My Thoughts on Women in the Church
In light of the John MacArthur controversy regarding his comments towards Beth Moore, everyone has something to say. I personally love to have conversations about important things like this in so much as we are challenging and edifying one another in loving and winsome ways. Instead of sharing where I fall on the issue itself, I simply want to share what I have personally been reflecting on throughout this ordeal.
1. Scripture is Authoritative
All scripture is God-breathed and authoritative (2 Timothy 3:16). It withstands time and culture. Truth doesn't change. Either women can preach or they can't. Either women can be elders or they can't. Preaching is distinct from being an elder or it isn't. Teaching is different than preaching or it's the same. Either Beth Moore is being biblical or she's not. John Macarthur's words were wise or they weren't. What is the right answer here? We must always filter our beliefs through scripture, not preference.
2. Always be Searching for Truth and Willing to be Corrected
Whether you've been believed something for 2 months or 20 years, you should always be willing to change your view at the drop of a hat if you realize it is not true. To be unwilling is a matter of pride. Many of our beliefs come from what we were told, what we have always done, or because an authority figure believes it, even when we try for that not to be the case. We cannot always escape our prejudices and presuppositions but we can stay keenly aware that they exist. "Is it true?" should be our heartcry. I have tons of respect for those who have differing beliefs than me when they have concluded them through, and can argue from, scripture vs. someone with the same beliefs as me but they have no idea why they believe that way.
3. Blind Spots Exist, and That's Why We need Others' Viewpoints
One of the beautiful ramifications of having brothers and sisters in Christ is we all have different experiences, gifts, and viewpoints that we bring to the table. We established earlier that while truth doesn't change, that doesn't mean we're always able to see it on our own. I am always humbled by viewpoints that my international friends have, or those with disabilities, single mothers, etc. The makeup of my denomination is 85% caucasian*. We must recognize that majority doesn't equal authority. Just because we believe something doesn't mean it's correct. Of course, it doesn't mean it's wrong, either. But is our heart's attitude toward our minorities, "Hey brother/sister, how do you see this issue? What do you believe the scriptures are saying here?" I'm always amazed when I meet a fellow believer from another demographic, when I see how they do and think about things. Many times they have corrected me on something and I am grateful for it.
4. Be Charitable with Others in Secondary and Tertiary Issues
I am a passionate pursuer of justice and truth. But within truth are primary Gospel issues, secondary and tertiary issues. A primary issue would be a foundational Gospel issue that must be upheld in order for someone to be a believer. This include God's triune nature, the Bible's authority, man's sinfulness, Jesus's sinless life as our substitute, and his second coming. But if your friend believes differently than you on something else, this does not automatically mean they are not a Christian! Simply put, we must be charitable with one another and willing to understand that they may not see things as we do.
5. Be Slow To Speak. The World Is Watching Us
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19). It's just always best to wait a day or two before responding or sharing thoughts on a sensitive and controversial topic online. Many times I have regretted things I have said--or typed--in the moment. I still do it sometimes despite my best efforts. You just can't take back some things, especially on the internet where they may be there forever. Ask questions and try to clarify, before assuming and responding to people with monologues and including how much education you have so therefore you are right. No one wants to talk to someone who just wants to "win" an argument. We are to be salty and bright, and the world is supposed to know us by our love for one another. I am much more impressed by your approach, heart and candor than your beliefs. How many times could Christ have just slammed us with his infinite knowledge and wisdom, and showed us how dumb we are, yet he didn't? He was so kind and patient. Perhaps you are right on a subject, to a T. Yet that does not mean you have the right to destroy the one for whom Christ died (Romans 14:15, 1 Corinthians 8:11).
6. Sexism and Discrimination Exist
Whether we like it or not, there absolutely exists some sexism within all churches, and that includes the SBC. As a woman, I have a perspective that a man simply cannot have, and that perspective should be considered and valued. Thankfully I have mostly felt heard and loved by my fellow brothers in the Lord, but we must recognize that is not the case for all women. I have also had moments where I know I was thrown under the bus because of my gender. In fact, just this week a brother was disrespectful in the way he addressed my friend. He wasn't aware, and we think his intentions were probably pure. She didn't say anything, because she didn't want to embarrass him. While she probably made the right call in that moment, we're just used to not saying anything. Because many times when we do say something, we're told we're being dramatic. Dismissed away. Are you modeling Christ and how he interacted with women? We deserve to be heard charitably, not with suspicion. Maybe you don't think Beth Moore is biblical and maybe you're absolutely right on that. But have you really listened, brother, to what she has to say? Have you really prayed for her? Have you made comments about her looks? Do you do that to your brothers in Christ? Do you know more about a dead theologian's views than your wife's views? I am so blessed to have a husband who I believe truly gets biblical headship right. I encourage you to please read Beth Moore's statement from last year**, and meditate on how to love her and all your sisters better.
*https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/07/7-facts-about-southern-baptists/
**https://blog.lproof.org/2018/05/a-letter-to-my-brothers.html
Other SBC demographic statistics can be found here: https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/religious-denomination/southern-baptist-convention/
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