Examining the Twelve Pillars of Male Hierarchy

This lecture examines the twelve pillars most often adduced as biblical support for male hierarchy in the church and in the home. It shows that statements in the Bible adduced for this do not, in fact, support male hierarchy. To the contrary, they rather provide evidence for the equal standing and authority of man and woman. It surveys the exegetical, theological, and practical foundations for the equal standing of men and women in the church and in marriage. It shows that the weight of the scriptural data should lead those with a high view of Scripture to welcome women in ministry and church leadership.