Yesterday in my Women in Christian History class we again talked about women in ministry and the arguements on both sides--for and against. There are reasoned opinions on both sides (though I think the more reasonable argument is on the "for" side) and good Godly people on both sides. But ultimately, I don't think it is reasoned arguments that convince people of things. They certainly are helpful along the way, but I think what ultimately convinces people that a woman can publicly proclaim God's truths is to experience a woman doing so. Why would you want to silence that? In the same way, I think ultimately what convinces a person to become a Christian is not well thought out arguments, but a direct experience with God, or with someone who is walking in step with him.
What do you think?
This entry was posted on 10:30 AM
You can follow any responses to this entry through
the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response,
or trackback from your own site.
4 comments:
I so agree with you!
I had not thought of it like that really, but 'reasoned arguments', though good, are NOT what convince folks. Hmm.
Well said, Laura.
And I am FOR women in ministry - all ministry. I used to not be. I've come to my senses - and it WAS because experiencing a woman 'doing it'... and not a reasoned argument.
Very good post.
I hope you get lots of comments.
I am still baffled by the thought of not allowing women to be involved in the ministry-in all vocations... Probably mostly because I've grown up in a churches where women and men contributed to the church in (as best as I can understand) equal roles. It was never an issue as far as I know. In parents' church, the head pastors (husband and wife) both preach. They BOTH offer soundly Biblical, powerful, beautiful insight and teaching... and I largely attribute my spiritual growth/health/roots to them equally.
The thought of a woman not being allowed to preach was an idea/view that didn't enter my mind until very recently. (perhaps because I am still a babe) And while it has been tough at times, I am thankful for the challenge and the growth that this subject has spurred in me and those around me-especially you:)
I think that there is a place for struggling with and even "arguing" out our faith as long as LOVE is kept as the foundation- the beginning and the end of the issue/situation. I think that when people begin to argue though, that it is very easy for pride to creep in and take over in our hearts. No good usually comes out of this kind of arguing...
I agree with what you said and it makes me think of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:1-4
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
I love that whole chapter.
:)
I am still baffled by the thought of not allowing women to be involved in the ministry-in all vocations... Probably mostly because I've grown up in a churches where women and men contributed to the church in (as best as I can understand) equal roles. It was never an issue as far as I know. In parents' church, the head pastors (husband and wife) both preach. They BOTH offer soundly Biblical, powerful, beautiful insight and teaching... and I largely attribute my spiritual growth/health/roots to them equally.
The thought of a woman not being allowed to preach was an idea/view that didn't enter my mind until very recently. (perhaps because I am still a babe) And while it has been tough at times, I am thankful for the challenge and the growth that this subject has spurred in me and those around me-especially you:)
I think that there is a place for struggling with and even "arguing" out our faith as long as LOVE is kept as the foundation- the beginning and the end of the issue/situation. I think that when people begin to argue though, that it is very easy for pride to creep in and take over in our hearts. No good usually comes out of this kind of arguing...
I agree with what you said and it makes me think of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:1-4
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."
I love that whole chapter.
:)
I'm not sure why that was posted twice-- but it was good enough to be read twice :). LIKE IT. and your blog-- and will continue to read it in Thailand, which means it will look cool on your sitemeter when it says where Im reading from--okay Im a nerd, but it is cool.
Post a Comment