The CBE Scroll

Comment by Sherri

July 20, 2007 @ 1:58 pm

I have run into the ‘agree to disagree’ mentality many times – as recently as this week. A close friend and I were having breakfast and the subject came up that I had found a denomination that had equality in its bylaws and I was very excited. Gender equality is one of those ‘agree to disagree’ topics with us. What that does is shut down a subject that is very important to me. It hurts sometimes knowing that we (my friend and I) have a close, long-term friendship, but we are unable to talk about a subject close to my heart because she disagrees with this doctrine.

You wrote, ‘This isn’t a salvation issue after all!’ If it isn’t a big issue to them, then why can we not talk about it?

Comment by Liz

July 22, 2007 @ 11:35 pm

And, if it’s not such a ‘big’ issue, then why all the concern among those who believe in hierarchy to make sure that people are taught their gender roles, etc?

And, why are those who believe in equality labeled as ‘heretics’ by some?

Comment by Lori

July 23, 2007 @ 3:06 am

Sorry to get off-topic, but I can’t help it.

I was a Southern Baptist for many years, and I remember taking up the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for missions every year. They never said anything about her, so I just knew vaguely that she was a missionary. Oh, my goodness. Given the Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) current stand on women, is it just me, or does it seem a tad hypocritical for them to celebrate her? I personally think it’s hilarious that every year all those legions of headship-supporting men are giving money in honor of a woman who disagreed with them!

Comment by Diane

July 23, 2007 @ 12:38 pm

Lori (see comment 61881), I agree it’s hilarious, but I hope they won’t stop supporting her in the event they find out her true convictions on women preaching. Another good example in history is Mary Slessor. She went into the interior of Africa to evangelize and disciple, when men white or black dared not to. She saw that organized religion was not reaching the people and answered God’s call.

It’s amazing to me that anyone would be called a heretic for preaching the gospel.

I wish they would be mindful of what Jesus stated to judge a tree by its fruit (Matthew 12:33). The fruit should be the evidence, not the gender.

Comment by Christy

August 1, 2007 @ 6:48 am

The gospel message (Jesus saves sinners) is the power of God for salvation to those who believe it. Therefore, if we change that God-given message either by our words or practices, we undermine God’s sole method given for redemption. I believe that patriarchalism corrupts the gospel by implying that women are not as thoroughly saved as men. How can females be washed as white as snow yet still remain unfit vessels for proclaiming Jesus’ Gospel? No other characteristic (race, age, or social class) is cause for such a severe limitation. Worship style is a secondary issue, but not allowing females full participation as members of God’s kingdom undermines the very message God entrusted the church to preach.

Comment by Gail Owens

August 10, 2007 @ 2:02 am

I came across this site as a woman who feels led to co-pastor my husband’s church. I really need sites like this one. Please, Christians, pray for me. Our congregation has said if I preach they will walk out. I feel like I have been in a prison for many years.

Comment by JLP

August 10, 2007 @ 10:08 pm

Gail, You might be interested in checking out the discussion forum here. I think you would enjoy it.

Comment by Jester

October 15, 2007 @ 8:58 am

I believe that when people (mostly) say ‘Let’s just agree to disagree’ and ‘This isn’t a salvation issue,’ what they’re saying is this:

‘Look… You and I both respect each other, and have known each other a while. We’re both active followers of Christ, and have studied what we believe, and why.’

‘This point that we’re discussing… neither of us is actually going to change their mind on it, and I get the feeling from how this discussion is going that, if we get into it, you are not going to be happy unless I change my mind, and it may actually be detrimental to our friendship, and our relationship as Christians. So, at least for the meantime, can we please just not discuss it?’

I don’t think they’re saying ‘Don’t mess with my stuff’ or ‘This is a binding agreement to not take action where you see it as necessary.’ It’s just an awareness that there are some things that people cannot ‘talk about’ without getting upset.