I recently read one theologian’s viewpoint on why women should not teach, preach or pastor. Turns out, it all goes back to that crazy apple (I Tim. 2:8-15). Eve was deceived and ate the apple and disqualified every other woman from ever having significant insight to impart to a man, henceforth and forever. Amen. So be it. Selah.
It’s interesting to note how many other scriptures have to be eliminated or re-invented in order to build a whole philosophy on I Timothy 2:14. These include Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 4:12 (“the” and “saint” are gender-inclusive words so Paul is saying, “Equip men and women for the work of the ministry”), as well as all the Biblical accounts of women who did amazing things like Deborah, Jael, Miriam, Huldah, Esther, Phoebe &Priscilla. (He mentions these women, but says they’re too rare to establish a pattern. Sigh. Don’t even get me started, Mr. Theologian.)
Anyway, I’m not here to duke this one out…just interested in how we arrive at our opinions. Most people I know who have disqualified women from leadership would not really be able to tell you why. They usually have picked a comfortable viewpoint without applying much muscle to analysis and you’ll generally discover a wide load philosophy teetering on the tiny shoulders of I Timothy 2. (If you wonder how I know this, you’re welcome to stand next to me on a Sunday after I speak and listen to the conversations that ensue.)
It’s taken a long time for me to build a philosophy as well. I’m blessed to be married to a man who loves what God is doing in my life as much as he loves it in his own. I’m also grateful to have a pastor who frees me to speak without fear of reprisal or rebuke. If these human men in a fallen world want that much for me…wouldn’t my Father in heaven want even more? Or am I – 2000 years after the greatest act of redemption and release in all of history – still silenced by an apple?
Paige - Thanks for being so great Bo. This post touched my heart. 🙂
Eric and Lindsay - I wanted you to know, I just ordered Naked on God’s Doorstep! If you keep recommending books, I’ll go broke!
~Lindsay
Bo - Sorry, Linds…but I plan to lure many helpless victims into the web of my book obsession so that I am not alone. 🙂 That book made me cry in a good way. And what makes that book worth the money is that it will make you very grateful for your life…that’s a good deal for 14 bucks!
Tara Jeanette - Hey Bo. we were going through Genesis in one of my classes and started talking about Eve and what it means for her to be a “help mate” and how people use that to mean lower than man. But how that word is used to talk about God everywhere else…interesting! I miss your preaching! and you!
Love you!
Janna - Thanks for being such an encouragement Bo!Keep on Keepin on!Much Love-Janna
Bo - Tara and Janna! Come home! I’m praying for both of you and know you are where you are on purpose but still…come home! : )
Helen - Amen and Amen…so glad that the Lord compells you not to stay silent!
Helen
Keri Schulz - Bo. you always encourage me. I appreciate your balaced, yet uncompromising pursuit to know and share truth. You blow wind into my sails so I can keep leading worship, and speaking as God gives me opportunity. I miss you.
keri
Bo - Oh Keri – wonderful girl! So glad to see the teensy little picture of you there! 🙂 I have been praying for you: that Jesus’ presence is so real and true and overwhelming that all of your questions are either being answered or fading to insignificance by comparison. Much love from Oregon to California, Stern to Shulz.
Victoria Ashley - Hehe, I’m so excited to be a preacher too!!
Bo - Tori…you’ll be a great one!
Kaci Bullis - Okay..this is the number one thing I have to answer for when I travel and speak…AAAAUUUGGGHHH As a wise woman in Bend once said “if God can use a donkey he can sure use me”