1 Tim. 2:11-14 is a key passage used by complementarians to argue for male authority in the church and the home. Photo by Andy Bodemer on Unsplash “A woman is to learn quietly with full submission. I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed (emphasis mine).” Complementarians believe Paul refers to creation to establish male headship as a timeless, universal principle. Based on this idea, they read Paul’s Continue Reading
Excluding Women from Church Leadership Dehumanizes Them
What’s the difference between these two theological debates: 1. How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? 2. May women teach, preach, and lead in the church? Photo by Nadine E on Unsplash The first classic illustration centers on an abstract concept apart from ramifications for human beings. The other can result in a devastating human impact. Recently, Jonathan Brenneman shared a Facebook post demonstrating the negative effect on women in churches where they are restricted from leadership. Below are Jonathan’s thoughts, including bullet points taken Continue Reading
How Hierarchical Marriage Harms Husbands as Well as Wives
This post was originally published at cbeinternational.org in 2021. “Rob” and “Julie” were quite certain they had the formula for a successful marriage. God had brought them through a rough season early in their marriage, and now they had a testimony. Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash Their secret? Be sure the wife submits every decision, large or small, to the husband. Serve him around the clock and show him deference in every way. Julie followed this formula wholeheartedly—and Rob divorced her shortly after their twentieth anniversary. For those of us who knew Continue Reading
8 Ways to Make Sure You Can be Easily Deceived
For my fellow Charismatics, here’s a bit of satire meant for our good. (Please do the opposite of these points!) Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash 1. Ignore Scripture’s warnings about deception. Yes, Jesus tells us to watch out that we’re not deceived (Luke 21:8), Paul warns about deceivers (2 Tim. 3:13), and many more Scriptures offer the same warning. But you’re a sincere, godly believer, so why would God let you be deceived? Such passages probably don’t apply to you. 2. Offer undying loyalty to your favorite teacher(s). If you like their theology, their style, Continue Reading