. The Bible defines women in this society, and their expectations are placed on them by what pieces of the Bible are provided to them. A misquote used by the society as a slogan states, From each according to her ability; to each according to his needs. The slogan sums up the main attitude of the society on the differences between men and women, and is regarded as Biblical and accredited to Paul, even though it isnt even an accurate quote. It is in this way that the Bible is manipulated in order to suit the needs of those running the society. Gileadean society uses the concept of salvation in a different manner than found in the Bible, yet still considers it to be a religious concept. Salvation is referred to a number of times, for women at least, as pregnancy. To conceive a child is to be saved, although there isnt any explicit reference to the Bible during talk of salvation it is clear that it is still a religious notion. When faced with the opportunity to become pregnant by her doctor instead of the Commander, Offred declines as it is risky, but she does realize that pregnancy is her only way to save herself. To conceive would be A way out, a salvation. In the wedding service, a quite religious ceremony filled with Biblical quotes and references the Commander says, Not withstanding she shall be saved by childbearing. Offred reflects on the time before, and wonders what they supposed would have saved them before, if they were all wrong to believe that belief itself would save them. Women who are pregnant are saved in a number of ways. They are exempted from duties otherwise expected from them and they are validated as women and no longer run the risk of being classified as unwomen to be sent to the colonies to do dangerous clean up work. The idea of salvation by pregnancy would be heretical in any other society, but in this one it is the only way for a women to save her if she isnt born into high enough status. Fo...
