Women in the Church: One Woman's Thoughts

Lately I've been thinking a lot about women in the Christian church. As a woman and a Christian, I'm concerned. I'm just thinking in print here, so don't get all uptight, but I don't think I can agree with people who say women shouldn't be pastors or ministers. I can respect them, because I understand why they believe what they do, but at this point I can't agree.

I don't see good enough evidence that women shouldn't have these roles. Some say that traditionally women weren't pastors. Well, I don't say this callously, but so what? If, since the time Jesus appeared on earth, we've been learning and moving toward the kingdom, then maybe we should learn that women can lead the church. And, of course, disciples have traditionally been slow learners. Maybe it's just another case of "You thick people! Don't you understand yet?"

Really, I don't see any other substantial arguments except the one for tradition. The parts in the Bible dealing with women in the church most likely dealt with preserving the status quo of the time. The passages that say the man should be the head deal specifically with a marriage situation. I just don't see a good enough argument for keeping women out of pastor roles. I think the main reason we balk is that we aren't used to it. We can't imagine a woman minister, so of course it feels strange. And I'm not saying that any woman could be a minister. As with men, it takes a special gift and calling. And if a woman has that, I see no reason to not let her use it.

Perhaps I am wrong. I'm only saying what I feel makes the most sense in light of my understanding of Jesus.

People often become very emotional over this topic. Actually, people often become very emotional over many discussions about church issues. I can appreciate that, though I rarely feel that way myself. While the issues are very important to me, and I spend a great deal of time thinking about them, I don't feel that all the passion we give to these issues is always justified. Airing feelings honestly is the only way to grow. I don't think that discussion and disagreement offend God. He is more mighty than that. Of course, we should try to agree and work towards reconciliation, but I think we should do it by honestly trying to see the other side and then, if we can't agree, at least agree to not stop communicating.

Words of the Day

It often happens that after I encounter a word I don't know and look it up, that word starts appearing everywhere. It happened with "peripatetic." I'd never heard of it, but it was on the GRE. I looked it up as soon as I got home and found that it means "walking or moving about; not staying in one place, itinerant," according to Webster. After that I came across that word no less than ten times in the following year. It still pops up regularly. Maybe I'm just more sensitive to the word, but it really seems as if it came out of nowhere.

The same thing happened with "schadenfreude" (enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others). This time I saw the word yesterday for the first time, then I read it again today in a textbook for class! Does this happen to you? Is it a world-wide phenomena? It like it when it happens--it makes me feel as if the world is operating on some sort of pattern.

What is Wrong with People?

That, my friends, is the question. When people say they will do something, their word doesn't mean anything. Seriously, I don't trust anyone anymore. It's sad, but it's true. Let me tell you my story:

I thought it would be fun for the journalism grad students to get together for drinks tonight downtown. So, I talked to people and sent out an email. I had three people tell me to my face that they would definitely be there. So, I waited and waited and waited and waited, and finally the doorman asked me if I was okay, so I thought I'd better leave. What is wrong with people who don't want to go out and have a fun night? I know some of these people are just sitting at home.

You know what the saddest part is? I'm not even surprised that no one showed up.

Sometimes, I feel like my life is just one long string of disasters. I know I shouldn't say that because some people have real problems, like war and famine and abuse. But it would make my year if just ONE thing could go right. That would be friggin' fantastic.

Iowa Optimism

Here are links to some stories about Iowa. They show that we are starting to head in the right direction. Some people will say that they don't prove anything, that there are ways to discount what they say. Maybe they don't prove anything, but they are hopeful. I choose to have an optimistic attitude. But, some people will always be pessimists. That's their loss.

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