Despite Christian Ideas from the Middle Ages, More Women in the Clergy

There are still significant denominations that ban women from the pulpit. These include the Catholic, most Baptists, Lutherans Missouri Synod and many others. Nevertheless, the march of women to the pulpit continues with robust numbers.

Around 20% of all Christian clergy are now women. Ever year more women are ordained than men. As this march toward equality continues surely more women will be one governing boards and positions which oversea theology.

An interesting thing to speculate about is whether or how women might change the Christian faith. I belonged to First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fargo for decades. During that time an interesting thing happened. The number two pastor was a woman with quite liberal leanings. The Board chose a No. 1 pastor who was more conservative than any had been for decades. The No. 1 was there several years and then left. I don't know what is happening there now.

Abortion rights is more popular among women in the public than among men. I would assume that is the case with clergy. The same it true about gay marriage.

Today the Christian faith is slipping badly among young people. I think one of the things driving this failure are the cruel positions of many in Christianity toward women and gay people. Harming women and gays is a lose-lose proposition for the faith. It does not bring in members and the members who hold fast to these out of date ideas are the older members and are dying off.

More women in the clergy is a good thing for the faith.


Comments

  1. Matt NoahOctober 10, 2018 at 6:37 AM

    "More women in the clergy is a good thing for the faith." - As usual, you'll not be offended when the "faith" ignores your suggestions.

    As for women of faith and women recognized by the Catholic Church, there will be 2 women and 5 men canonized as saints this coming Sunday.

    Read more about it at https://churchpop.com/2018/10/09/7-saints-pope-francis-will-canonize-on-sunday-the-amazing-miracles-attributed-to-their-intercession/

    Blessed Maria Catalina Kasper, born in 1820, founded The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, dedicated to serving the poor.

    Blessed Nazaria Ignacia March Mesa, born in 1889, founded the Missionaries of the Crusade.

    Jesus Christ, himself, picked only men as his 12 Apostles, thus leading to the Catholic Church ordaining only men. This is dogmatic, not a discipline. There will never be ordained women in the Catholic Church. But there will be female saints forever. The Church follows Christ.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jon LindgrenOctober 10, 2018 at 7:41 AM

      Matt 6:37 "Jesus Christ, himself, picked only men as his 12 Apostles"

      That, of course, is what was written by men later. No one who wrote the Bible ever was present to actually see a Jesus or 12 men and no women. You also forgot to point out men only decided who was to be chosen for sainthood. If there a pearly gates and you are standing there one day, won't you be surprised if all the gate keepers are women.

      Delete
    2. Matt NoahOctober 10, 2018 at 1:06 PM

      Make up your mind, Jon. You use the Bible to thump various Christian denominations over the head and then you turn around and say it isn't even true. A psychiatrist might diagnose you with a mental disorder.

      You don't believe in the "pearly gates" yet you slam me over the whole gates of pearl issue. Again, mental illness or just open hostility towards Christians?

      I didn't forget to say anything. I said what was enough to be said about a particular issue. Or did you forget to quote Bart Ehrmann in today's 'Epistle to the Crazy Christians?' Seriously, are you going to start criticizing people for the brand of coffee they drink?

      Delete

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