A Word About Our Mother Eve– Part 2
The lecture explains the position of our mother Eve in God’s plan from the beginning and confirms that woman was created to be a helper comparable to man, equal to him in dignity, the divine image, blessing, and authority, and that the original relationship between man and woman was based on love, innocence, and holiness.
Summary of the Lecture
Pope Shenouda III speaks about the character of our mother Eve as the first woman in history and the first female figure mentioned in the Holy Bible.
He explains that the existence of woman in the world was necessary according to the divine plan, based on God’s saying: “It is not good that Adam should be alone”; therefore, woman was created to be a helper comparable to man.
He confirms that woman was not imposed on Adam, but came as a response to his need and his feeling that he could not find a helper comparable to himself among all creatures.
He explains that woman was created equal to man because she was created as a “helper comparable,” meaning similar to him and equal to him in human nature.
He also shows that woman and man were both created in the image of God and received the same divine blessing and the same authority over creation, without distinction in human dignity.
He discusses the meaning of woman being created from Adam’s rib, explaining that this points to equality, love, and closeness, so that she would neither dominate him nor be despised by him, but be his partner in life.
He confirms that the first relationship between Adam and Eve before the fall was a pure relationship based on friendship, innocence, and affection, and not based on bodily aspects.
He also explains the meanings of the names given to Eve. The name “Woman” is connected to the origin of her creation from Adam, while the name “Eve” points to her motherhood and her relationship to life and all humanity.
He points out that our mother Eve at the beginning of her life was a saintly and righteous person, full of simplicity and purity, and that she lived with Adam in a holy and ideal life within Paradise.
The lecture concludes by reflecting on the character of Eve before the fall as an example of the innocence and holiness that God intended for humanity from the beginning.
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