Viral Faith

Over the past several weeks, we have looked at key passages from the Bible that deal with the role of women in leadership.  These selected texts are often quoted to deny women from being in positions of leadership, teaching, and influence.    I have sought to illustrate the textual meaning (what does the text actually say), the contextual background (In what context or situation was the written word addressed), and the culture (the expected roles, responsibilities, and relationships) of the era.  Thus far we have talked about Jesus' specific teachings (Part 2) and one of the seemingly prohibitive scriptures for women leadership in I Timothy 2:11-15 (part 3).  Thus far, we have seen that Jesus places no obstacles from women being full disciples and demonstrates prominent roles for women in ministry.  We say that in I Timothy2, the text speaks against women manipulating men, but does not speak against women teaching in the church. In light of this...

One of the proof texts against women in ministry is found in the book of 1 Timothy.  This letter was written by the Apostle Paul to his friend and young pastor, Timothy.  In the second chapter, it has the following, according to the New International Version (NIV): 1 Timothy 2:11-15 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing — if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. NIV On the surface, this text appears very clear.  Women, in general, seemed to be forbidden to have any teaching responsibility over men and in addition, she should not speak at all.  This is the understanding that has been perpetuated since the Apostolic era (era when people who actually knew th...

I have begun a series of blogs looking at the role of women in ministry.  As I had shared previously, the issue of whether women can hold leadership positions, be ordained, and lead churches continues to divide the body of Christ. In the last blog (from June 22nd), we spoke about how we understand the will of God: The Person of Jesus Christ, the whole of scripture (Hebrew and Greek Scriptures), and the practices of the early church.  We will begin our study by quickly looking at what Jesus said and His practices involving women in ministry.  Since Jesus is the direct revelation of God (Hebrews 1:3), His words and His practices are ouir clearest starting point. Jesus lived in first century Palestine.  Within that worldview, Jewish subculture, in which Jesus lived, afforded very few rights and privileges to women.  Although there were no commands within the Hebrew scriptures relegating the role of women to secondary citizens, this was the cultural practic...