Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
WOMEN & THE CHURCH TODAY
MARCH 6, 2008
“Well I think God is a woman!” a tidbit from an overheard conversation after service one Sunday evening. Everyone within earshot got real quiet, looked, and quickly went back to their own conversations. A married, middle aged, mother of two was speaking with the minister and made this statement very matter-of-factly, and a bit louder than the norm, and now she looked on waiting for the response. This statement to some could be enraging, while others may agree with it. There are examples of God as a maternal figure in scripture but few in the Church of Christ would say God is a woman. This writer would not say God is a woman but if pushed he would not say God is a man either.
Why is this important? This is this important because, Christians have fractured on the roles of the sexes, or genders. The reason this woman was saying this is because she was feeling unnecessary in the Church and frustrated about the attitude of the men in the church. At this point is when this writer’s opinions began to form and values were questioned. Men sometimes feel more important than women and it obviously shows, but where does this attitude come from?
Christians have struggled with the issue of women’s roles in church for a very, very long time[1]. For almost two thousand years man and womankind have been trying to find woman a place in the assembly. This paper is written with the intention of making all things pertaining to woman and The Church clear. This goal is completely impossible, and that is understood, but if one shoots high enough something good may come of it.
Churches, like many institutions, have a history of trial and error. Christians tend to take things too far or not far enough. To illustrate this point, The Lords Supper, Communion or The Holy Eucharist, was a meal that the disciples were eating with Jesus, but in one of Paul’s epistles,[2] it was becoming a time when the rich were gorging, getting drunk and basically having a party, but today[3] it is a time of somber silence ware there is little food and even less fellowship/unity. “The purpose of the communal agape is not to satisfy hunger but to share a sense of unity by sitting around a table and sharing a meal together.[4]” Christians can never seem to find that line where freedom and God meet. This is not said to defame the church but just as an example of how an institution of human beings is prone to be flawed, and will rarely do anything except in extremes.
That being said one now must look at the problem at hand and try to avoid extremes. What is the problem? One answer might be, “People in the church are trying to change what God intended and empower women,” another answer could sound like this, “People in the church are stuck in an outdated, sexist mindset and need to get with the times.” Who is right? Neither one is correct, as far as this writer is concerned. Women are in the top two sexes on this planet and make up a large percent of the most intelligent forms of life, there are exceptions but they will not be discussed now. Dr. Frank Wheeler put it best when he said; “The value of women’s discipleship and influence has been tremendously overlooked.[5]”
There is a line, and to this writer’s understanding, the women addressed in 1 Corinthians 14:34 crossed it, and the line was, again according to this writer’s understanding, disrupting worship. In context the passage is addressing disruptions or orderliness not women. In their culture, mainly the Jewish members, it was inappropriate for women to speak. So, going from a culture ware women were the reason sin is in the world, and there for looked down upon, to a new culture where sin no longer separates humans from God and all can be forgiven through the blood of Christ, must have been shocking, to say the least. So Paul appeals to the Law to settle this matter, but Christians are free from the law of sin and death, so, do women need to keep silent if it is not a disruption to orderly worship?
To answer this question lets take a look at what Dr. Carroll D. Osburn says about it:
“women in the Corinthian congregation are praying and prophesying in the assembly in 11:2-16. In 14:34-35, some women are speaking in an instructional setting. The commonality shared by the two texts is not ‘women speaking in public,’ but women evidencing disrespect for others, decorum, and propriety, and thus contributing to chaos and disruption. The women in chap. 11are flouting commonly-accepted cultural norms, with resultant disrespect to their husbands; the women in chap. 14 are impending instruction by incessant questioning. The latter are told in no uncertain terms to “Pipe down!” The former while praying and/or prophesying in public worship, should do so in a manner that would not disgrace or dishonor their husbands.[6]”
Scripture is not a checklist on how to conduct a worship service; it is however full of commands and examples on how one should live a life that pleases God. How can one please God? Well among many other things being a servant pleases God. In Mathew 23 Jesus speaks to “the crowds and to his disciples[7]” and begins by speaking about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. He explains that they are acting hypocritically, by telling men what to do but then not doing it themselves. Everything they did was for their glory not for God’s. Then Christ goes on to tell them not to go by titles such as Rabi, father or teacher. Then he explains why in verse twelve, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.[8]” God does not want pompous leaders, he desires humble servants.
In John 12 one can see Christ at a moment of emotional pain, he is told by Andrew and Philip that there are some Greeks who want to see him. Jesus predicts his death and then announces in John 12:26 that, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.[9]” Now we can see the reward for the service of Christ, and the reward is; being honored by thy Father. Is there anything greater? This writer would suggest that there is not.
