, in Chapter III, first paragraph, the Pope quickly breezes through a line of thought that he first enunciated over many months of painstaking catechesis (in his Wednesday audiences on the Theology of the Body — I’m not sure how many minutes at a time — meaning, he actually stood out in all weathers on the balcony in St. Peter's square, delving into the most arcane details of exegesis — which is just an amazing undertaking, as you will see when you click on that link).
I had mercy on you and didn’t mention those addresses, which were collected and published first as three volumes, and now as one book, Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body. But we do want to take a look at what he says, so, for now, skipping over Chapters 1 and II of Dignity (which are lovely), let’s see about the story of creation. (I like to have the three first chapters of Genesis open too.)
God, with His own wits at His disposal, deftly (and I really do admire Him and praise Him for His economy of motion) creates the world, the sun, the stars, the waters, the land, the animals, the fish, and the plants. Don’t skip lightly over this part just because you think you've heard or read it before. It’s really fabulous (and you will note that at Easter the whole thing is read all over again).
And it was all good.
All.
What we have to stop and contemplate for a moment is this: as much as we appreciate the beauty of every lark and mountain and droplet of water, it’s probably impossible for us to grasp, with our present limitations, the true perfection they had before the Fall, fresh from His hand.
And yet, we really should try, because we are aware that if only we can somehow erase from our consciousness the lurking suspicion that if we could commune with the tiger it might maul us, or that the Killer Whale might kill — in other words, if we could enter, at least imaginatively, the world as it first was — we could start to appreciate the delight God has in what He has made, at that moment when He first made it.
And then we might get a glimpse into what might be behind His next step, which is to create Man, who is in His own image. Man, “the high point of the whole order of the visible world”: a person (which none of the other things, however mighty, gorgeous, whimsical, or precious, is): rooted in matter, but with a soul.
Because, think about it. The angels are persons, but they are pure spirits. It’s nothing to them if God chooses to express Himself in this physical way, except insofar as they are just pro-God.
After that one act of will at the beginning of their creation, the angels just do what God wants done, all admiringly, without really entering into the spirit — or rather, matter, of the thing. Or if they enter (as later they do), it is by appearing to have bodies, but not really having them.
No, God needed a creature made in His image. Someone who would get the multiplicity of things as well as the unity. Someone who could freely agree that yes, this is all truly magnificent, and what’s more, I see what You have in mind here! I see the possibilities!
So God creates Adam, man made in His own image, male and female he created them (Gen 1:27). And He blesses them and gives them a lot of thoughts on what comes next.
So, in one way, here is our answer. Man is a person. Woman is a person. They were thought up in the same instant in this particular, unique way. God never created the angels in His own image, so in some incredibly unfathomably deep fashion, both – male and female – express something about God that nothing else in creation does: His image.
This account on its own is fulfillment enough for anyone who questions just what the balance of power is between man and woman. There is none. They are equal.
It’s not the end of the story, though. And the rest of the creation account is quite revealing about the question that really bothers everyone, which is that if man and woman are equal, why are they not the same?
And are the differences so slight and unimportant that we should spend the rest of our time getting everyone onto the page of sameness, or are they so huge and unavoidable that we suspect that equality is just one of those patronizing jokes?
Anonymous says
I have been reading your blog for a few weeks becuase I really enjoy some of your insite into home matters. But as I was reading this post, I was struck by this sentence: I’ve noticed that atheists, rather than ignoring Scripture, as you might think they would, ridicule it…I immediately had to stop reading. I consider my self somewhat of an Atheist but aligned a bit to Christianity. I appreciate and understand much of the appeal of the Bible. I live my life following many of things taught in the Bible. I am a bit offended that you would lump all atheists into a category like this. Just because we don't believe in God doesn't mean that we have disdain or ridicule those who do. I respect and appreciate all beliefs. I look forward to more posts though, as really do enjoy reading what you have to see. Which is one of the reasons I was so surprised at this.
Leila says
Well, dear Anonymous, if you stopped reading, then I guess it's true that you don't care to find out what the Pope says. As we mention on the sidebar, we do accept anonymous comments, but would appreciate if you would leave a name, even a nickname.I think that by definition, an atheist (among others, of course) does not accept the Bible's account of creation. My experience has been that this Scripture, in particular, is scoffed at for being scientifically, and otherwise, naive. Yet those same people don't care to penetrate the meaning that is there but perhaps obscured.If I offend, I apologize.
