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PART 13 TROUBLING THE CHRISTIAN PATRIARCHY

Adam and Eve Prior to the  Patriarchy

A Biblical Examination

Dr T’s Intro

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy all copyrights reserved under international copyright laws

Throughout history, the narrative of Adam and Eve has been deeply entwined with interpretations of gender roles, authority, and the development of patriarchal structures. However, an examination of Scripture, particularly from a non-legalistic, pioneering perspective, reveals a more nuanced journey from Eden to the evolving Levitical and later Judaic traditions.

MAKING POINTS

MAIN POINT: Pre-Garden of Eden Sin: Adam and Eve in Equality

Before the fall in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve coexisted in harmony within the Garden of Eden. Genesis 1:26-28 provides the foundation for their shared authority:

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'”

MAJOR POINT: In this passage, God grants dominion to both Adam and Eve. There is no mention of hierarchical authority—only shared stewardship over creation. The fall introduces consequences that shift the dynamics, but prior to sin, there was no patriarchy.

MAJOR POINT
Post-Fall: Consequences and the Shift Toward Patriarchy

After sin enters the world (Genesis 3), God declares specific consequences:

“To the woman He said: ‘I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.'” (Genesis 3:16)

This statement does not establish an original divine order but rather marks a shift due to sin. The introduction of male rule is a result of the fall, not God’s initial design.

Formation of the Hebrew People and Levitical Law

As humanity develops, God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12) establishes the Hebrew people, leading to the eventual formation of the Mosaic Law. The Torah provides structure, including clear roles and regulations for men and women. The Levitical system (Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) introduces priesthood, sacrifices, and laws designed for a specific covenant relationship with God.

Yet, even within this system, we find women like Deborah (Judges 4-5) and Huldah (2 Kings 22:14-20) who function in leadership roles. This suggests that while the patriarchal structure became dominant, God continued to use women in significant ways.

Torah, Jewish Culture, and the Evolution of Authority

The Old Testament period reflects the rise of patriarchal figures such as Moses, Joshua, and the kings of Israel. However, the prophetic books frequently challenge abusive authority, emphasizing justice and God’s desire for righteousness over legalism (Micah 6:8, Isaiah 1:17).

As Jewish culture developed, additional rabbinic traditions shaped gender roles further. By the time of Jesus, legalistic interpretations had often burdened people rather than setting them free (Mark 7:6-13).(TD states: this implies New Testament times the overseer legalistic temple “Levitical” Pharisees_

MAIN POINT TO THE FUTURE CHURCH

Jesus and the Shift from Levitical Patriarchy

Jesus disrupts patriarchal norms, engaging with women as equals:

The Samaritan woman (John 4) – He treats her as a theological conversation partner.

Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) – He affirms Mary’s choice to sit and learn, breaking cultural expectations.

Mary Magdalene – The first witness to His resurrection (John 20:17), countering traditional authority structures.

Christ’s respectful servant leader, relationship  approach challenges the rigid hierarchies of both Levitical law and Jewish culture, restoring the original intent seen in Genesis 1-2.

The Church, Paul, and Modern Considerations

Paul’s letters are often cited in discussions of authority and gender roles. However, careful exegesis reveals context-dependent instructions rather than universal mandates. For instance:

Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 16 – Paul acknowledges numerous female leaders (e.g., Phoebe, Junia, Priscilla).

MAIN POINT: While patriarchal structures persisted in the early church, there is a clear trajectory toward mutual service and equality in Christ.

Conclusion: A Non-Legalistic, Pioneering Woman’s Perspective

This exploration is not rigid dogma but an ongoing study. As someone who has researched these topics for over a decade, I submit these thoughts for objective review. The trajectory from Eden to Jesus shows that while patriarchal systems emerged post-fall, they were not God’s original intent. The New Testament offers a path back toward shared authority and mutual respect, reflecting the kingdom values Christ preached.

I, Taveau D’Arcy, recognize the importance of using many scriptures and have already done so extensively over the past 12-15 years. I have very many to back up and expound maturely deeply upon each comment about Adam and Eve, relationship, divine authority and before the Fall and after until Right Now.

Also I already did a lot of Bible research and subcultures up front immersian repeated study “front lines’ groundwork on this, about this from 2011 until now.  At least 2-3 days of video and MUCH wordpress articles. series. 

Currently I have MORE THAN much online which I am now preparing to edit.

This Sister,  is just a use objective at due to this theologian needing to give “proof’ that it is now all from HER /SHE Perspective (due ministry objectifying , name calling bias and the spirit of pride)

Also see on this website “Parts 1-6 of this long TROUBLING THE PATRIARCHY Series for more in depth, persona auto bio, our definitions of all man patriarch, Levitical Patriarch,Levitical Matriarch “Cross Body Unity /Taveau D’Arcy Creative Leadership” our in house “meaning” when I write, say, teach, train any of these bias associated use of terms.

 I now submit this leg of the TROUBLING THE CHRISTIAN PATRIARCHY to state that from this part on, it will specifically show Chain of Command and no Law and disprove  the Pharisee “anti woman and other races” “submission shepherding cult doctrine.”

HEAR YE: Also I put my policy about using Chat GPT AI up a few days on this website..see how I mean this..

Capsule: I submit these “theories” “ideas” my own Bible knowledge, my past experiences in ministry, since 1980’s  to AI for objective analysis, to check myself, and to ensure a balanced, non-legalistic approach. This is not hard-core dogma but a pioneering perspective seeking further clarity and refinement. Any additional insights or scriptural considerations are welcome as I continue to explore this topic in depth.

More to come! Adam and God before Eve, The Fall, Paul’s comments, Real Wedded Bliss, He’s and Various She’s
To be continued

(C)2025 Taveau D’Arcy all copyrights reserved under international copyright laws