Woman: What the Bible Really Says About Her-Story, and Human Dignity

By Kwaku Edem Damanka

WOMAN interrogates the different layers in the two creation stories of the Bible, its impact on gender relations, the personhood, womanhood and dignity of women.
"WOMAN takes a focused approach, and Edem's ability to delve into the multiple layers of the Genesis narrative is truly captivating. 
Rather than simply reciting existing beliefs, Edem guides readers towards nuanced interpretations, which underpins the core themes of the book.
Through its thought-provoking pages, Woman invites us to re-examine our long-held beliefs, assumptions, and prejudices, and to consider God's intention.
The Genesis account in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) provides two different creation stories. 

The first, the Priestly (Elohim) story (Genesis 1:1-2:4a), emphasizes that God created humans as both male and female at the same time (en masse). The second, the Yahwist story (Genesis 2:4b-25) describes the creation of man and woman separately, with the woman being created as a companion for the man....
Woman stimulates contemplation about God's purpose for humanity, particularly women, womanhood, human dignity, marriage, and its origins.."
-Excerpt from FOREWORD by Prof. Mercy Amba Oduyoye, First African Woman Theologian, Educator and Poet

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kwaku Edem Damanka
• Release date: Oct 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223444084

Book preview

WOMAN

What the Bible Really Says About HER-Story, and Human Dignity

KWAKU EDEM DAMANKA

Copyright © 2023 KWAKU EDEM DAMANKA

All rights reserved. This book is protected under the copyright laws of Ghana. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. The use of short quotations or occasional page copying for personal or group study is permitted and encouraged. Permission will be granted upon request.

What The Bible Really Says About Her-Story, And Human Dignity

ISBN 978-9988-3-6552-3

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Praise for ‘Woman’

The norm for a lot of people (Christians, non-Christians, men, and women) is to view life and treat each other through a sexist worldview supported by selected verses. The commonest beliefs and misconception about the role of women in the world is rooted in plucking specific verses from the Bible and using them as a yardstick for comprehensive living. But with this book, Damanka offers a different perspective. He toes a line that seeks to subvert existing patriarchal systems using nuance, research, and illuminating what women did in the Bible vs. what was said about women in the Bible or what women were ‘allowed’ to do in the Bible. Woman offers a lens that encourages a way of life based on full equality in Christ.

- Ama Asantewa Diaka, Poet, Singer and Spoken Word Artist

This is a necessary body of work. It is timely and it is bold. This is thought leadership at its best. The subject matter is not an easy one to attempt because feminism to some Christians is a bad word. This book should lead to discussions and then lead to a change of mindset and attitude. I am excited about it!

- Petra Aba Asamoah, Writer

'Woman’  challenges the ball and chain of the many chauvinistic views that limit the ability of the whole body of Christ (male and female) to function at its best. Edem, as a man, took a risk to tackle these gender issues, however his mature and balanced approach makes 'Woman' an appealing read even to those who may disagree with his take. The book is bold and is very much needed at this time.’’ – The Rev’d. Akua Ofori-Boateng, Priest, Anglican Diocese of Accra

Woman is raw, critical, provocative, and spiritually awaken-ing to the important discourse on gender relations through God’s word, targeted at building synergy in how we ascribe value to each other. I love this book.

- Susan Simpson, Brands Strategist

Woman is thorough and groundbreaking. There doesn’t appear to be a popular misconception on gender relations that has been left untouched. It is thought leadership; bold, audacious. Woman affirms some of my deepest convictions and tells me that without revelation, don’t speak. Woman is edifying and that is a testament to the work of the Spirit and good research. Pay good attention while reading, you may be navigating some form of deep. I am glad this is written. Someone might lend a more responsive ear to this voice.

- Louise Carol Serwaa Donkor, PhD

Woman: What the Bible Really Says About HER-Story, and Human Dignity is characterised by extensive research, sound biblical doctrine, and socially-relevant presentation. Its insights and message are enlightening and transformational.

