How's that for a title? The church has the pretty serious task of discerning the biblical position on issues surrounding the relationship between men and women. This discussion involves so many facets that must be adequately dealt with in order to come to a fully-orbed and well-thought-out position on the matter: (1) What are the distinctions between men and women beyond physical sex? (2) How much of what the Bible says is culture and time bound, and how much is eternal? (3) What is the relationship of Paul's advice to slaves and his advice to women? (4) Do men and women have differing roles in church, home, or society? (5) If some form of complementarianism is true, what does it mean to be equal in essence but differing in function, and do the differing functions parallel inherent and unfallen differences between the genders? (6) How much of our gender identities is determined by societal norms (how much, if any, is nurture vs. nature?) (7) If some form of egalitarianism is true, in what ways are men and women still different, and how does that affect their function in marriage, church, and society? (8) What is the authority of tradition on this subject? (9) What characteristics generally ascribed to men and women are part of the holy and original created order, and what characteristics are the result of sin? (10) What do the various biblical passages on these subjects teach us today, and how are we to properly exegete them? (11) If women cannot be in leadership positions, what positions of ministry or other parts of life are okay for them and why?
I don't have answers to these questions, but I thought I'd lay them out there. These and many like them must be considered before a sufficiently nuanced and informed view of the relationship between men and women can emerge. The theological tradition of which I am intimately a part has traditionally stood for a more egalitarian view, and in the light of new questions and considerations I have moved from a more complementarian view to witholding judgment for the time being. I need to give a reasoned assessment of the arguments of both sides before I land where I believe the Bible points us on this most critical issue.
Any thoughts on this issue?
New Testament Intersections 4: Community Rule
23 hours ago
1 comments:
You present lots of good questions. Traditionally, even conservative Wesleyans have been egalitarian (as you point out). To the extent that we are less so now, I think is in large part do to influence of our Baptist and Reformed, and Catholic brethren(sistren?). :)
For example My own denomination (Nazarene), has always welcomed women in senior leadership roles. However, this is something we have lost ground on. In 1925, 12% of Nazarene ministers were women. Currently the number is about 2%. Source
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