"Actually, at the local church level many congregations would not accept Palin or any other woman even as associate pastor, or deacon, or youth minister or Sunday school teacher in a gender-mixed classroom. The most conservative would not consider it appropriate for her to stand behind a pulpit and preach a sermon, or teach from the Bible, or lead a praise chorus, or offer a prayer, unless her audience consisted entirely of women or children.
These same conservative Christians who agree with Palin's political views and are thrilled by the idea of her serving just one heartbeat away from the presidency would argue that it would be inappropriate for her to exercise leadership in her marital relationship at home."
Evangelicals need to be consistent. I don't think it can be both ways. Full, well written and challenging article here.
Basically, the evangelical argument that has been going on since well before I was in college (at a conservative Christian school where this was often debated) has now hit the public airwaves.
5 comments:
As an evangelical, I agree with the comments regarding the Biblical roles of women. However, I believe this applies to roles within the church and family. The Bible was very specific about separating the church from the state regarding things like taxes and laws. My belief is this applies to roles as well. I don't see anything wrong with Palin's involvement in government or the workplace to the extent is doesn't affect her role in her family. And her family and God are the only ones who know if she is fulfilling her role there.
Unfortunately, I don't have Biblical support for my position which means that my opinion could change if Scripture contradicts this.
Again, love your blog and as a fellow Lunchbox riding Christian, i look forward to your posts.
Barry
Good comment. I personally feel the water is murky scripturally in this area and there are those I greatly respect on both sides of the issue of women in government (or even in church leadership.)
I just hope we will all take the time to review the scriptures and make them the basis of our belief and decision making rather than a particular political ideology.
I wish I rode the Box more, but alas, I don't need all that travel and gears much. It is fun though. Thanks for the comments.
I think the blogger is working from a slightly flawed view of the relationship between men and women and their roles within the home or he is just emphasizing other views held by some protestant groups (not sure which) but be that as it may, I agree with Barry that there is a difference between the roles within the church and the home and in the workplace or such. I don't think that being a powerful woman means that you cannot be in the proper role within the marriage.
The Palin situation is a rather unique one, to be certain. I imagine that throughout history there have been Christian women that have been placed into important and personally sacrificial roles and we are the better for it. However, none may have been more in the limelight as Palin.
It is, still a place of contention within the faith that is not likley to be settled any time soon.
grannygear and enel,
Lots of people express opinions about this for which I have a real life situation that is related.
We host a biweekly Bible study group at my house for couples. My wife, who has attended seminary and is one who I consider to be as knowledgable as anyone on the Bible, has been the quasi-leader of the group.
The group is a mix of men and women and part of the group finds this "non-Biblical" that my wife leads the lesson. I think this is nonsense. I could very well say that I am the leader and appointed her to teach. They would not want me leading because I would be shooting from the hip.
Just curious as to your reaction. I think there are much bigger issues for people to worry about in this world.
Barry:
I don't have a good answer for you other than that there are wonderful, spirit filled believers who would genuinely disagree on the issue of you wife teaching. Personally, I think it is not an essential tenet of the faith,and therefore should be treated with a lot of grace and respect for opposing views.
If it causes someone in your group to stumble, it might be time to rethink it.
I personally believe in male headship and authority, but do not think this precludes female teaching in the least. The woman should teach under the authority of a man, however, be that her husband, or head pastor.
Don't know if that helps.
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