Here is a fact; there are women in the church who are serving Christ and therefore they will receive honor from God, but are they serving to the full potential witch scripture allows? This writer will assert his opinion, and say, that they are being held to a standard that has over stepped the example set forth in scripture. Christians are called to be servants, not rabbis, teachers, preachers, deacons, elders, bishops, fathers, popes, song leaders, family ministers or any other titles that man can create an office for. Christians are to be servants and if someone serves in one of these capacities so be it. Can a woman be a servant in the same capacity as a man? Yes, as long as it does not disrupt the orderliness of the worship of God, do damage to name of Christ or violate scripture.
There are many examples of women fulfilling several servant roles in scripture[10]. These women, to this writers understanding, will be rewarded by God for their service of Christ. There are, in these references, examples of women giving/supporting the work of Christ, prophesying, being fellow workers with the apostle Paul, teaching men, being servants of the church, and preaching the gospel to men.
Freedom and God, examples of women leading, serving and obeying God’s will have all been examined, but there are also examples of women going to far. Where is that elusive line of freedom overstepping obedience? Is it ware most Christians have drawn it? This writer hopes not. Robert J. Banks discuses some of the “Restrictions Placed upon Women by Paul[11],” but most of the restrictions seem to pertain to submission, not silence
How can women serve God and not disrupt the assembly? Romans 14 is literally a Godsend for many divisive issues in the church, and there are many applicable principals in this passage. This writer has difficulty accepting that this passage is just about food. Paul uses something trivial[12] such as food, to explain principals that should be lived by today. Romans 14:1-2 says, “1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2 One man's faith allows him to eat everything,” or listen to a woman speak in the assembly (or speak in the assembly if one is a woman), “but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.” or will not listen to a woman in the assembly (or will not speak in the assembly if one is of the fairer sex). Christians can’t look down on one another. The argument could be used ether way to say who is stronger or weaker but in the end neither is to judge or put stumbling blocks in front of the other[13].
So if faith or lack of faith allows someone to let a woman speak to or teach a man, but it causes another to stumble it should not happen. On the other hand, if someone’s faith or lack of faith dictates that women should keep silent but it causes a brother to stumble should he/she not also do what Romans 14:19 says[14]? This writer is unsure, but assumes both should hold to the same standard.
Back to the issue at hand “The value of women’s discipleship and influence has been tremendously overlooked.[15]” Now it must be said that Sunday morning between ten and eleven fifteen am is not the best time to observe many Christians serving Christ. One can often observe the similarities between what is done and what teachers of the law and the Pharisees were doing in Matthew 23. Women usually keep silent while the men are straining out gnats but swallowing camels[16]. Each church, and individual must decide what their faith dictates on the roles of women, but we must be prepared to make an educated decision. Making this decision with out the relative facts, references and examples is madness and folly. But, judging the servants of God is not this writer’s place or the place of any but God[17].
Finally is changing the way the church overlooks the value of women necessary? It is, if the church desires the more excellent way, and that is love[18]. Lynn Anderson explains why change is necessary and the cost in his book, Navigating the Winds of Change, he says, “Change is costly, yes. But God and the people who matter to him are worth it[19].
Bibliography
Anderson, Lynn. Navigating the Winds of Change. West Monroe: Howard Publishing CO.1994, 44.
Banks, Robert J., Paul’s Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in their Cultural
Setting Homebush: Anzea Publishers, 1979; reprinted, Peabody: Hendrickson
Publishers, 2007, 120. (page citations are to the reprinted edition)
The Bible (New International Version).
McRay, John. Paul. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003. 396.
Osburn, Dr. Carroll D. ed. Essays On Women In Earliest Christianity, vol. 2. Women in the Gospel of John, by Dr. Frank Wheeler. Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1995. 224.
Osburn, Dr. Carroll D. ed. Essays On Women In Earliest Christianity, vol. 2. 1 Cor 11:2-16 – Public or Private?, by Dr. Carroll D. Osburn. Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1995. 316.
[1] 1 Corinthians 14:34 for example shows one of the first times in scripture the issue rears its head.
[2] 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
[3] Sunday, March 9, 2008
[4] John McRay, Paul. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003) 396.
[5] Dr. Carroll D. Osburn, ed. Essays On Women In Earliest Christianity, vol. 2. Women in the Gospel of John, by Dr. Frank Wheeler (Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1995) 224.
[6] Dr. Carroll D. Osburn, ed. Essays On Women In Earliest Christianity, vol. 2. 1 Cor 11:2-16 – Public or Private?, by Dr. Carroll D. Osburn (Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1995) 316.
