Reflections of an Undeconstructed Pentecostal
We are in the middle of campmeeting season and anticipating the general assembly. I’ve attended two camp meetings, and I’ve been reading several post in anticipation of debating the agenda. What do they all have in common? I’ve heard it over and over again. I believe what the Bible says! Really?
Continue reading “Women? It’s About How to Read the Bible”
In conversations regarding the role of women in the church it has been said that the issues of women and slavery in the Bible are unrelated. The point being that we should view slavery as a systemic human evil; but the submission of women in the church and society is a matter of God’s order in creation. But, in fact the issues of slavery and women are indeed related. The Apostle Paul says so.
Continue reading “The Issues of Slavery and Women are Related”
Over the past several months I’ve had many conversations with friends and colleagues about the biblical perspective of women in ministry. Of course, I believe the biblical perspective is that men and women are equal in the body of Christ and are equally called to participate in the mission of God. Since, the adjournment of the Church of God General Assembly, I’ve reflected on those conversations. I must admit that I am deeply disappointed in the position that many in our church espouse.
Continue reading “Equal Heirs, Equal Participants”
Much of the discussion about women in ministerial leadership focuses on the meaning of headship. So, I wish to offer a few reflections on the meaning of the Greek text and its theological implications.
Continue reading “Reflections on the Meaning of “Headship””
Some of my colleagues have suggested that those of us who favor the egalitarian the view of men and women are practicing a dangerous hermeneutic that will ultimately justify the acceptance of homosexual marriage. I admit that bad hermeneutics have indeed been employed to justify all sorts of evils. That is why we must approach the preaching and teaching of God’s word with fear, prayer, knowledge, and love for truth.
Continue reading “Will Women Bishops lead to Homosexual Marriage?”
The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).
Paul’s words have been employed as a universal statement that denies any role to women in the ministry of the gospel. While I admit that at first reading they seem rather straightforward, when taken in the context of the narrative of Scripture, they seem out of place. So, I wonder, what if women had been silent?
Continue reading “If Women had been Silent…”