womens role in the church?
916059
Paul says that women should not lead, but Jesus himself never says this. Do you want to put your faith in Jesus and follow his example? Or do you want to put your faith in a certain traditional or modern interpretation of a set of ancient manuscripts? Jesus did not preach unthinking adherence to dogma. He taught from the Old Testament, but he did not follow it blindly. He updated the old laws in light of the new era in which he lived. His message was to help us find a direct, personal relationship with our creator; he did not exhort people to simply accept whatever doctrines happened to be popular at the time. His faith was not in the Bible as it existed in his day; his faith was in the living spirit of his Divine Father. If you put your faith in Jesus and want to follow his example, then you need to seriously consider the example that he set for the people of his time. He said that he was the way to truth. Does this sound like he is saying "Find out what people have written about me, then blindly follow it with without regard for what seems right and true to you in light of your own experience and the cultural/historical context…"? No, Jesus did not tell us to worship any book, no matter how old and full of wisdom it may appear to be. He did not tell us to blindly follow any of his apostles. Jesus was a living spirit who knew his Divine Father directly. When he said he was "the way", he was inviting us to join his spirit, and this spirit was a spirit of rebellion against the soul-stifling dogmatism of his day. It was a spirit of love for humanity and fairness to the weak, poor, and downtrodden. It was a spirit of adventure – drop your old habits and knee-jerk prejudices; seek God directly through prayer and deep contemplation. THIS was the spirit of Christ, and this is what he meant by "I am the truth and the light…" Whenever you forfeit your own inner light, you forfeit your connection to the true spirit of Christ.\n\nNow, in a prayerful and contemplative mood, consult your own inner light. Ask honestly and with a truly open mind: "Should women be allowed to lead?" Does it REALLY seem right to you that men should monopolize the structures of power in the church and in government? Is this truly what is best?\n\nIf your are feeling uncertain about how you really feel, you might try imagining this: Suppose that God personally told you to do what I have just suggested. Suppose he says, "I'm going to let you write a new book of the Bible because in my divine opinion the Bible needs to be updated, and I'm picking you to write the new book." He goes on to tell you that it is crucial that you be brutally honest with yourself about how you feel. The weight of God's new message to the world rests on your shoulders, and the fate of the world rests on your ability to be insightful and honest about your feelings. Now, again, ask yourself "Is there anything truly wrong with a woman being a pastor?" What would you want to write in your new book of the Bible? Would you really feel right about telling women all over the world that they cannot have God's blessing if they acquire a position of leadership?\n\nTHIS is what it means to truly follow in the spirit of Christ. Find your own inner light –your own connection to Divinity – and speak from there. This is what Jesus did. This is what he wants us to do. The Bible is not the end of truth, it is just the beginning.\n\nAs for my denomination, I have none. Mine is the path of self-knowledge and truth, wherever it may lead.
83963
"Well first you might ecept Jesus into your heart ,stay in church and get baptize... "\n\nAnd look to Jesus to send you the woman that He wants you to have. in Christ, sassy
612794
Episcopalians are Protestants, by the way.  \n\nMethodists, Pentecostals, and many Baptists have female ministers.  Christian history is peppered with female leadership that varies by historical situation.  The main reason that conservative Christians (most of whom would call themselves "evangelicals" or more rarely,"fundamentalists") oppose female leadership, especially as pastors, is because they interpret scripture to say that women should not be allowed to teach, especially to teach men.  More educated/historically grounded denominations usually have less trouble accepting female ministers for several reasons:  1) They read the Greek and see that the key passages against female authority are later interpolations. 2) They read the New Testament and see in Paul's own words that women were apostles and church leaders. 3) They read other historical documents from the early church and see that women held certain clerical positions from the beginning. 4) They understand scripture and church politics through the centuries in their historical and political contexts.   5) They are more open about the fact that all scripture is interpreted, so they do not have many adherents to the conservative (and narrow minded, usually poorly educated) views of scripture such as "God said it.  I believe it.  Discussion over."\n\nWomen being in power is not against the Christian religion.  It is against many of the cultures in which Christianity has grown up.  The message of Christ can be understood in a radically egalitarian, and even gender-transcending way.  "In Christ there is no male or female" is a powerful fulfillment of "male and female God created them."
374532
Here's both sides of the argument for you.\n\n"Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church” (1 Corinthians 14.34-35, NIV).\n\nThe above verse, and a few other verses from Paul are the scriptures those opposed to women preachers use. Notice, however, that very few churches actually follow the ENTIRE verse which says that women should not even be allowed to speak.\n\nThose who believe women should be allowed to be preachers use the following verse from Acts as a support their argument:\n\nIn the last days it will be, God declares,that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.\n\nIt would also be accurate to translate prophesy as preach. So, according to this passage, God will pour out his spirit on men and women and they will preach.\n\nAlso consider Galatians 3:28\n\nThere is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.\n\nAlso consider the fact that there were 3 women prophets in the Old Testament. I can only remember 2 of them right now, Miram and Deborah.\n\nNot a simple answer is it? You can see what a tough argument it is.\n\nPersonally I believe that Paul's answers reflect the culture of his time. Of of my mentors is a woman minister, as is my wife. I identify with a group of Baptists that supports women in ministry called the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.\n\nI've given you some info, so you can make up your own mind.
