On Women's Ordination: 4 Critical Questions

About this sermon

The Holy Scriptures offer two prohibitions on women's ordination (and pastoral activity). As far as I can tell, there are four arguments used to dismiss or obscure these texts. I'd like to offer four critical questions to these arguments. The texts: 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 1 Timothy 2:11-12 The arguments against a clear reading: #1: CULTURE NEGATIVE Paul was a product of his patriarchal culture, and wrote wrongly. Question: What do you do when you don't like what the Bible says? #2: CULTURE POSITIVE Paul was right for his time and circumstances, but wrong for ours. Question: How do you know if the circumstances are right or wrong? #3: OBSCURE The other texts of the Bible indicate a more pastoral role for women. Question: Can we have all the texts? #4: ABSTRACTION It's not speaking and teaching, but ordination, that is forbidden. Question: What do the words say? I'm looking forward to the conversation in the comments. Christ is risen! PrBW