[7] Matthew 23
[8] Matthew 23
[9] John 12
[10] Luke 8:1-3, Acts 21:9, 1 Corinthians 11, Philippians 4:2, Acts 18, Romans 16 and John 20:18
[11] Robert J. Banks, Paul’s Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in their Cultural. (Homebush: Anzea Publishers, 1979; reprinted, Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 2007) 120.
[12] In the eyes of Christians today
[13] I hope I have not done this passage damage by misrepresenting its message and if I am in error pleas show me.
[14] “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
[15] (Wheeler 1995, 224)
[16] Paraphrase/application of Matthew 23:24
[17] Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? (NIV)
[18] 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3
[19] Lynn Anderson, Navigating the Winds of Change. 44
“Well I think God is a woman!” a tidbit from an overheard conversation after service one Sunday evening. Everyone within earshot got real quiet, looked, and quickly went back to their own conversations. A married, middle aged, mother of two was speaking with the minister and made this statement very matter-of-factly, and a bit louder than the norm, and now she looked on waiting for the response. This statement to some could be enraging, while others may agree with it. There are examples of God as a maternal figure in scripture but few in the Church of Christ would say God is a woman. This writer would not say God is a woman but if pushed he would not say God is a man either.
Why is this important? This is this important because, Christians have fractured on the roles of the sexes, or genders. The reason this woman was saying this is because she was feeling unnecessary in the Church and frustrated about the attitude of the men in the church. At this point is when this writer’s opinions began to form and values were questioned. Men sometimes feel more important than women and it obviously shows, but where does this attitude come from?
Christians have struggled with the issue of women’s roles in church for a very, very long time[1]. For almost two thousand years man and womankind have been trying to find woman a place in the assembly. This paper is written with the intention of making all things pertaining to woman and The Church clear. This goal is completely impossible, and that is understood, but if one shoots high enough something good may come of it.
Churches, like many institutions, have a history of trial and error. Christians tend to take things too far or not far enough. To illustrate this point, The Lords Supper, Communion or The Holy Eucharist, was a meal that the disciples were eating with Jesus, but in one of Paul’s epistles,[2] it was becoming a time when the rich were gorging, getting drunk and basically having a party, but today[3] it is a time of somber silence ware there is little food and even less fellowship/unity. “The purpose of the communal agape is not to satisfy hunger but to share a sense of unity by sitting around a table and sharing a meal together.[4]” Christians can never seem to find that line where freedom and God meet. This is not said to defame the church but just as an example of how an institution of human beings is prone to be flawed, and will rarely do anything except in extremes.
That being said one now must look at the problem at hand and try to avoid extremes. What is the problem? One answer might be, “People in the church are trying to change what God intended and empower women,” another answer could sound like this, “People in the church are stuck in an outdated, sexist mindset and need to get with the times.” Who is right? Neither one is correct, as far as this writer is concerned. Women are in the top two sexes on this planet and make up a large percent of the most intelligent forms of life, there are exceptions but they will not be discussed now. Dr. Frank Wheeler put it best when he said; “The value of women’s discipleship and influence has been tremendously overlooked.[5]”
There is a line, and to this writer’s understanding, the women addressed in 1 Corinthians 14:34 crossed it, and the line was, again according to this writer’s understanding, disrupting worship. In context the passage is addressing disruptions or orderliness not women. In their culture, mainly the Jewish members, it was inappropriate for women to speak. So, going from a culture ware women were the reason sin is in the world, and there for looked down upon, to a new culture where sin no longer separates humans from God and all can be forgiven through the blood of Christ, must have been shocking, to say the least. So Paul appeals to the Law to settle this matter, but Christians are free from the law of sin and death, so, do women need to keep silent if it is not a disruption to orderly worship?
To answer this question lets take a look at what Dr. Carroll D. Osburn says about it:
“women in the Corinthian congregation are praying and prophesying in the assembly in 11:2-16. In 14:34-35, some women are speaking in an instructional setting. The commonality shared by the two texts is not ‘women speaking in public,’ but women evidencing disrespect for others, decorum, and propriety, and thus contributing to chaos and disruption. The women in chap. 11are flouting commonly-accepted cultural norms, with resultant disrespect to their husbands; the women in chap. 14 are impending instruction by incessant questioning. The latter are told in no uncertain terms to “Pipe down!” The former while praying and/or prophesying in public worship, should do so in a manner that would not disgrace or dishonor their husbands.[6]”
Scripture is not a checklist on how to conduct a worship service; it is however full of commands and examples on how one should live a life that pleases God. How can one please God? Well among many other things being a servant pleases God. In Mathew 23 Jesus speaks to “the crowds and to his disciples[7]” and begins by speaking about the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. He explains that they are acting hypocritically, by telling men what to do but then not doing it themselves. Everything they did was for their glory not for God’s. Then Christ goes on to tell them not to go by titles such as Rabi, father or teacher. Then he explains why in verse twelve, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.[8]” God does not want pompous leaders, he desires humble servants.
