Theology, Grace, and the Gospel of
Radical Reconciliation
The 14th Annual Wheaton Theological
Conference April 7-8, 2005
By Heather Scheiwe
April. A month rich with spring showers and signs of new growth.
Christians for Biblical Equality experienced both during the three-day Wheaton Theological Conference on Women, Ministry, and the Gospel. Over 100 scholars, ministers, and students gathered to hear expositions on a variety of topics related to women in ministry. From biblical exegesis to personal narratives by single women on the mission field, the gathering was showered with discourse from all angles.
Each session featured two papers--one leaning toward a complementarian view and one toward an egalitarian view--but the overall purpose of the conference was to discuss the possibility of a middle way. In his plenary address, Timothy George, professor at Beeson Divinity School, proposed ten steps toward compromise, including meeting on the common ground of significant orthodox Christian beliefs.
CBE stands with conference speakers as they affirmed the authority of the Bible, the unity and trinity of God, and salvation by grace through faith. However, many who uphold these beliefs are uncomfortable with a "middle way" in regard to God's gifting. Can an intermediate position be reconciled to the gospel's radical call for all people to use their God-given gifts? Will it weakens the Church's witness and effectiveness? These are questions some egalitarians might ask.
Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen, who proudly declared her status as a "card carrying member of Christians for Biblical Equality," reflected this tension in the final comments of her plenary address. Certainly, she admitted, Christians should hope for agreement in the future. But for now, the positions are too inherently different to propose a middle ground that upholds the ultimate reliance of a Christian on God's grace.
CBE's staff and volunteers graciously represented the egalitarian gospel message at a booth offering CBE articles and recordings, books by conference speakers, and the new TNIV Bible. As they talked with many students and faculty from across the country that are genuinely interested in knowing God's will in this matter, they recognized God's Spirit cultivating people's understanding of their own gifts. May the spring continue to bring about growth, so that all Christians may be free to flourish as new creations in Christ.
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