85744
!!! \n\nThey're not called that in my church - that's really weird! It's probably something to do with your church. In my denomination we have women as leaders, ministers, and treat them as equals. I think the "first lady" title is pretty demeaning to them - or at least has that potential...
96383
Hello Little One.. :)\n\nMy brother Scnheb is correct..it is a matter of your heart..\n\nTitus 2\n\n3  The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;\n \n4  that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,\n \n5  to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.\n \n============================================================\n\nI do agree with you sweet little sister, a woman is not to dress as a man (pants).. :)\n\nIn Jesus Most Precious Name..\nWith Love..In Christ..
1063251
Jesus was a MAN, therefore it is only appropriate that men are Priests and bless the eucharist like JEsus did, etc. Women are SEVERELY appressed in other cultures such as Islam where they have no rights...also check out womens rights in Africa...The church is fair compared to other cultures.
988624
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: \n\nThe Lord Jesus chose men to form the college of the twelve apostles, and the apostles did the same when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry. \n\nThe Church recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason the ordination of women is not possible.\n\nWith love in Christ.
924211
Hello.  I am a 22 year old male witness with HS level education.  I am not sure where in life you are referring to as far as gender roles??  \nIn the home the Husband is the head, but not to the exclusion of the Wife, rather he is to treat her as his partner.\n\nIf you are referring to with in the congregation, while it is true that males have a majority, in most cases, of the responsibilities, Women are given respect and responsibilities to.  They are not devalued for not doing the same jobs as Men.Different jobs but same importance.\n\nIn every day life Women are expected to serve Jehovah first and foremost just like the Men.  They work and are to be treated with respect and equality.\n\n  Abortion is wrong.  Jehovah created us.  It is not our right to decide that a fetus dies.\n\n  At times, most everyone is discriminated against for some reason whether it be race or religion.  Jesus even said that true Christians, on some level, will be hated for they are no part of the world, or rather the worldly spirit in which most people live.  \n\n  Hope this helps.  If you want to know more your best bet is to contact your local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.
927514
Well, all Christian women ARE priests.  1 Peter 2:9.\n\nIf you are talking about why women should hold any religious office, however, there is only one reason:  Because they feel their "rights" are more important than the Word of God.  However, why would someone who believes that their rights are more important than the Word of God want to be a minister of the Word?!?
528228
Absolutely!\n\nWomen are full members of the community of the faithful. We are all to serve according to our gifts, talents and skills.\n\nWe are instructed that in the coming kingdom there will be no master, no servant, no male, no female, no husband and no wife. All are equal in the eyes of God. \n\nOur mission on earth is to help in spreading God's message of all inclusive love. How can we best serve if we deny half our voice?\n\nGod bless,\n+Michael
149410
I was raised Roman Catholic, and, years ago, women had to cover their heads when entering a Catholic Church.\n\nThis has now changed.\n\nI think it is good that anyone, man or woman, simply GOES to church, anymore.\n\nI do think that men and women, both, should dress appropriately if going to any place of worship (church, temple, mosque). It's not a disco or a bar, fer cryin out loud! Wear the nicest clothes that you have. Even if the best you can manage is a t-shirt and jeans, make sure that you are as clean and neat as possible - but GO!\n\nPersonally, I do not think that women should be required to cover their heads. When men are in a place of worship their minds should be on worship, not the desirability of the women, however they are dressed. That is the men's responsibility, not the women's, in my opinion!
392112
Paul's passages about women in ministry need to be read in context. \n\nAt the time, women rarely got the opportunity to learn to read, let alone study scripture, and they weren't allowed to ask questions in the temple. How much credibility would a woman have leading a congregation if she'd never read the Torah or any of the prophets, or if she'd never been able to discuss theology with a priest? \n\nPaul didn't expressly forbid it - there were females in ministry in his day whom he addresses warmly in his letters, so obviously it can't be taken to mean all women.
315706
Yes.  In my church we have many girl altar servers.
155352
Well, when you are talking about the priesthood, I am not a good source since I am non-denominational. As for pastors, no, I think the Bible makes it clear for a man to do the teaching. However, women have a very important role in counseling other women.\nWomen have the greatest of the jobs because Jesus said that let he who is to be the greatest, be the servant.\nI was led to Christ by a very Godly woman named Myra. Being a woman does not limit you in who you can share with or bring to the Lord. However, in leadership, it should be a the male that takes charge.
556040
I really don't know why women can't be priests. Well, I guess its tradition. Oh, yes. Hmm.. women can't be leaders. I think I've read it somewhere in the Bible. I'm from a country that's led by a woman President. And honestly, religious people are well, condemning the fact that a woman is leading the country, or something to that effect. When the Bible mentioned, there were 7000 people gathering around Christ, the Bible meant 7000 men, not women. So, go figure.
671633
your mom is going a little over the top here. Whereas the scriptures do provide an order for families, and churches there is no general requirement for single women to have a particular man 'covering her' in prayer. The passages on order in the family are 1 Cor 11, Eph 5, 1 Pet 3...\n\nIt is good to have others pray for you, God does not seem particular about their sex, and you want to be accountable to some kind of oversight in you ministry, either a pastor, elder or some kind of spiritual authority (1 Pet 5).\n\nGod bless you sister