Insisting Women are Inferior to Men Will Hurt Christianity


The largest denominations in Christianity, Catholic and Southern Baptist, both exclude women from the pulpit. There are other less significant denominations as well. There can be only one reason for doing this. That reason is the self-interest of men. 

In reading the various views on this topic, I've concluded those who publish and are instrumental in influencing denominations fall into two camps and use two types of reasoning. One camp, that prevents women from holding the preacher title, uses this reasoning: Women have never been preachers. Jesus had male only disciples. Therefore, it must mean we men are to be the only teachers of the faith. 

The second group, which sees no reason for the Christian faith to exclude women from the pulpit, is made up of scholars who go back to the writing that may (or may note) best reflect what original writers said or meant. We must remember always there is no original writing, only that recopied many times. Further, from the early available writings it is clear none was written by people who were present when the various Bible figures spoke or performed various acts and ceremonies. Most of those who study the Bible in its original language and meticulously compare writing in one part with that in another conclude the Bible does not preclude or discourage women preachers.  

There are many denominations and now many churches who do not affiliate with any centralized body. Many breakaway groups label themselves as "reformed." By using this word I suppose they mean "better" or "best."  The word used very frequently in Christian circles today is "discernment." I guess it means an individual or a group is trying to best discern what the Bible means or the intentions of the almighty. 

I'd suggest liberal churches who believe in equality for all, including women and gay people, start renaming their denomination, "Best Discernment Church." Or, "Better Discernment Church." 

The best Biblical scholarship finds no prohibition to women serving as pastors. This is superior discernment so modern churches should let the public know their denominations are superior.  

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