- Terry Mante, Award-winning author, thought leader, and Principal Consultant, Terry Mante Exchange

In Woman, Edem takes readers on an insightful journey of the purpose of the woman as originally intended by God from the Christian perspective. Read with an open mind and get ready for ‘belief-shifts’ as the author takes you on a journey through God’s purpose of co-governing before the fall. If you’re a woman, get ready for ‘Nubuke’ and if you’re a man with a woman in your life, you cannot ignore the clarion call to a new dawn for the woman to take her rightful place in this gender-neutral role of leadership. Enjoy this classic read.

- Doreen Baffoe, Executive Coach and Founder, Branch-Out, Ghana

In all societies, few attributes of the human race are as divisive as gender. In Woman: What the Bible Really Says About HER-Story, and Human Dignity, Edem Damanka takes the reader on a thought-provoking journey down memory lane, to the beginning of time. The author reveals unpopular truths about a well-known creation story. But there’s more. This book presents a riveting and thoroughly researched narrative on the purpose of humanity, upsetting seemingly irrefutable (Christian) teachings on gender roles. Edem has moved the needle on gender equality for good. And he does so beautifully, encouraging new conversations instead of proclaiming judgement. Don’t hesitate to take a read.

- Augustine Denteh, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics, Tulane University, USA.

It is often debated what role or roles men can play in amplifying the ever-present capabilities and being of women. In this book, its author’s commitment to it with such intentionality is one example to get started. I believe everyone who is purposeful about their relationships with the women in their lives should read WOMAN and use it to begin their journey of holding space for these women to flourish. As women, especially daughters of God, it is my prayer that this book would speak clarity to any identity crisis we might have within, and by doing that position us to not doubt our call to our generation- because now more than ever, we are being called to very mighty feats.

- Diana Setsofia Agbenyo, Business Strategist and Entrepreneur, Ghana.

Woman addresses some of the grey areas which have become murkier because of lack of illumination. Edem sheds light on these grey areas including Family Headship, Helpmate, Personal and Collective Purpose, using deep insights from the Holy Bible. God loves the He-human being and the She-human being and expects them to live fully to His glory. Physical features are not limitations but strengths to complement each other in fulfilling God’s purpose.

- Kwamina Sagu Ekremet, Papa, Partner, Management Consultant, Christian Youth Leader.

One of the traditional Christian doctrines that many young Christian women grapple with these days is the doctrine that somehow, females are subservient to males.This traditional doctrine manifests itself in different forms. In some denominations, females cannot represent the divine on the altar as ordained priests. In most churches, females are taught that their lives’ purpose lies in playing subordinate roles to males. And sadly, scriptures have been quoted, often out of context, to support this idea.

What Woman seeks to achieve is to provide the context of these often-misinterpreted scriptures so that they do not shroud the Creator’s original intent of co-leadership and shared responsibility among the sexes. Woman does not intend to be progressive; Woman is rooted in scripture, which turns out to be shockingly progressive when interpreted in context. In Woman, Damanka joins his voice with St. Paul to proclaim that, In Christ, there is no difference between… male and female. You are all the same in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

- Justice Osei Boateng.

Dedication

I dedicate this book first to the Godhead (Yahweh Elohim) whose image and likeness teach us to be better humans – both male and female.

I also specially dedicate it to my wife and beloved, Esther Margaret – through our marriage, I am reminded of the perfect nature of the oneness of the Godhead and the beauty of mutual existence, mutual dwelling, mutual leadership, mutual submission, mutual honour, and mutual respect.

Then to my mother, Mama Celestine, an epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman who has demonstrated the tough and caring love of the Creator ever since she took up the unique responsibility of a mother and a father in my life. To my beloved sister, Bernice for her exemplary life in Christ and to my grandmother Ken Monica Agidi of blessed memory for her counsel. Also, in honour of my father, John Ernest Damanka of blessed memory.

To my adorable twin daughters, Nubueke and Nubuke for bringing me the joy of fatherhood. To all my siblings and in-laws for their love, and to Sarah Jakes Roberts, Charisa M. Munroe, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Evon Benson-Idahosa, Minister Ella Duncan Williams-King, and Precious Masuku Gondwe for embracing their call to lead.

Acknowledgement

Special mention goes to Kris Senanu and Maxwell Dodd for being my trusted career coach and sponsor. I also want to thank the Leadership of Beyond The Line (BTL) Africa, Kojo Appiah, Elloeny Amande and Samuel Njoroge and my work colleagues, especially the women whose personal stories, experiences, and perspectives shaped my thoughts.

