I’ve frequently took to talking about the way that churches need “mums and dads”. I think this familial language moves us away from much of the power dynamic that afflicts the egalitarian- complementarian debate. I think that both egalitarians and comolementarians alike have missed something in their own way – the need for mums. So,… Continue reading Mums and dads in church … The boundaries
Tag: complementarianism
Curtailing womanhood -a further response to Douglas Wilson
Yesterday, I shared my response to an article by Douglas Wilson where he argued that women refusing to marry were turning to Satan. You can read my response here. Wilson closes his article by saying: If Someone asks you, as they always do, what you want to do after you graduate. You should say something… Continue reading Curtailing womanhood -a further response to Douglas Wilson
Are we ashamed of being complementarian?
“Hi. I’m Dave and I’m a complementarian.” There are some kinds of theological labels that feel like they need to be confessed in some quarters in the same way that you might own up to being an addict. The implication of course is that the label identifies something that you should be embarrassed about, a… Continue reading Are we ashamed of being complementarian?
Preston Sprinkle: From Genesis to Junia (book review)
I’ve picked up on a few questions as I’ve been working through Preston Sprinkle’s book exploring egalitarianism and complementarianism. I’ve now reaches the end of the book and so am in a position of offer a review. The aim of Sprinkle’s book is to explore the question of women in church leadership via a thorough… Continue reading Preston Sprinkle: From Genesis to Junia (book review)
Is the story of Ruth sexist?
I recently heard the suggestion that the story of Ruth presents us with a sexist worldview because in the story, women are victims and men are either failed, potential or actual rescuers. Ruth needs Boaz to step in and rescue her. Now, on one level, we might argue that these are simply the historical facts,… Continue reading Is the story of Ruth sexist?
Was Junia an apostle? Responding to Preston Sprinkle part 4
I’m continuing to pick up on some of the arguments in Preston Sprinkle’s book on complementarianism and egalitarianism. My aim is to highlight a few examples from his book for discussion before providing a full review. This might also help to give you an insight into my reading methods. I’m working through the book but… Continue reading Was Junia an apostle? Responding to Preston Sprinkle part 4
Was Phoebe a leader and teacher in the church? Responding to Preston Sprinkle part 3
In his look at Romans 16, Preston Sprinkle spend a bit of time looking at Phoebe. He observes: “Two facts about Phoebe immediately jump out. First, Paul calls her a “deacon [or servant, diakonon] of the church in Cenchreae.” Second, she was a “benefactor [prostatis] of many people, including” Paul. A third significant point isn’t… Continue reading Was Phoebe a leader and teacher in the church? Responding to Preston Sprinkle part 3
Were church hosts the leaders in New Testament churches? A response to Preston Sprinkle
Biblical scholar, Preston Sprinkle, known for his Theology in the Raw podcast has recently written a book called “From Genesis to Junia: An honest search for what the bible stays about women in leadership.” Sprinkle describes himself as someone who had grown up with strong complementarian convictions. The question is as to whether or not… Continue reading Were church hosts the leaders in New Testament churches? A response to Preston Sprinkle
Are equality and authority in competition?
I recently saw a comment relating to the debate on complementarian marriage that it is not possible to have permanent authority over someone and be equal to them? Is that right? On the surface it seems obviously true, especially from a post modern perspective. However, I just want to get us to push our thinking… Continue reading Are equality and authority in competition?
Is Empathy a feminist thing?
In the penultimate chapter of “The Sin of Empathy”, Joe Rigney writes: “We can’t adequately address the dangers of empathy without considering feminism and its impact on the church.”[1] He quotes from a speech that Calvin Robinson made in 2024 where he argued that: Generally speaking, men tend to be more theologically rigid, whereas women… Continue reading Is Empathy a feminist thing?