Women in the New Testament: Sociological and Legal Interpretations

Abstract

Introduction: The topic of the position of women in Christianity, especially in the New Testament, raises questions about the place of women in the theological, social, and legal order. The New Testament brought significant changes to the patriarchal environment of the time: Jesus spoke with women, included them in his mission, and entrusted them with key testimonies. However, later 
church practice and institutional interpretations often restricted this space, creating a gap between the original teaching and its historical reception.

 Aim: The aim of this paper is to show how the New Testament and its later interpretations shaped the legal and social position of women, and to highlight the connection between religious texts, church norms, and the formation of patriarchal patterns in law and culture.

 Materials and Methods: The paper analyzes biblical texts, especially the New Testament, as well as church canons, Dušan’s Code, the Charter of Žiča, and other legal sources. The method applied is a comparative legal-historical analysis, including the consideration of Jewish law, Roman law, Hellenistic philosophy, and feminist theology, with the aim of presenting the continuity and 
changes in the position of women.

 Results: The analysis shows that the New Testament granted women dignity and a significant role, but that the later institutionalization of Christianity reintroduced a patriarchal model. The Mariological ideal, while providing an empowering example, simultaneously created an additional burden through unrealistic expectations. Church law was transferred into customary and state law, thereby making the pattern of women’s subordination a part of legal practice and cultural heritage.

 Conclusion: Understanding the New Testament and its interpretations is important for contemporary lawyers and society, as it demonstrates how texts and symbols become norms and shape gender roles over the long term. A critical reading of these sources today can contribute to a greater appreciation of women and to equality in law and society.