Flip!
So I was starting to feel like a bit of a loser regarding how I passionately believe that women have just as much calling and equality in the Kingdom of God as men...I just thought, shoot...am I the only one that feels like this?
And then...da da da da da da dahhhhhh, along comes http://www.cbeinternational.org/ ...Christians for Biblical Equality. I felt SO good to see that here was an amazing group of people who realise that keeping women subservient, cramped in their God given giftings, not allowing women to have leadership roles in the Church and their families, was oppressive and unjust.
'Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) is a nonprofit organization of Christian men and women who believe that the Bible, properly interpreted, teaches the fundamental equality of men and women of all ethnic groups, all economic classes, and all age groups, based on the teachings of Scriptures such as Galatians 3:28:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (TNIV).
CBE recognizes that injustice is an abuse of power, taking from others what God has given them: their dignity, their freedom, their resources, and even their very lives. CBE also recognizes that prohibiting individuals from exercising their God-given gifts to further his kingdom constitutes injustice in a form that impoverishes the body of Christ and its ministry in the world at large. CBE accepts the call to be part of God’s mission in opposing injustice as required in Scriptures such as Micah 6:8.'
I love this. But I want to be a gracious bringer of this truth to people who are still clinging to the traditional roles the Church still imposes upon women. So in this pursuit of Truth and Justice, I want to be kind and understanding to people who have different ideas than me.
Love,
Jane.
okay, okay...so that last paragraph wasn't as kind as it should have been...I couldn't pass it up though!
ReplyDeleteDid you know that the FW book was written by a Mormon? eek! Will be back with more later. :)
ReplyDeletei had to delete that last paragraph...too inflammatory! considering I want to create dialogue and gracious conversation about gender roles...lovies, jane.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this conversation can be inflammatory. Where is the line though in pointing out abuse (spiritual or other wise) or the potential of abuse, within the family of God?
ReplyDeleteThis is my struggle.
I am fairly passionate about the gender roles and patriarchal family conversation, and I know that others are too. I think we can all apply positive intent and assume that the people that are recommending that book, and the many others that support its paradigm, are doing it because they want "the best for you" the best marriage, the best family, the best relationship with God.
But, what I am afraid *really* happens is bad theology and a denial of who God made us to be individually. This is something that I have a hard time not addressing, and that can be uncomfortable, at best. I am sure that the very fact that I am women, doesn't help in this instance. ;)
Just for the record, I am a submissive wife (I believe that we should all submit to one another in love for our Christian brothers and sisters, of which my husband is one), I believe that a husband/father *SHOULD* be a spiritual leader and I believe that women do have an important calling to be wife and mother.