In John 12 one can see Christ at a moment of emotional pain, he is told by Andrew and Philip that there are some Greeks who want to see him. Jesus predicts his death and then announces in John 12:26 that, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.[9]” Now we can see the reward for the service of Christ, and the reward is; being honored by thy Father. Is there anything greater? This writer would suggest that there is not.
Here is a fact; there are women in the church who are serving Christ and therefore they will receive honor from God, but are they serving to the full potential witch scripture allows? This writer will assert his opinion, and say, that they are being held to a standard that has over stepped the example set forth in scripture. Christians are called to be servants, not rabbis, teachers, preachers, deacons, elders, bishops, fathers, popes, song leaders, family ministers or any other titles that man can create an office for. Christians are to be servants and if someone serves in one of these capacities so be it. Can a woman be a servant in the same capacity as a man? Yes, as long as it does not disrupt the orderliness of the worship of God, do damage to name of Christ or violate scripture.
There are many examples of women fulfilling several servant roles in scripture[10]. These women, to this writers understanding, will be rewarded by God for their service of Christ. There are, in these references, examples of women giving/supporting the work of Christ, prophesying, being fellow workers with the apostle Paul, teaching men, being servants of the church, and preaching the gospel to men.
Freedom and God, examples of women leading, serving and obeying God’s will have all been examined, but there are also examples of women going to far. Where is that elusive line of freedom overstepping obedience? Is it ware most Christians have drawn it? This writer hopes not. Robert J. Banks discuses some of the “Restrictions Placed upon Women by Paul[11],” but most of the restrictions seem to pertain to submission, not silence
How can women serve God and not disrupt the assembly? Romans 14 is literally a Godsend for many divisive issues in the church, and there are many applicable principals in this passage. This writer has difficulty accepting that this passage is just about food. Paul uses something trivial[12] such as food, to explain principals that should be lived by today. Romans 14:1-2 says, “1 Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2 One man's faith allows him to eat everything,” or listen to a woman speak in the assembly (or speak in the assembly if one is a woman), “but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.” or will not listen to a woman in the assembly (or will not speak in the assembly if one is of the fairer sex). Christians can’t look down on one another. The argument could be used ether way to say who is stronger or weaker but in the end neither is to judge or put stumbling blocks in front of the other[13].
So if faith or lack of faith allows someone to let a woman speak to or teach a man, but it causes another to stumble it should not happen. On the other hand, if someone’s faith or lack of faith dictates that women should keep silent but it causes a brother to stumble should he/she not also do what Romans 14:19 says[14]? This writer is unsure, but assumes both should hold to the same standard.
Back to the issue at hand “The value of women’s discipleship and influence has been tremendously overlooked.[15]” Now it must be said that Sunday morning between ten and eleven fifteen am is not the best time to observe many Christians serving Christ. One can often observe the similarities between what is done and what teachers of the law and the Pharisees were doing in Matthew 23. Women usually keep silent while the men are straining out gnats but swallowing camels[16]. Each church, and individual must decide what their faith dictates on the roles of women, but we must be prepared to make an educated decision. Making this decision with out the relative facts, references and examples is madness and folly. But, judging the servants of God is not this writer’s place or the place of any but God[17].
Finally is changing the way the church overlooks the value of women necessary? It is, if the church desires the more excellent way, and that is love[18]. Lynn Anderson explains why change is necessary and the cost in his book, Navigating the Winds of Change, he says, “Change is costly, yes. But God and the people who matter to him are worth it[19].
Bibliography
Anderson, Lynn. Navigating the Winds of Change. West Monroe: Howard Publishing CO.1994, 44.
Banks, Robert J., Paul’s Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in their Cultural
Setting Homebush: Anzea Publishers, 1979; reprinted, Peabody: Hendrickson
Publishers, 2007, 120. (page citations are to the reprinted edition)
The Bible (New International Version).
McRay, John. Paul. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003. 396.
Osburn, Dr. Carroll D. ed. Essays On Women In Earliest Christianity, vol. 2. Women in the Gospel of John, by Dr. Frank Wheeler. Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1995. 224.
