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The "tone" of this thread is a bit heightened but one day, we will need to discuss how God sees women (cf. Before the "Fall") and what became of the relationship between the sexes after the Fall.
It is interesting that the Hebrew word used to describe "help-meet" is also used to describe the Holy Spirit. In the context it was used, it alludes to mirror image, equal and opposite, protector.
It is interesting that the principle of headship is a mutual submission and a mutual pulling together. Perfect balance. In the Trinity, there is headship but Jesus thought it not robbery to be equal with God. There is no tussle over authority. Just balance.
It is interesting that it was only after the fall, that Adam chose to describe the woman in terms of her sexuality and childbearing capacity - Eve.
If Jesus has redeemed mankind from the fall, if in heaven there is neither male, female, wife nor husband, then the primary roles of human beings cannot be limited to sexuality and childbearing.
It would seem to me that headship is about order, balance and harmony, not subjugation or oppression. And for single women, the principle does not even apply.
There's a reason why many women balk at the "doctrine of submission", even good women. Even women with character. Even humble women. There's something deeply cultural and ungodly about it.
I cannot find a parallel for it in my relationship with God. The debates we have. The questioning. The bringing to the table of my ideas/reasoning. The way he allows me to decide my fate, though harmful at times. The way he is complete in himself & doesn't "need" my adoration.
The way he loves me, despite everything. And yet, I know that if I take him for granted, I am harming our relationship. Our fellowship would be broken. I would in fact be harming myself by being apart from him.
God never browbeats me into submission. He never pulls rank or throws his weight around, though significant. I have a choice in all things & he loves me that way. He likes my independence, yet willing submission. How I trip for him & deeply respect him. How I try not to hurt him.
There is no love in an intimate relationship, without equality. Anything else is a master-servant relationship. That is why Jesus invites us to be his siblings. Why we are seated WITH him in heavenly places.
Anytime you see anything that deviates from the principle of love, be very careful.
According to Jewish law in the Old Testament, there is nothing wrong with slavery. But slavery was abolished and its eradication championed by some Christians, because it didn't make sense vis a vis love.
Do not be quick to exalt culture and tradition above love.