Sue says
You had me totally riveted and then the post came to an end. Waiting on the edge of my seat for the next installment…
Anonymous says
Thank you Leila for this very intelligent, eloquent entry. Your 'work' is very much appreciated; can't wait to read more. Linda
Pippajo says
God has been most gently beating me over the head concerning His goodness lately. The sermon on Sunday was about that very thing and now this!I have spent so much of my adult Christian life wrestling with the idea of God as good and working things out for the good of this stubborn sheep who is trying to love Him, while missing (or, recently, forgetting) one very important point. That our definition of "good" must be aligned with God's definition or we will not understand His goodness at all. His goodness is absolute, whether we think He's good or not. And the "good" that He brings about is whatever He, in His sovereignty as creator and ruler of all things, allows to sift through His fingers in order to make us more like His Son.Thank you, once again, for serving as an echo of His voice."'Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.'"
Leila says
Sue — thanks! more to come, I promise! Linda, you're a dear.Pippajo, well said, very well said.
seashoreknits says
Dear Leila -I am a new reader of you blog – (was led here from the Catholic Culture website)and this is my first time to comment. I am riveted by your discussion of this topic and wanted to let you know how much this particular post moved me. I had to stop several times, cry, and then gaze on the beautiful face of the icon of our Blessed Mother which I keep here on my desk, thanking her for leading me to another beautiful woman. This discussion reminds me of a theme that is dear to me – that of our original purity, and how I desire to reclaim that purity (which makes me love the Immaculate Heart so much). Thank you for sharing the thoughts you have – for bringing the beauty of the creation story to us today – and reminding us that we are made in His image. Hugs.Teresa
Erika says
Leila,Just last night I picked up "On the Dignity and Vocation of Women" and really got into it. As a Protestant, I thought it would be very–I don't know–"Catholic?" Of course it is, considering the author 🙂 But what he writes is beyond any Catholic/Protestant distinction. I was so amazed at the understanding, the way he pulls things together and explains them, getting at those truths which are so much deeper than what our language can express. I haven't finished reading yet, but I already want to go back and read it again. To then come read your commentary and insight–well, it is just really cool! Thank you for this.Erika
messy bessy says
I've read Mulieris Dignitatem several times and have always gained fresh wisdom and insights from it. The sense of man as male and female, together, each giving his and her self to the other in distinct ways; no matter what culture says about masculinity and femininity, this is fruitful to meditate on.I've not had any trouble, personally, being angered by the differences of the sexes. However, I know many people are. But there is such beauty in reality, once you decide to just take it as a given, rather than something to redefine (as if you could).Just finished re-reading "That Hideous Strength." This is just what Jane struggles with throughout the book. Lewis was a bachelor when he wrote this. He must have had a great deal of sensitivity to depict her difficulties so realistically.
Janine says
I think Anonymous above had a perfectly legitimate comment — and that she expressed it very graciously. She likes your blog, respects your views, and intends to keep reading. But she was surprised to see you describing atheists in such a sweeping and dismissive way. So was I. Speaking of (and to) others with charity is kinder, no?
