Gender Lessons from 1 Corinthians 11:2-5 for Sustainable Development in Igboland

Abstract

The proper place and role of women in political and religious circles remain an ongoing discussion in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. The Bible, which should have been a source of hope for women, has been used by many as an instrument to justify the subjection of women to many unthinkable and obnoxious practices, even in Igbo land. Therefore, this paper, "Gender Lessons from 1 Corinthians 11:2-5 for Sustainable Development in Igbo Land," is a careful application of biblical truths to address the issues surrounding sexes and gender roles in Igbo land. The researcher examines the current status of women, drawing upon historical antecedents from biblical records and cultural facts. Furthermore, he adopted an exegetical analysis of the text as the bedrock for his hermeneutical application of the biblical truths inherent in the text. The researcher found that men and women are equal in personhood but different in function. Moreover, the elimination of sexes should be avoided at all costs; anything that would undermine that distinction would amount to a rejection of the creaturely status of humankind. Hence, any departure from that distinction would be displeasing to God. Finally, the failure of women or children in society is traced to husbands or parents as a source of shame or dishonour. If the truths revealed are properly understood and applied, Igbo society will not only grow but will also experience peace and sustainable development.