@Keith Martin, I think that between us we've now clearly established that both of our suggestions regarding Eve's understanding of God's instruction are sufficiently speculative that we cannot prove the headship issue either way through that line of reasoning, and should look to other scriptures. I will resist the temptation to flog the dead horse further, and move on!
As stated before, I believe headship began at creation for a very simple reason - because Paul said so. Wherever possible I let scripture interpret scripture. When Paul discussed the headship of a husband, he did not refer to the fall curses to justify this. Rather, he referred back to the creation of Eve, and stated that man is the head of woman because she was created from (1 Cor 11:8), for (1 Cor 11:9), and after him (1 Tim 2:13). Paul clearly sees this as established at creation. He also points out that Eve was deceived, and uses this to reinforce the point, but not as his primary evidence (1 Tim 2:14).
Obviously both are also dependent upon each other, and can be seen as a partnership (1 Cor 11:11-12), yet within that is an order established at Creation.
Furthermore, we are told that death came into the world through Adam (Romans 5:12-21), and this is foundational to the Gospel itself. Yet we know it was actually Eve who sinned first. Why did death not enter the world through Eve, if both were an equal partnership, and she had 'just as much right to take the lead'? Yet Adam is deemed responsible. An equal partner is not deemed solely responsible for their peer's failings. But an authority can be held responsible for all that happens under their watch.
This is where I get my theology from. I then interpret Genesis in this light.
As stated before, I believe headship began at creation for a very simple reason - because Paul said so. Wherever possible I let scripture interpret scripture. When Paul discussed the headship of a husband, he did not refer to the fall curses to justify this. Rather, he referred back to the creation of Eve, and stated that man is the head of woman because she was created from (1 Cor 11:8), for (1 Cor 11:9), and after him (1 Tim 2:13). Paul clearly sees this as established at creation. He also points out that Eve was deceived, and uses this to reinforce the point, but not as his primary evidence (1 Tim 2:14).
Obviously both are also dependent upon each other, and can be seen as a partnership (1 Cor 11:11-12), yet within that is an order established at Creation.
Furthermore, we are told that death came into the world through Adam (Romans 5:12-21), and this is foundational to the Gospel itself. Yet we know it was actually Eve who sinned first. Why did death not enter the world through Eve, if both were an equal partnership, and she had 'just as much right to take the lead'? Yet Adam is deemed responsible. An equal partner is not deemed solely responsible for their peer's failings. But an authority can be held responsible for all that happens under their watch.
This is where I get my theology from. I then interpret Genesis in this light.