Osburn, Dr. Carroll D. ed. Essays On Women In Earliest Christianity, vol. 2. 1 Cor 11:2-16 – Public or Private?, by Dr. Carroll D. Osburn. Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1995. 316.
[1] 1 Corinthians 14:34 for example shows one of the first times in scripture the issue rears its head.
[2] 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
[3] Sunday, March 9, 2008
[4] John McRay, Paul. (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003) 396.
[5] Dr. Carroll D. Osburn, ed. Essays On Women In Earliest Christianity, vol. 2. Women in the Gospel of John, by Dr. Frank Wheeler (Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1995) 224.
[6] Dr. Carroll D. Osburn, ed. Essays On Women In Earliest Christianity, vol. 2. 1 Cor 11:2-16 – Public or Private?, by Dr. Carroll D. Osburn (Joplin: College Press Publishing Company, 1995) 316.
[7] Matthew 23
[8] Matthew 23
[9] John 12
[10] Luke 8:1-3, Acts 21:9, 1 Corinthians 11, Philippians 4:2, Acts 18, Romans 16 and John 20:18
[11] Robert J. Banks, Paul’s Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in their Cultural. (Homebush: Anzea Publishers, 1979; reprinted, Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 2007) 120.
[12] In the eyes of Christians today
[13] I hope I have not done this passage damage by misrepresenting its message and if I am in error pleas show me.
[14] “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
[15] (Wheeler 1995, 224)
[16] Paraphrase/application of Matthew 23:24
[17] Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? (NIV)
[18] 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3
[19] Lynn Anderson, Navigating the Winds of Change. 44
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Cars/Girls/Jobs
Well I’m up to late doing nothing worth wile. I don’t know ware I am supposed to go, but I know of many places that don’t want me. I am still waiting on so many things I know I’m only 21, but I already feel tempted to give up and marry the first girl that will have me take the first job that will hire me and just drift off into a boring life with no joy. I don’t ever want to be stuck that scares me more than anything right now. I don’t know why I keep getting told no, everyone is saying “NO!” I hate hearing “no.” it doesn’t make me angry it just makes me sad. Everyone wants something I don’t have. If I don’t have what people need what good am I? I know there is some one out there who needs me. I know I have a place but why isn’t it one of the seven or so places/things/people I have tried already? Hmm… that thought cheered me up actually. Even though I have been turned down a lot the past two years I don’t think I’m quite on my last straw… come to think of it I can probably handle a lot more Nos and I will probably have to. I am glad I will find something/someone/someplace someday.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
IB
10:50 Wednesday night I’m sitting here in a bit of pain, I’m doing something I will probably regret but hers to being young and impulsive. I stumbled across a website that explained how to make a tattoo gun; I checked it out and promptly decided to make my own. Suffice to say I now have a tattoo gun and almost a new tattoo. It’s on my right knee and for the moment it says “I B” soon it will say “G I B R M” but I’m doing it one letter at a time because it hurts a lot. We’ll see how it goes but maybe one day I will be a rich tattoo artist, but probably not. I will probably just be some old guy who is pissed off because he cant remember what GIBRM is.
PS
I miss all my friends Illy, Ben, Rebecka, and Mandy! I'll see you soon.
PS
I miss all my friends Illy, Ben, Rebecka, and Mandy! I'll see you soon.
Monday, March 3, 2008
my sentiments
Well it has been a while and I don’t know if any one really reads these so I feel safer saying what is on my mind. Its march 3rd I just had a grate weekend in Lincoln I went with Dave, Eric and Ricky. We ate all we could sat in the hot tub and watched TV. All in all a grate week end. Saturday we did go to the mall, I didn’t get anything!, then we went and ate then we went to O street got some coffee and watched the guy with the cross scream at sinners. We did beat box / rap a song for a good 2 hours about tucking it in. After that grate day we went to sleep and left for Heartlands church at about 9:45 good church and good service. Then we went home and ate some more and Dave and I went to go test drive the Comoro I’m thinking about getting.
Classes are getting a little tough but I have to stay with it. I have to get good grades this semester or I may be on the streets a little prematurely. I’m hungry, broke and a little sick of the drama but I’m closing myself off to it as much as possible, soon I will be that guy who talks to no one does my homework right after class and then sits alone in the dark until its time to go to class again.
Classes are getting a little tough but I have to stay with it. I have to get good grades this semester or I may be on the streets a little prematurely. I’m hungry, broke and a little sick of the drama but I’m closing myself off to it as much as possible, soon I will be that guy who talks to no one does my homework right after class and then sits alone in the dark until its time to go to class again.
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