Brian’s Reflection: Friday, February 1, 2008


"There is no sound reason why women, if they have the time
and ability, shouldn't sit with men on city councils, in state
legislatures, and on Capitol Hill. Particularly if they have ability!"

- Hattie Ophelia Wyatt Carraway, born on this day, 1878, near
Bakersville, Tennessee


Do you know who Hattie was? She was the first women to be duly elected as a U.S. senator, from Arkansas. She had been appointed to fill out her husband’s term and later, to the astonishment of the men (who campaigned under the slogan, “Arkansas needs another man in the Senate”), was elected to her own term.

So of course this gives me the opportunity to slam the men (and I’m sure it was men) who demeaned God by interpreting the Genesis creation/Eden story in order to meet their sexist patriarchal prejudices. It is perfectly clear that Adam ate the apple by choice; Eve didn’t force him. The point of the story/myth was to show that human beings have the freedom to sin - or not. But oh no; men had to blame someone else – those “weak women” who led them astray. Oh give me a break! And think what horror those men bequeathed to us - and what horror continues to be visited upon us by this travesty of blame.

This is what I understand from Scripture and from the Gospel: Every human being is equal in the “sight of God”. Period. No ifs, ands, or buts. And it’s about time we, especially the Christian Church, started acting on this truth. Until we do, men and women will continue to suffer in countless ways. As will children, as a distorted and ungodly interpretation of the Bible continues to demean women and excuse men for their inhuman behaviour.

Remember Hattie.

Brian+