Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says Jesus treated men and women as equals

Written By EEW Mgazine Editors // Women’s Issues

In the 21st century, as many women still struggle to find their definitive place in a patriarchal society, feminist author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, argues that when Jesus walked the earth, He saw men and women as equals.

CNN reports that, at a recent event in Nigeria, she said, "Jesus came from a society that was very patriarchal. The Jewish people at that time did not give any regard to women, like many cultures all over the world.”

The 41-year-old who was raised Catholic continued, "Jesus came and suddenly Jesus is treating women as though they're His equals. Jesus is talking to women. And the old-fashioned Jewish people were scandalized."

In the biblical account of John 4:1-15, Jesus entered into an extensive conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well—something heavily frowned upon in His day. Not only were Samaritans regarded as an inferior and impure race, but women were believed to be beneath men.

Adichie said, "Jesus is making a point there.”

For those who are uncomfortable with this idea of male-female equality and believe it means women want to be just like men, Adichie further clarified her point at the Lagos event.

"When you say equal, I think it's important for you to understand that when people say men and women are equal, people are not saying men and women are the same, because, obviously, we are not,” she said.

Adichie added, “In parts of the West, there's a movement for racial equality. Nobody tells black people, 'Does this mean you want to be white?' or 'Do you think you're the same as white people?’ You're black, and you're white, but the point is that you have equal access. That's what this conversation is about."

Thoughts?