At its yearly convention, the largest Protestant denomination in America passed a statement opposing abortion, pornography, homosexuality — and female pastors. For Southern Baptist leaders, these issues hang together. They assume that on their side of the culture war, Christians must oppose these practices as a piece. It is only the liberal, secular, or religiously compromised people on the other side who think differently.
KEEP READING“Delighted” would accurately describe my reaction to discovering Christians for Biblical Equality. I’m a man who knows something about marginalization and alienation — two themes central to CBE’s concerns.
KEEP READINGSome denominations in the United States are still arguing about whether a woman can stand behind a pulpit, I said to myself. Meanwhile, women in China are engaging in dangerous missions and governing thousands of new churches. There’s something wrong with this picture!
KEEP READINGI’m a fairly egalitarian male; some would say I’m hyper-sensitive regarding unequal treatment of women in the church and in society. But when it comes to the traditional chivalrous role the male gets to play ... I confess I enjoy it.
KEEP READINGAs our culture continues to wax cynical about the viability of religion, women across the country are using their creativity and their pastoral callings to make space for people drawn to God in ways hard to explain on a traditional Sunday morning.
KEEP READINGAs I consider the similarities between reformist movements of the past and the current gender debate within the Church, I see why one might refer to it as a “reformation.”
KEEP READINGIn exploring the cultural impact of gender on ministry, examples from Kenya, India, Venezuela, and the United States were selected as case studies, illustrating the impact of gender on Christian ministry.
KEEP READINGWhen Minneapolis-based calligrapher and graphic designer Diane von Arx Anderson was invited to work on The Saint John’s Bible, the first handwritten illuminated Bible in 500 years, it did not ever cross her mind to refuse.
KEEP READINGI’ve always been puzzled by forgiveness. With little experience of God’s power to renew and heal — but a lot of “shoulds” in my head about how I needed to be a loving person.
KEEP READINGI can see so clearly the contrast between the Islamic theological stance, which is totally legal and which categorizes a range of people, and the Biblical stance, which is one of relationships. Men and women are empowered equally by God’s Holy Spirit such that if the church maximizes the use of these gifts the Kingdom will be further extended.
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