Patriarchy has Fallen and Women are Raised

God Never Desired Patriarchy! After reading the historical accounts throughout the Bible, one can easily be misled into believing that male leadership is God's intended design for marriages, families, and for mankind in general. But, a closer look at God's word clearly reveals that God never desired patriarchy. In fact, it is instead a testimony to God's…

Doesn’t the naming of Eve show that Adam had authority over her?

Q - Doesn’t the naming of Eve show that Adam had authority over her? A - No, both male and female were created in the image of God and they were given shared authority to rule (Gen 1:28). Brief explanation: There is a Jewish tradition that the one who does the naming of another has authority…

Isn’t the wife supposed to be the husband’s ‘helper’?

Q & A Q - Isn’t the wife supposed to be the husband’s ‘helper’? A – Yes and No. The woman that was made to be with Adam was called his ‘help meet’ (Greek EZER KENEGDO), not his ‘helpmate’. Brief explanation: Ezer (help) does not mean from a lesser being. The same term is used…

Doesn’t the Bible say that wives are to submit to their husbands as their ‘head’?

Q - Doesn’t the Bible say that wives are to submit to their husbands as their ‘head’? A - Yes and No. Yes, only if the term ‘head’ (Greek: kephale) is understood as ‘origin’ or ‘source’ without the meaning of rank. The Bible teaches mutual submission between spouses. Brief explanation: 1 Corinthians 11:3 reads: ‘But…

Can women be elders (leaders/pastors) in the church?

Q - Can women be elders (leaders/pastors) in the church? A - Yes, Paul says, ‘If anyone (Greek tis – a gender neutral term) wants to be an elder...’ Brief explanation: In Christ, we are restored to the equality at creation (Gen 1:28). Male rule came about as a result of the Fall (Gen 3:16),…

Doesn’t the Bible say that women are to ‘keep silent’ in church?

Q - Doesn’t the Bible say that women are to 'keep silent' in church? A – No. In fact it says just the opposite. Brief explanation: Paul was clearly exasperated that such an idea was proposed and responded with ‘What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?’ (See…

Women in the Church – Common Questions

CLICK ON THE QUESTION OR ANSWER FOR A FULLER EXPLANATION 1. Doesn’t the Bible say that women are to ‘keep silent’ in church? NO 2. Can women be elders (leaders/pastors) in the church? YES 3. Doesn’t the Bible say that wives are to submit to their husbands as their ‘head’? YES and NO 4. Isn’t…

Husbands (and wives), Deprive and Dominate or Supply and Share

Biblical texts are often used as proofs for our own particular set of Christian values. Among those are texts which appear to subject women to men and wives to their husbands. But do these texts mean what many have ascribed to them? Clarity for these texts are found in careful consideration of each passage in…

Let Women Teach and with Authority

Reflecting on 1 Timothy 2:11-15 The issue of a woman leading or teaching in the church is clearly misunderstood by many and is a contentious subject that divides the body of Christ. The stumbling block is generally over scripture, with 1 Timothy 2:11-15 being perhaps the most prominent of these. Let’s consider what it says:…

Women – Our False Religious Notions

When it comes to issues, life experience often tells the truth best, mocks our false religious notions and is more compatible to good Biblical exegesis. The post, Women in the Church: An Anecdote on Submission by Tim Day from his blog Synerchomai, has a good example of this. Enjoy! Rob