When war broke out in 1642, British women's place was clearly defined in both ideology and law as subordinate to men's. Their central concern was supposed to be their reputation for chastity, and their goal, marriage and motherhood. In a culture where existing hierarchies were supposedly the will of God, and so beyond question, key Bible texts were cited to reinforce the status quo: since Eve's rebellion had resulted in the Fall, women were divinely commanded to obey their husbands (Gen. 3:16). The New Testament expands this subordination into a requirement that women not even speak on matters of public concern: 'Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church' (1 Cor. 14:34-5).