My heartfelt gratitude to Mercy Amba Oduyoye for being a pioneering voice in the liberation of women as the first Africa Woman Theologian, a sounding board to me, and also for the compelling foreword provided for the book.

I am grateful to Dr. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye for also being a sounding board to me and for being a dependable guide, and a voice to women through your pioneering works at the Ark Foundation Ghana. I also want to thank Professor Adomako Ampofo for her time invested in reviewing the manuscript and for her academic perspective that enriched the work.

I am indebted to Dr. Yvonne Lamptey for the opportunity to serve with her as research and graduate assistant after my MPhil in HRM. This experience enriched my research skills on topical issues of gender, women in leadership, and scholarship.

I am grateful to Ellen Hagan for nurturing me for C-Suite leadership and giving me first-hand experience of working with women in leadership.

I want to thank Gifty Anti Oheneyere for continuously being a voice for women, Dr Joyce Aryee for her wise counsel over the years, Yawa Hansen-Quao for her leading role in raising leaders for public service and unlocking opportunities for women across Africa through the Leading Ladies Network, and Petra Aba Asamoah for her handholding role and thoughtful feedback throughout the period of writing this book.

I am also grateful to Dr Michael Heiser (of blessed memory), Dr. Myles and Ruth Munroe (of blessed memory), and Adam Grant for their influence on my personal growth. I also want to thank Bishop Ebenezer Obodai, Dr Yaw Perbi, Pastor Joy Dake-Abrahams, Benard Barnor, Dr Esi Ansah, Bernard Koku Avle, Franklin Eleblu, Amos Kelvin-Annan and Benjamin Ahunu for their mentoring role and counsel over the years.

A heartfelt appreciation to my Pastor Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams and His wife Lady Rosa Whitaker Duncan Williams, Rev. Eastwood Anaba, Bishop Dag Heward-Mills, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, Bishop James Kwaku Saah, Rev. Mensa Otabil, Bishop N.A. Tachie- Yarboi, Prophet Nana Sarkodie, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, Bishop John  Ahiati, Rev. Dr. Christy Doe Tetteh, Rev. Ifueko Igiehon, Rev. Dr. Christy Doe Tetteh, Rev. Mawuli Tsikata, Rev. Boadi Nyamekye, Rev. Akua Ofori-Boateng, Fifi Folson, Apostle Joshua Selman, Nathaniel Bassey, and all the men and women of God who have gone ahead of us in service of the Lord and for their pioneering works.

I am deeply grateful to the following for the honor of their support, review, critique, and praise for the book: Affi Agbenyo, Louisa Laryea, Karis Senanu, Doreen Baffoe, Petra Aba Asamoah, Ama Asantewa Diaka, Jo Nketiah, Susan Simpson, Dr. Louise Carol, Emmanuel Kofi Owusu, Denteh Augustine, Terry Mante, Justice Osei Boateng, Bright Eduah, Kwamina Ekremet, Diana Setsofia Agbenyo, Kofi Nii Anyetei, Jerry Elolo Agyei, Evans Adu-Gyamfi, Prof. Kwesi Amponsah-Tawiah, Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah, Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Prof. Patience Aseweh, Richard Kwabena Botchway, Abdel Razak Yakubu, Frema Ansere-Bioh, Louis Ofori, Kwaku Ahenkan Agyei-Yeboah, Kofi Ofori Agyepong, Rosemary Etornam Ababio-Agbanu, Nana Aba Anamoah, Barbara Brew, Genevieve Parker, Sefakor Abla Botchway, George Quaye, Kofy Hagan, Jane Lomofio Agbemava, Yaw Adjei Manu, Mabel Aku Banesseh, Esinam Donkor, Marian Amanda Mensah, and all my mentees.

I am also grateful to CrediComms Limited and Charismata Edit Services for their professional and excellent services. I am also grateful to Charles Afoakwa, Philip Makafui, Majeed Osman, Ransford Abbey, and Ernest Danquah for the creative designs, and Anthony Eyi-Mensah for the sculpture image.

