"The New Testament does not contain a single passage authorizing female preachers. There were no female Apostles. No female wrote a book of the Old or New Testaments. No female was an Elder, Bishop, or a Deacon. There are no ministerial qualifications for females in the New Testament priesthood. " -Cohen G. Reckart, Pastor, (opposed to women in ministry)I am not sure what resistance to women in the ministry you have heard of or even experienced. Depending how you came into ministry, you may not have "hit the wall," but it is likely that you at least know that not all people think it is a good thing for women to be in the pulpit. There is cultural bias against women moving into these positions but there is also opposition based on scripture. This negative use of scripture is a very strong weapon and it is powerfully wielded to keep women in their place. One must be prepared for the "sword of scripture" to be brandished against one's call to ministry. As persons who place a high value on scripture, we are particularly vulnerable to this form of attack. Put on the full armor of God so you can resist those who would side track you from your call.
12.06.2008
Put on the full armor
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
When I hear the claim the no female wrote a book of the bible, I ask them these questions?
ReplyDeleteWho wrote the book of Jeremiah? They say Jeremiah.
Who wrote the book of Daniel? They say Daniel.
Who wrote the book of Hosea? They say Hosea.
Who wrote the book of Esther? Silence...
Who wrote the book of Ruth? Silence...
I would like to know why the books of Esther and Ruth appear to be hidden? Is it because they were written by Esther and Ruth? Esther has personal details that only Esther would know.
The next question I ask is important. How then do you KNOW that no book of the bible was written by a female?
(The book of Hebrews has also been suggested as being written by Priscilla. Just more food for thought.)
Thanks for your response. It is so easy to be intimidated by such Bible pounding that sounds so authoritative! Clearly, only God knows for sure which human wrote which book. And, by the way, I like to think Priscilla wrote Hebrews!
ReplyDeleteAs the peacemaker of my family words like these tend to stop me in my tracks- especially when they are spoken by people I have considered to be my mentors (not to mention those people who are supposed to AFFIRM my calling). In college I was under the misconception that to be a women in ministry meant that I had to be some type of radical feminist. To be in ministry then- meant that I had to take a stand and engage in conflict. As a result I convinced myself that I had not been called to ministry. How refreshing to learn that being a woman in ministry does not mean I have to be radical- it just means I am realistic. The desire I have in my heart is no longer to be a peacemaker persay but to make a difference in this world. I have a hard time believing God would supress any of His children from bringing light to a fallen world.
ReplyDeleteAs the peacemaker of my family the idea of having to meet these words face to face in order to serve in the ministry is paralyzing. In college I was under the misconception that to be a woman in ministry mean that I had to be a radical feminist- it was a position that required conflict- a position that I had no desire to fill. As a result of many classroom debates over this topic with 20 men arguing against 2 women I convinced myself that God had not called me into ministry. How refreshing to learn that being a women in ministry doesn't require you to be radical- just realistic. Somehow I doubt that God would supress any of His children from bringing light to a fallen world.
ReplyDelete