Women

I am somewhat of a feminist. This term has become miscontrued, its meaning is this "the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men". Women should not be allowed to teach or lead or (as some maintain) be in any leadership role over men in the Christian church. Bullhickey.

God created men and women together as equals (Genesis 1:27: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
and
1 Cor 11:11-12: In the Lord, however, woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.)

He has gifted both men and women with gifts of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17 In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.) Who are we to restrict the Holy Spirit?

In the kingdom of God which we pray "your kingdom come" in the Lord's prayer, men and women are equal (Gal 3:28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.) When Jesus returns, there will be no difference - male or female.

For the best position paper I've read on this topic, please read Rich Nathan's essay on women in ministry.

So why the discrepancy? Many verses such as 1 Tim 2:11 -15 cause the discrepancy. These verses basically say women should be quiet and submissive to not disrespect their husbands and hinder the spread of the gospel. From Paul's life and teaching, the spread of the gospel was paramount to him. It is paramount to us. So do not hinder the spread of the gospel, even if you must be quiet. In 21st century America, telling women that they can not be leaders or teachers due to their gender may hinder the spread of the gospel. I know I struggled with this for many years. Rich Nathan discusses the context of these verses in length in his essay (it's a great read!).

While praying about this several years ago, God spoke this seemingly unrelated verse to me: Romans 14:20 "Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food." To me, it meant a lot. This issue should not hinder my walk with God or the good work he has begun in us.

Thoughts?