In writing about what the Bible says concerning women, I’m often surprised to hear which bits of information are new to my readers. I’m reminded that, sadly, many of us have inherited a prejudiced view of females. Photo by Mina Rad on Unsplash For this reason, I’m beginning a series on women in the Bible. We’ll alternate between Old and New Testament women. (I’ll address other topics, too.) We’ll start with the very first woman created, because the minimizing and maligning of women in Scripture unfortunately begins as soon as we misinterpret the first chapter of Continue Reading
1 Timothy 2:12 doesn’t forbid women from teaching in the church
Let’s examine the main passage of Scripture used by complementarians for their case. “ Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.” –1 Timothy 2:11-12 (ESV) Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash Complementarians believe Paul’s concern in verse 12 is that women should not teach men authoritatively in the church but submit to male leadership instead.[i] They claim the phrase “a woman” refers to all women at all times and that Paul wants Continue Reading
Theology has Consequences for Real People
Regarding the issue of women in church leadership, both the complementarian and the egalitarian view can be supported by Scripture. It’s only possible for one of these views to be correct, though—either women should be barred from at least some leadership roles in the church, or they should not be excluded from any. While the debate between evangelical scholars on this issue continues, real people are affected by the theological positions held by those whose voices they trust. What happens if we get this wrong? If egalitarians are incorrect in their view that Continue Reading
Severe Warnings in the New Testament We Can’t Afford to Ignore
I'm disturbed by recent exposures of casual, careless, and cavalier attitudes toward prophesying. It's time to refresh our understanding of the incredible privilege of speaking for God. For a robust view of prophecy to begin with, we need to understand both the similarities and the differences between prophecy in the Old and New Testaments. Prophecy in the Old Testament largely served to remind God’s people to return to his covenant when they (repeatedly) strayed. By contrast, the main purpose of the New Testament spiritual gift of prophecy is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort Continue Reading