Finally, I want to thank all my teachers, my colleagues and Old students of  Mawuli Primary & JHS, HO, UniPra South, Winneba, Ghana National College and University of Ghana, ACICM alumini, Fellow Counsellors at Action Chapel International and my constituency of support across the nations.

My theological perspective has been moulded over the years by the wide range of books I have read, messages I have listened to, insights I have gained in the scriptures, meaningful conversations at seminars and my experiences in academia and within the corporate space. Many of that influence may be reflected in the pages of this book and I am grateful to all whose questions and godly provocations led to this work. There are many names that I would have loved to include – and maybe should have – but time and space fail me to mention all. To anyone who has been a part of this journey, I am immensely grateful.

My quest, through this book, is to help create a better world for my wife, my daughters, and sons, my daughters-in-law, my sons-in-law, my grand-daughters, my grand-sons, and for women everywhere - those I will have the privilege of encountering and the many I would not – and to help them to become disciples of Christ. I hope this book brings enlightenment and compels us to advance the kingdom of God and the human race effectively!

The LORD our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions. Deuteronomy 29:29, NLT.

The Need for This Book

Every book has events and circumstances around which it was conceived and birthed. This book is no different as it originates from a deeply personal journey of introspection, interrogation, revelation, and acceptance. Since the mid-2000s, a strong wave of feminist thoughts began spreading within the Ghanaian social media space, and central to this has been the quest of some feminist groups to change seemingly toxic gender narratives, especially against women.

When the debates spread on social media regarding issues of equality, the realisation of the full human potential, headship and submission in marriage, and human rights, I became critical of some of the ideas and the approach adopted by some groups.

Like every other conservative Christian, especially ones raised in the orthodox Sunday Schools, I fell to the traditional Christian teachings. I strongly stood in defense of some of what I later found to be limiting beliefs and human traditions.

Greatly influenced by beliefs and a culture that asserts the pre-eminence of the male in the family, in society, and matters of purpose and leadership, I leaned towards the time-honoured ideas of male dominance.

One of my good friends got into the fray and fervently declared his support for the feminist cause being championed. While he dissented from the confrontational approach used by some of the Ghanaian feminists in addressing male supremacy in society, gender roles, and the subservience of women to men, he expressed his passionate desire for a just world that would enable his three daughters to achieve their full potential, especially in Africa.

I was months away from getting married, and the concerns raised by him made a deep impression on me. As I began to contemplate the prospect of raising my children soon, I felt burdened with the need to create safe spaces. I found myself in a dilemma; battling the need to interrogate unquestioned assumptions by some conservative Christians against the need to defend some of the limiting ‘traditional’ Christian perspectives.

What social constructs would mould the abilities of my children, especially my daughters? Which narratives would shape their perspectives? Must men always lead, and women always follow? Are men the de facto heads? Are women the only ones to submit? Is our God-given purpose for living the sole prerogative of husbands and the supporting role for wives alone?

Would these social constructs lead our children toward the realisation of their full potential and God’s purpose for them? What is God’s ultimate design for humanity?

Perhaps I am being awakened to the subtleties and nuances of life, and I must learn better ways to navigate them and lead others also.

A pivotal moment that deepened my conviction to interrogate some of the unquestioned assumptions came, as another friend, this time female, got involved in a heated debate on one of my social media platform, facebook. The debate was about gender roles and some mainstream Christian perspectives on God’s unique purpose for us. A male friend of mine, a medical doctor and devout Christian, opined:

The woman was created to essentially help the man fulfil his purpose to rule. The woman was created because of the man and for the man. The man is the head of a woman and, women must learn to submit to men without fighting their God-ordained position as helpers who are to support men.

To this, my lady friend responded, On the issues of nature, dominion, and pre-eminence, I see flaws in your perspective about the female and the woman. If the female just as the male is created in the image and likeness of the Supreme deity of the Christians, Yahweh Elohim, yet seen as inferior to the male and an afterthought, then, the Supreme deity of the Christians must be inferior and should be greatly pitied. This is not even worthy of our thoughts, for the Scriptures say, He created them in His image… male and female created He them," and He created no one inferior.

