Forum 3-A Woman’s Place

How is a woman to act? How is she to dress, to speak, what is she to look like? How is she to be treated? All of these are questions that relate to women’s role in society and have been debated and discussed countless times by countless people. There has been a large variety of answers, some influenced by religion, some by cultural ideas and ideals, some by philosophy, and some by practicality. Despite the long length of time that these and other related questions have been discussed, there is still no unified consensus to be found.

I think that God’s attitude toward women reflects the broader questions that face women all over the world as they search for who they should be. John 2 contains the account of Jesus turning water into wine. One thing that has always bothered me about this account is the manner in which Jesus responds to his mother Mary’s request for help when she discovers that the wine has run out. According to the King James Bible, Christ’s response is “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come” (John 2:4) What a condescending response! And to His mother, of all people! Such a response is very un-Christ-like. It doesn’t have any of His typical warmth and love and willingness to serve.

However, if you were to look at the Joseph Smith translation of this passage, Christ’s response is “Woman, what wilt thou have me to so for thee? That will I do; for mine hour is not yet come” (JST John 2:4). It’s incredible the difference the change of a few words can make. To me, this kind of response illustrates God’s attitude toward women. Christ doesn’t even hesitate. His first response is to ask how He can help and to say that whatever she needs, He will do. While this may not be uncharacteristic of Christ in general, it is what I learned about why Christ calls His mother “woman”.

In Greek, the word used for “woman” has the connotation of being almost a term of endearment. It carries the idea of high honor and regard. So in calling Mary “woman”, Jesus is using a word with affection and respect. That is how God views His daughters and that is how they are meant to be seen. The Bible is sometimes criticized for its treatment of women but this passage demonstrates the way God intends for women to be treated. He really does love us and respects and honors us more than we could ever know.

As humans it is all too easy to become critical and disparaging of both ourselves and others so seeing the tender way in which Christ treats everyone, especially His mother, is a much-needed reminder to be kind. If Jesus, the literal Son of God, feels and demonstrates such love and care for every person, we should too. We should emulate the unceasing patience, kindness, and goodwill found in Christ’s interactions with others. We should, as He commands, “love one another” as He has loved us” (John 13:34).

So I guess that in the end, a woman's place is a place of love, where she is loved and where she treats everyone else with love. In God's eyes, every woman is His beloved daughter and that is where she belongs.