Gender Will Bring Down Parts of Christianity


Out of sight from most of us is a battle about the role of women in conservative Christianity. I've discussed here often the prohibition of female clergy. But, in some circles of the faith men interpret the prohibition of clergy to mean women cannot have positions leadership such as chairing committees or even a congregation president. An opposing view promoted by authors and public celebrities is that outside of the clergy position, men and women are equals in church affairs.

According to the link, many individual churches have this battle going on. Some men see women as equals for all lay positions but some men do not. This does not make sense to many women and nearly all young people.

When a child enters elementary school, he/she is soon taught about elections. I'm sure it is common for girls to be elected class president of the 3rd or whatever grade. Then a child goes to church and is told, no, women cannot be either clergy or office holder. It would seem strange and be strange.

Its my guess that we could predict the parts of Christianity which will survive over time and the parts that will not by how women are perceived and treated. That women are inferior is an idea left over from the Middle Ages and surely will survive in coming years. Branches of the faith where this discrimination now exists must either change or they will die out.

Backwards denominations would do well to pledge they will alter their theology to bring their ideas into conformity with today's society. The Southern Baptists have left segregation of black people behind, other branches should leave behind prejudices against women.

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