Comments on: Mark Driscoll on Women in Ministry

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:30:32 +0000

Since my original statement was written, my (former) pastor has had a change of heart and he now embraces women in ministry!

By: Blair

Blair — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:38:57 +0000

Driscol’s anti -women drivel continues to divide. This comment says it all
“The woman came from a man’s rib. Not from his feet to be walked on.Not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal. under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved”
How an interpretation of 1 Timothy 2 can be taken out of context and out of the cultural relevance of the time to arrive at such a anti -women stance puts all of Mark’s interpretative and doctrinal stances under question.

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 21:57:42 +0000

It is a pleasure to stand up for my sisters in Christ.

By: Rainwink007

Rainwink007 — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:54:08 +0000

Cheryl, thank you for such a great answer. As a female ordained elder (ordained along with my husband), I find it ludicrous that Driscoll believes women are not “fit” for eldership/pastoral ministry. God’s ability to use me is not limited to my gender, or even marital status. And I have no idea why Luke Britt (commenter) is criticizing you for “bashing” your pastor, which you are obviously not. Thank you for taking a stand against misogyny in the church.

By: Michael

Michael — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:50:13 +0000

You are correct that we need to look at the historical and cultural context of scripture. However, Paul used the Fall of Man account in Genesis 3 to show the consequence of the role reversal. He is indirectly referencing the Pre-Fall order that God has exclaimed to be good and very good.

You are also correct that we shouldn’t get our feelings and emotions involved, but we begin to because of the cultural and historical values and expectations of today. It’s a bit arrogant and bias to believe that we are morally superior; although Christianity is NOT about morality. Paul was not using cultural reasons, he was using biblical and theological reasons.

You are also correct with the fact that during those days women were treat like dogs, and yes Jesus was revolutionary the way he treated women. However that does not refute the Paul’s charge of not allowing women to lead men. Remember the 12 that Jesus chose were all male. Yes, I’ve heard the arguement that if Jesus was here today he would have had women on the team. I disagree because 1) Look back at the previous paragraph and 2) Jesus is God and He turned everything upside down against culture and the religous organization at the time, there is absolutely no reason why he wouldn’t have chosen women to be part of the 12 disciples other than the fact that He wanted males in their proper roles.

Heather and Emma made very good points and I agree with them.
Men and women are equal, but we have different roles. You cannot confuse equality and having the same roles. The union of man and woman (marriage) is suppose to be the closest thing of experiencing the unity and love the Trinity has had for eternity. Just as God the Father, Christ the Son, The Holy Spirit are one – God, each with distinct roles yet equal and the same, man and woman are one. The Jesus was God yet he submitted to the Father’s will.

By: yankeegospelgirl

yankeegospelgirl — Mon, 23 May 2011 12:59:53 +0000

I have a strong personality too, but I take that as a sign that I need a man who is stronger than I am. Not a Neanderthal, just a strong, loving leader.

By: Blair

Blair — Mon, 23 May 2011 04:29:41 +0000

i hope he would say ‘Good on you Bettie” as i do!

By: Blair

Blair — Mon, 23 May 2011 04:29:05 +0000

i hope he would ‘Good on you Bettie” as i do!

By: Bettie Schmitt

Bettie Schmitt — Sun, 22 May 2011 23:39:56 +0000

What about a woman like me? I have a strong personality and simply don’t have “follower” or “submissive” characteristics. I spent many years in a relationship with a man who wanted to dominate me. I tried to play “the little woman”, but it only made me anxious, irritated and emotionally repressed. For the past several years, I’ve been with a man who is gentle, nurturing, patient…and NOT a leader. I make the big decisions and manage a lot of things in our daily life. This works well for us. I’m not saying this would work for everyone. But I am asking the question: “What would Mark Driscoll (and others who agree with him) say about women like me – or couples like myself and my wonderful husband?”

By: Natalie Miller

Natalie Miller — Wed, 18 May 2011 20:36:02 +0000

However you interpret the scripture this is a terrible argument! What he says about women’s magazines is generally true. So if I go to my local store and look at all the magazines for men they’re going to be full of virtuous, wholesome content that builds up the soul in such a way that a man can’t put it down without having grown closer to God? Of course not, the whole theme of a large percentage of these magazines is ‘look at all the naked/nearly naked women you like.’ The rest is all about how to get a faster car/more money/better body. And if it looks like I’m generalising my assumptions are no worse than his.

This annoying me as I am researching different views on this subject and was looking for reasonable arguments.
And feel slightly patronised!