Woman and nature
Several years ago, it made the news when fundamentalist preacher John MacArthur told the very popular evangelical Bible teacher, Beth Moore, to “go home”, putting on clear display his thoughts on women in church leadership. He warned that “empowering women makes weak men” and “weak men make everybody vulnerable to danger.” Today, John MacArthur’s church is back in the spotlight, with news of the very real and tragic consequences of this type of sexist and disempowering teaching.
Studies around the world show that empowering women is the key to developing economies, family well-being, better nutrition, and equal rights. So, why is there still confusion about the role of women in churches with some denominations still not recognizing female clergy and leaders?
Rather than derail Christianity, the full participation of women in all aspects of Creation is the fulfillment of the Christian impulse. A look at Judaism reveals why.
Judaism is built on the power of distinctions. The creation stories exemplify the distinctions between the first six days and the other days of the week; between the sun, moon and stars; between plants and animals; and between humans and God. The evening prayer in Judaism plays on those themes by glorifying the distinctions between night and day, and between sleep and activity. Havdalah, the blessing that ends the Sabbath, lauds the differences between holy and secular, and between Sabbath and the rest of the days of the week. Ancient Jewish prayers even prompt men to pray with thanksgiving that they were not made a woman, a gentile or a slave. Distinctions matter in Judaism.
Christianity goes in a decidedly different direction. Rather than playing on distinctions and dualities, Paul has a vision of integration. “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) Indeed, women play a major role in the Gospels.
This theme of unity and integration is further celebrated in the New Testament. Consider the story of Pentecost. When the Spirit comes, all hear a unifying message in their own language. This unity is celebrated as people share in a common life, a common purse, and a common purpose. Finally, we see in Revelation 7:9-10 that all tribes, peoples and languages have a common trajectory—unity within the oneness of God.
So what’s with the controversy about gender distinctions, including the rejection by so many mainline Christian churches of our LGBTQ and transgendered brothers and sisters? Why are confident and powerful female leaders treated differently than their male counterparts?
I wonder if the focus on gender isn’t indicative of deeper problems in the church. Like decline in worship, influence, and imagination. Todd Anderson, a former District Superintendent in the West Ohio Conference, told me, “The church is only in decline where the status quo is enforced.” He should know. Every District Superintendent past and present is painfully aware of how the status quo stifles new life. That’s why Todd worked across state lines, district lines, and conference lines to create new, experimental ministries. And they worked.
Decline is not a Christian value. The status quo is not a Christian value. Women preaching, turning things upside down, is. That’s what lets new life in.
Interestingly, even Judaism itself has moved toward integration. While distinctions still matter, female clergy are beginning to be ordained in the orthodox world.
Bottom line: Equality, leadership ability, and inclusion in the church should not be limited by gender.
Respecting and appreciating the value of each and every human being transcends gender.
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