The changing role of women in the family in Taiwan: Theological perspectives with implications for pastoral care and counseling (China)

Today the role of women in the family in Taiwan is very different from what it was in the past few decades. Even though many parents still prefer sons, and daughters are not so much despised, the essential things have not changed. The identity of Chinese women in Taiwan is still profoundly shaped by the traditional ideology of Chinese culture. Moreover, female Christians in Taiwan are reinforced by the church in following the patriarchal teachings in the Jewish context. Theologically, women are created and redeemed equally with men, but practically or culturally, in reality they are devalued.; The traditional Chinese culture still permeates women's inner lives and naturally becomes part of them. Family structures and social norms are deeply interconnected with the role of women. Consistent with early Christian teachings on the role of women, Confucianism should be re-evaluated in an appropriate critique. Women should be assessed because of their contributions and life dilemmas in contemporary Taiwan.; The role of women in the church is no exception in the conflicts between the traditional norm and the modern trend. A theological understanding of the role of women is necessary to clarify the hard passages in the Pauline letters. All the research of this study leads to pastoral care for men and women in an egalitarian form, which makes pastoral care ministry more complete.