When considering the role of women in the Church, many people look to sources such as the Pauline or pastoral epistles that discuss the "proper" role of women in the Church, but fail to evaluate the inconsistencies that exist there- Paul states that all are alike, male and female, but then supposedly writes that women are supposed to be submissive to men and silent before in letters such as 1/2 Timothy and Titus. However, the actions of Paul and his attitudes towards women in his benedictions show that there is a significant difference from this stance, since he ministered alongside and mentioned in his benedictions women who were leaders in the Church. As a Nazarene, my denomination believes that women can become clergy, but some other denominations are opposed to female clergy. However, I recommend an analysis of the actions of Christ and Paul in evaluating what role that women should have in the Church.
I recommend looking to the example of Mary and Martha, which demonstrates Jesus teaching to women and the idea that this is right. He encourages Mary and Martha to learn from Him, as He is only in there in the moment and other actions can be delayed. The significance of this story is probably mostly in my head, but I view it as a clear vindication of female leaders in the Church. There is a value to the idea of women learning, and not only because they themselves learn. As part of the Christian tradition linked back to the great commission, there is an obvious emphasis on teaching what we have learned. Because of Christ's value on teaching, not just the stereotypical male leader or religious type, but also tax collectors, prostitutes, and even the Samaritan woman at the well, so removed from his culture and position that just talking to her would be scandalous, it is a logical assumption that all of these are encouraged to also teach in turn, for Christ encouraged the Samaritan woman to spread news of his arrival, and some of His staunchest followers were women (Mary Madelene among others). The link between the teaching and the action is that there is no point to useless teaching- while the teaching probably had the purpose of eventually having these women extend their knowledge and teach another with what they have learned. These actions, though not an outright statement of justification for women in ministry, provide evidence to support fulfillment of that role rather than the myth of female inferiority in reference to ministry.
There is also the Pauline example. In the conclusions of some of his letters, he mentions favorably a female deacon named Phoebe, among other examples of women with important spiritual roles in the Church. While many letters attributed to Paul look critically upon the role of women in ministry, there is an important issue that may invalidate the argument that Paul himself wrote these. In the time of the early Christian Church, writing letters in the name of another who was more respected or honored than you would be a sign of respect, showing that it was their wisdom that gave you your ideas. This pseudonymy is significant because it means that these letters ascribed to the leader Paul may not actually reflect the stance of this renowned figure. However, these letters were still canonized, meaning that they have some significance to the Church, but not necessarily meaning that these letters have any sort of ultimate theological sway. Understand that this post is written from a viewpoint of plenary inspiration, which states that scripture is inerrant in terms of salvation, and all other things are written by man and only inspired by God, not necessarily Truth, but rather the writing of men interpreted and compiled into scripture by flawed men who use words to justify their own actions. In addition, the positions in Paul's letters where he criticizes women seem more hesitant, such as concerning the practice of covering the head while praying, Paul states after approving of the practice for women, that there is no tradition in the Church that promotes this and is not observed or essential to faith. Essentially, I look to the idea that actions speak louder than words, and accounts of Paul's endorsements and cooperation in ministry with women would clearly state that women can and should be ministers if so called.
This matter is both varied and confusing based on the lack of a definitive statement in either direction in scripture (or the debatable authenticity or interpretation of any statements, such as the passage that states that women should be silent in church and ask their husbands afterwards). However, I feel that as a guideline the examples of Christ and Paul demonstrate a value to women in ministry, and urge that if anyone feels called to minister that they do so if capable, regardless of any factors, unless it would be to the detriment of the Church.
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