On the issues of purpose, if the assignments of life are given only to men and husbands, as women are deemed subservient to men and, as ones without a purpose of their own, then, the female species from the Christian perspective is simply a poodle in a vicarious thrill or experience of purpose by men.

The only other possibility to the sustained bizarre representation of the woman in the human race as an afterthought is that society has attempted to distort the nature of the Creator. And, by that, it had made one species of the human race superior to the other. If your position is not of the first, then, it’s certainly of the second and you may want to reconsider your foundational thoughts in both cases."

This debate, which has been paraphrased, lingered for a while on my wall with compelling thoughts from both sides. My quest for more answers led to many more questions: What is the biblical truth about the woman, the helpmate (helpmeet or helper), the wife, and their womanhood in the grand scheme of God’s creation? How should women consider the purpose or the reason for their being? Is leadership a feminine privilege and a masculine right? Should a woman lead like a man to be exceptional? How should women lead?

Are the abilities and potential of women limited by their femininity? How should we raise boys and girls in an established society with predetermined gender roles and beliefs about their abilities and potential? What does the blueprint of the Creator say about the human race, and how we should live life as men and women?

Working with young women in tertiary institutions and the corporate space has been an eye-opener. It has given me rich insight into the lived experiences of women. Specifically, my corporate experiences working as a Human Resource Professional expanded my view of women’s life, career, and leadership, and how narratives from the pulpit also shape their thinking and outlook on life.

I have also listened to questions asked on God’s purpose for men and women, and the purpose of life’ by intelligent and multipotentialite youth.

Additionally, during our interactions with most young ladies on our mentoring platform at DreamsAfrica one would often hear some young women bemoan the challenges they have to brave up to (DreamsAfrica is an organisation focused on mentoring young, savvy African leaders).

In their quest to navigate the challenges of school and the corporate world, they had to confront the murky road which they describe as the hurdles of being a woman in a man’s world. About how they could be supported, most would quip, If only there were a structured guide that provides meaningful answers based on the truth of God’s word, this journey of self-discovery and purpose would be a little cosier.

That is the quest of this book, to support the journey in finding answers. This is a burden God has placed on my heart and it is my hope that this book will not only support some young ladies in finding a compass but that it will further the global dialogue on the restorative and redemptive story of women, HER-story, and human dignity.

I fervently look to the day that the church in every nation of the world will fully live by its creed and affirmation that both male and female humans are created in the image and likeness of God. Any message that devalues or dehumanises any person of the human race, male or female, or both is an affront to the image and likeness of God.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.- John 8:32

What You Will Discover In ‘Woman: What the Bible Really says About HER-story, and Human Dignity.

This is a book for humanity and a guide to all leaders who seek to influence the human race in righteousness.

In this book, I attempt to practically explore some unquestioned assumptions by some conservative Christians that are at best limiting beliefs, yet they have shaped our institutions and social life and they may continue to mould our way of life if left un-interrogated.

The book challenges limiting religious beliefs, lethal social constructs, and presumptions that have perverted the identity of women and their rich feminine endowments. It introduces, for example, the idea that leadership is not sex-biased; it is neither a concept of feminine privilege nor masculine pleasure. It is not a one-dimensional or a binary trait concept.

It posits that there is a leadership form that translates out of leading with the right balance of traits, such as delicateness, courage, empathy, gravitas, vulnerability, poise, authenticity, emotional intelligence, shrewdness, and agility. It tells us that both men and women have key traits and attributes that qualify them for exceptional leadership and that leadership is not a one-gender-dominant-trait phenomenon. In some instances, leadership requires contrasting or opposing traits that buffer each other.

This book expands the idea that leadership is a phenomenon of both natural endowment and perspective-moulding. It, therefore, asserts the freedom of women to lead with their God-given grace and wisdom while enhancing their perspective for greater influence in life. As we explore God’s original plan, I believe you will be freed from some limiting beliefs and you will be able to live up to your full potential as a woman: human, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Woman: What the Bible Really says About HER-story, and Human Dignity is also for all men in search of a meaningful life with the women they are called to co-lead with. The revelations shared in this book will liberate those whose relationships with women have been sadly misinformed by prejudice and negative stereotypes.