I was walking to my car and it hit me in the face. I'm not going to write my theological issues paper on emergent, or churches, or emerging churches. I'm going to write about women. I'm going to write my theological issues paper on women in global church ministry. I've too often ignored this issue out of fear of coming to a conclusion. But I read someone's comment recently that inspired me to search for some answers to a few of the questions being asked.
If any of you know of any blogs or journals or podcasts that speak to this issue, would you please pass links along?
I have an interesting book on topic by Tony Campolo. I laughed when I read it, but out of fear I assure you. However, I listened to a "talk" by Jasson Jaggard from Mosaic on fear, trembling, salvation, God and such matters. I think I'm going to be okay. :) It's a good thing I'm single, and unavailable. Or, is it?
2 comments:
I've been examining this topic at great length this past year as I have felt God's leading to re-examine my own role and where God is leading me as an individual, and the journey to this point has been challenging! Some of the responses I've been faced with have been filled with fear or judgment simply because I'm asking these questions, and that has been really hard to bear sometimes when it comes from people who I love. This can be a really threatening topic.
I’m still working through the process, but I’d be happy to share with you a few of the thoughts I’m considering.
I think the key lies in how you view scripture as a whole – I think that we have to submerge ourselves in the culture and customs of the time in which each book was written to understand some of the more difficult passages. It is too easy to say that this passage, for example, the braiding of hair, etc. (I Tim. 2:9) is simply cultural but to categorize other statements about women as unyielding truths. There’s no consistency of interpretation, in my opinion, in that approach. I think it all must be approached through the lens of the existing cultural mores. (Review the contrast between relative and absolute truth and other ways in which it is displayed throughout the NT.)
You also have to examine women like Junia, considered “outstanding among the apostles” (Rom. 16:7), and the many other women listed both within that chapter and throughout the Bible as a whole. Women were holding positions of leadership (Rom. 16 – the word used to describe Phoebe as a minister here is used throughout the NT to describe men as ministers and leaders of the church), functioning as prophets (Luke 2:36; Acts 21:9), and were included in the group of Jesus’ most intimate companions in His travels (Luke 8:2-3) and among those present at Pentecost (Acts 1:14).
I cited Why Not Women? By Cunningham and Hamilton in my comments on the consumed ministries blog as a good place to at least start asking some of the questions, and I’d be happy to chat with you if you decide to explore this further.
Amy,
Thanks for the direction and advice. I too wonder why the NT lists women as holding a prominent position in the church. I also find Jesus' treatment of women very interesting.
A friend recently pointed out the issue of slavery in the Bible as an example. No one denies that slavery existed in NT times and it was not condemed, (as it would be today in America) even by Paul. It's an indicator that the Bible was written to specific people facing specific issues at a specific point in time. However, the principles still apply (though I don't think employee-slave fits all too well). Times have changed, but that doesn't mean we have to force people to be slaves because it's Biblical. I'm not sure if this even logically fits in the argument, but do we do the same with the issue of women in the church? It may have been an issue in Ephesus for Paul, but does that mean it has to stay the same for all people and times? The evidence of inconsistancy within the NT regarding the role of women seems to point that it was not an addition or continuation of the OT torah. Rather, Jesus seemed to teach freedom (to serve).
Those are just thoughts coming from my heart, and unchecked by my mind and research at the moment. You're right about the journey, and it's toughness. :)
I would like to chat with you though. Thanks again.
Tim
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