What was the role of women in Christianity? How did this contrast with opportunities in the Roman Empire?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. In general, women in Christianity found freedom that was unavailable even in fairly moderate Rome. Christianity mixed congregations, so women were allowed to join in the religious services, something not previously seen in other religions. For example, in Judaism, men and women were expected to worship separately. Although later excluded from serving in church offices, women found a place serving within the church as members of female monasteries, as well as participating in charitable works and becoming martyrs and saints. Women were often the person within family units who led families to conversion. One of the notable models was Helena, mother of Constantine the Great. Participation in the church also freed woman from traditionally bound roles within the patriarchy of Rome. By using her fortune for charitable works, a woman could retain greater control of her own life than she could under the Roman paterfamilias structure.