Differences

I could write at length about a multitude of subjects - I always can - but right now I have a short and somewhat awkward conversation with my Mum on my mind. She was discussing going to church tonight and that a lady called Val was leading the service and that she is always great. She then added 'But you don't think women leading things is any good' or something to that affect.

Now that really hit me. I'm sure Val is a great speaker and teacher of the Bible and many other things. I am consistently presented with amazing women who trully are accomplished in many ways. The notion that women are less capable than men is ludicrous. In skill, talent, even strength women are fantastic people - people I respect and know that often I couldn't even hold a candle to them.

The thing is though that the Bible does seem to state clearly that women shouldn't teach men in Christian circles. And this is when it gets tricky. When I first really, really examined that passage I didn't like what I saw. I was all for the notion that its a cultural throw back. Which it may well be. But over time I've struggled more and more with the fact that it might be reality - that for a reason that does not seem so clear or straightforward women should not teach men in the church.

And its to do with where we stand on the Bible. The Bible is God's perfect word. It represents a canon of Scripture that was brought together in the light of the Holy Spirit and represents the central means to which we can examine God's character and the reality of the Gospel. What happens then if we take the attitude of leaving out bits? My Mum said something along the lines of 'Val clearly believes that God has called her to do this' and that 'there are things that could be in the Bible that aren't'. But surely if thats the case then how do you respond to people who say that Jesus is rubbish and made up - because you've opened the door to the fact that the Bible could be flawed. Why take theGospel as true and another bit as not true.

This is not the best argument or explination of the situation or a debate which is frankly enormous and splitting the Anglican church amongst others. But I needed to vent. If you have any suggestions or comments please let me know. And again, I think women are brilliant, amazing and leave men to shame in many ways. I am only saying that I wonder what is right in the very specific circumstance of women teaching men in the church. Even so far as to say women teaching men in the church without a man in overall authority.

NB I think the hardest part of this is not that me and my parents hold a different set of views, rather that it sometimes feels as though we don't have a discussion on it so much as to express our views and then (and my Mum especially does this) those views become rigidly held and used to define positions on things in the future. I realise that in our sin we can all become rigid and proud - in fact just a poor listener - but its something I miss about Uni. People there at least listen, debate, analyse. I after all came from a solid position of women teachers in the church are great and now would sit much more so on the other side (though still undecided).

An American Run-Down

A few quick thoughts on the US. Well, it was great! My flight over and my flight back were both, thankfully, relatively straightforward with little or no hic-cups. The immigration officer in Chicago was curteous, polite and friendly. Church was encouraging, challenging and refreshing. The people I met, be they old or new friends, were warm, friendly and welcoming. I was blessing with great times of geekyness - the Neil Armstrong Space Museum, Mansfield in Ohio (where they filmed The Shawshank Redemption) - as well as being able to enjoy the wonderful autumnal splendour, great food, and see deer and chipmonks everywhere. I was also so so so thankful for the great time of friendship and fellowship that I was able to enjoy with Steph. It really was a great little trip.