Biblical Integration Into Sex Role Development, Essay Example

The bible provides many examples of sex-role development in the individual, the family as a unit, and the fatherly presence in a child’s life. The bible depicts the Heavenly Father as a source of the perfect example of fatherly love. While the bible does not explicitly define gender roles, it does give us information we can use to draw conclusions about what men, women, and children are expected to do as a part of their family.

“The judgment of Eve included 1) increased pain in childbearing and the statement that 2) Her desire would be for her husband, and he would rule over her” (Genesis 3:16). Although this doesn’t explicitly state the wife’s expected participation in the family, it does imply that she should be a good mother. Since she has to go through the pain of bearing a child due to the sins of Eve, she was given the duty to primarily look after her children and ensure that they are raised properly. Likewise, the bible implies a specific role for men as well. “Husbands are identified as the “head” of the wife, as Christ is the head of the Church” (Ephesians 5:23). This excerpt from Ephesians explains that the man is head of the household. He is thus responsible for working outside of the home in order to support the family in whichever way he finds necessary. The bible provides more information about being a good father than being a good mother because good fathers should use the Heavenly Father as an example. As such, fathers should be pure at heart and teach the bible to their children. In this aspect, Christian teachings are their responsibility.

Works Cited

The English Standard Version Bible. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print.