"I Will Not Be Silent" - Part 1

         

            As some of you may know, I am currently working on writing and drafting my Theology Thesis/Research Project.  To be honest, I have been fairly apprehensive of sharing with others what my thesis is about because I know it is a debatable topic in many Christian denominations.  But the cat has to come out of the bag some day!  In my Thesis, I am arguing for women’s ordination.  Since I come from an Evangelical background, I am arguing for it within the Evangelical Church (but obviously an issue within other Christian churches). 

            My argument is a two-fold layout.  I am first addressing how Evangelical Christians often utilize Scripture (Literalism/Fundamentalism), and offering a critique and arguing that there needs to be further analysis of all the dynamics Scripture has to offer.  I am very passionate about this first part of my argument because I strongly oppose Proof-Texting, which is selecting certain Scriptural passages and entering them indirectly into discussions or thoughts to support a particular conclusion.  I also think it is irresponsible of readers, particularly Christians, to simply take the Biblical text at face value or in a culturally neutral manner.  I do not want to rant on this, but I am calling Bible-believing Christians to, what I would deem, a more responsible and thorough process of interpreting God’s Word.   

            The second part of my argument is to apply this reformed way of Biblical interpretation.  An in-depth look at how Jesus interacts and includes women in his ministry is crucial to this part.  A biblical woman that will be drawn upon as evidence for women leadership will be Phoebe of the Church of Cenchrae found in Romans 16, who is referred to as diakonos and prostatis, the first meaning deacon and the latter meaning guardian, leader, patron, and woman who is set over others ( I will also be drawing upon other women in the Bible, especially the Samaritan Woman at the Well).  Another aspect will be a reformed interpretation of 1^st Timothy Chapter 2. 

            I know that many of you may be taken aback by my stance on women’s ordination, but I hope that you can look at this with an open heart and mind.  I want to remind you that challenge is a good thing for your faith.  It refines it and makes it clearer and stronger.  In the end, you may agree or disagree with my point of view, but I will always love and respect you, because you will forever be a brother or sister in Christ.

            Tonight I am presenting my outline of my Thesis to the Department of Theology of CSB/SJU.  I am strangely not as nervous as I expected myself to be (that could easily change later today!).  I kindly ask that you will send a prayer up for me about tonight and for my continued research and writing.  I will eventually post a concluding statement about my research and argument at a later date, but I felt that it was only fair to be honest and share with you what I am currently doing.  I will be presenting my finished research to the D. of Theo., parents/family/friends, and undergraduate Theology Majors and Minors on December 6^th, so I ask for prayer for that as well.  After this date, along with a concluding statement of my Thesis, I will post my final PDF copy of my Thesis for all who dare to read it. 

            Peace and Blessings, Pip Q. 

            “ ²³But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. ²⁴ Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. ²⁵ But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. ²⁶ For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. ²⁸There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 3:23-28