Mutuality | Blog + Magazine | Spring 2021
The print + digital magazine of CBE International
Mutuality offers articles from diverse writers who share egalitarian theology and explore its intersection with everyday life.
Blog + Magazine ArticlesThe opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members.
Spring 2021
Volume: 28 | Number: 1
Making Peace With Paul
Paul’s letters provide the framework for equality between women and men, yet they are also used to validate patriarchy. In this issue, we explore how Paul’s writings and overarching theological framework is egalitarian.
Contents
Remember Phoebe, and remember Priscilla, Lydia, Junia, and the many other women Paul called his coworkers, his equals. Remember Galatians 3:28. Remember the gospel of Jesus that Paul gave everything else up for.
Many women have had to grieve the complementarian Christian faith they were raised in. Using the stages of grief as a model is a helpful lens for deconstructing this faith and rebuilding better interpretations of Paul.
Historical context can be the key to understanding uncomfortable biblical texts. When we frame the household codes in Colossians through the lived experience of Paul, we find a surprising, liberating message.
Phoebe’s position in the church is debated. If she was a leader, some are sure she was an exception to the “rules” of 1 Cor. 14 and 1 Tim. 2. But what if Phoebe’s leadership represented the rule instead?
Intended to help understanding, verse and chapter numbers are not the Word of God. Sometimes these additions break up thoughts that clearly should go together. This leaves interesting questions about 1 Timothy 2 and 3.
Paul lived and died for the gospel of Jesus. We learn a bit more about what Paul thought this gospel meant and what he believed it changed about power dynamics from what he says in his letter to the Philippians.
Christians can assume egalitarian interpretations of Paul are a modern phenomenon, but evidence suggests that is incorrect. Meet one Christian group who ordained women for 200 years after Paul because of Gal. 3:28.
To read Priscilla’s story through a lens of male-only leadership diminished her calling and also Paul’s. It also obstructs, demeans, and even abuses God’s welcome to women leaders and their male allies then and now!
