This topic is a big one, Controversial with a capital 'C' barely even covers it and it is also a topic that can stir up strong emotions because it is at heart an issue of identity. There are many Christians today who identify themselves as 'charismatic' and therefore take any critique of charismatic theology very personally. This is to be expected and I too react with great fervour against those who claim that reformed theology isn't correct. Therefore, it is my prayer for the grace to write with love and that this message be received with love. For love, as I will go onto to explain, is the greatest of all spiritual gifts!
I believe that writing this series of posts on the subject of charismatic gifts is both necessary and desirable because for many Christians no opposing viewpoint is ever presented to them. In modern Christian circles then it is often an accepted fact that charismatic gifts of the spirit are both biblical in essence and are directly connected with the New Testament church. This is not a viewpoint I accept. But let's start simple: this first post is just to define the charismatic gifts of the Spirit and to outline their importance (or lack thereof) in Christian living
7 Comments
The problem with discussing whether or not woman are allowed to be ministers is that it is a very sensitive issue and people are quick to press the 'sexism' button and ignore the discussion entirely. So I venture into this area with several caveats: first, please do read my previous blog post on the biblical roles of men and women (equal in worth, different in role), it provides a necessary backdrop to this discussion. Second, the discussion that will follow runs against the culture we live in; this makes it challenging for everyone comes to the table with a lot of reactions engrained in them. Thirdly, while some might levy the charge of sexism against me I hold that the biblical view of gender is not only true but beautiful.
So without further ado, I'll begin the discussion with the relevant bible passage: "A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner." 1 Timothy 4 v 11 - 14 Missing the Obvious It is easy to miss the huge controversy here, Paul wrote this in the 1st century and the idea that women could learn would have been very challenging to his male readers. For in Paul's time then women and education were rarely introduced to each other. Thus do we immediately see the biblical view of men and women working itself out in an extremely positive manner with Paul not just suggesting but commanding women to learn. |
Archives
August 2012
Categories
All
|