Anonymous says
I get that language is arbitrary. Kinda. But I *so* dislike the word equal, when uttered anywhere outside a mathematical equation. 🙂 4 = 4. An apple doesn't equal a pear. A Pink Lady does not equal a Honeycrisp!I'm enjoying D&V too. Thanks for introducing us.And PippaJo, I loved the C.S. Lewis quote. He's definitely *not* a tame lion. :-)~Teri in VA
Breanna says
About atheists: perhaps Anonymous had a point, but so does Leila; if a person doesn't believe God exists, it's a mite illogical for them to think the Pope has any more insight into the human condition than, say, their greengrocer. That said, it's lovely to know there are atheists in the world who think religion is more than a hobby that might have some useful bits.About equality: it seems silly to me to talk about whether men and women are equal. Are a pine tree and an elm tree equal?The question instantly becomes, equal in what way? Equal in the quantity of BTUs they will produce in a woodstove? (The pine wins.) Equal in how they will proliferate themselves? (The elm wins.) In height? (The older tree wins.) Equal in beauty or value? (Opinions vary; I tend toward the elm.) They are both trees, without a doubt, but that's about it.Apply the question to anything else and the absurdity continues: are dogs and sheep equal? Elk and trout? Mountains and canyons? Painting and sculpting?"Equal" turns out to be one of those words with emotional content that we use without thinking about its definition, which (as expressed above) is mathematic. Any discussion, especially emotional ones, should start by defining terms.Which is a long, roundabout way of saying, good post! :)Breanna
Leila says
Teresa — welcome, and I'm so moved by your response!Erika– Yes, it's amazing what he says here. I have read it many times…Messy Bessy– it's so true! THS really is about this topic, as well as many others. Lewis had an amazing understanding of human nature.Janine — I did apologize 🙂 You know, it's hard to compress all the thoughts one has into a post. Don't be too surprised if things aren't expressed as well as you expect. Auntie Leila isn't perfect! She may even have a dark side…I've updated the post so that my original thought is more clear, I hope. I welcome anyone to the conversation with open arms. Don't push my buttons by not signing your name or alias, moniker, or monogram.Breanna, you are a funny one. I think that elms have a higher BTU than pine.Also, I think at the bottom of the issue is WORTH. Is a woman worth as much as a man. I don't know…it comes up a lot in discussion, especially with very young people just starting married life. They are paralyzed by the equality thing. So the discussion continues…
Christine says
Dear Leila,I rarely comment anywhere, but I want to thank you for rewording your post. I am one of those atheists who follow your blog with great interest, and I must admit your previous wording was a bit unfortunate (in the sense that if you want to invite someone to read and ponder it doesn't help if you slam a door in their face). I am glad you have clarified your thoughts.Can I just say that I love your spot on the web. I come here every day to see if there is anything new, and I have followed your links and twitterings to places I would otherwise not have gone. My life is richer for it, and I am grateful for this. Thank you.Christine
Kari says
Dear Leila,Thank you for your post, the discussion, and the book recommendations! I was pleasantly surprised at how much I've been enjoying "Dignity". Also, one of your lurking "Protestant Friends", in many ways I'm Catholic in lifestyle and Protestant in doctrine and have a bit of trouble with the Pope being the "voice of God" (which I do realize, is not his "daily" role). In any case, I've thoroughly enjoyed reading Dignity and find it deep, thought provoking and extremely well grounded in Scripture. I don't know why I should be surprised since I read other works by other theologians–lol–this is just another worth reading that adds some richness and thought to my life! So thank you!I also must comment to Breanna about the Elm and Pine "controversy." I have to laugh since I'm from NM where Elms have taken over some of our native trees (pine and cottonwood mostly) and multiply horribly in our dirt that is largely bare. So I would have to vote for Pine over Elm. But it's funny…Pines were designed to live in NM. Elms have been transplanted here and are taking our valuable water resources, then, when they don't have enough water, they die and leave huge brambles of young, dry, elm trees that break in the wind and burn in our wildfires. Can I be so bold as to suggest that a tree is beautiful in it's proper "place" and habitat, but when it's put somewhere it doesn't belong, it makes a general nuisance of itself? Maybe I'm taking the analogy to far, but thanks for your response! :)Kari
Breanna says
Leila – I admit I didn't look up whether elms or pines have higher BTUs, so you're probably right. :)Kari – Our pines are dying here from Japanese Pine Beetle infestation and the elms are definitely shouldering in, the little stinkers.
Erika says
Surely you cannot be talking about the same elms that I thought were nearly all killed off by Dutch Elm Disease in the 70s?? They were so beautiful…
Angela says
you may be surprised by the depth of what the Pope has to say, in his study of Genesis, about women. And I encourage you to enter the discussion with an open mind!I've been watching EWTN for quite a few months now and have been learning SO much. Your so right about the Pope has to say about women. It is POWERFUL…Thank you so much for sharing such a powerful post.
Anonymous says
Leila-Thank you for your wonderful blog. As a Hindu I feel we have much in common with Catholics and can learn a lot. I also have Hare Krishna friends who read your blog.-Sanden I.