‘God is not a male chauvinist!’

Editor: This is in response to the article ‘What’s wrong with women preachers’ by Joel Jack dated Friday, April 29, 2005.

We are living in an era where there exists a great opportunity for research and thorough investigation of various realms of human activities including religion. Unfortunately, many do not take the effort, time and skill needed to validate their claims in regards to spiritual matters. {{more}}

Only those who love truth and give themselves to prayer and much study of the scriptures will get a proper interpretation of all that is written in the Bible for our learning, edification and for the glory of YAHWEH.

Joel Jack has failed to be consistent and thorough in presenting his position in regards to women preaching. He has unskillfully presented two scriptures to try to support his view on the topic. He made the Apostle Paul appear as though he was contradicting himself and other followers of Christ.

Let’s briefly examine one of the texts quoted: ‘But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.'(1Tim 2:11).

It would be wise to examine the situation in the church that Paul was addressing. Paul warns about the usurpation of authority (to take power or position wrongfully or by force).Women who behave wantonly and rebelliously (even today) should remain silent in the church, by all means; for their contribution would not serve to edify the hearers nor to the honour and glory of God.

Jack stated that there are many important functions for the sisters to perform such as ‘…training children, visiting the sick…’ I am sure all would agree that these functions are not limited to women only.

How would he explain Eph.4:11 ‘And He (Christ) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some; evangelists; and some pastors and teachers…’? This text makes no discrimination where gender is concerned in execution of the listed duties. It is also interesting to note that when Paul speaks about the diversities of gifts given (1 Cor.3), gender is not an issue. He was not speaking to males only.

How can Jack refer to the choosing of the 12 males disciples to support his claim? This fact does not eliminate women from preaching the Gospel. Jesus says ‘…if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples’ (Jn.8:31). Christ compares His Church to a pure and chaste woman (2 Cor. 11:2, Rev.12:17). Should we exult in the fact that woman, instead of man is mentioned in making this comparison? Certainly not! Before Christ left this earth, He gave a commission to the disciples then and to all who will come afterward. He commissioned: ‘ Go ye therefore, and teach( instruct ) all nation…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you…’ (Mat. 28:19,20) Jesus did not command women not to preach (evangelize).

I am yet to understand why

Samuel 1: 13 was used. When one carefully reads the experience of King Saul, the issue is not a question of Levite or Benjaminite. Saul was disobedient, self-sufficient and self-willed. His desire of exercising independent authority was his down fall. He failed to trust God and God’s prophet. Of course, we know because of Saul’s pride to submit to God’s will, he was unfit to rule and was removed as king.

Jack is right in admonishing readers to study the Bible carefully and respectfully, and I reciprocate. Indeed, God is not mocked! However, what is the purpose of discouraging persons to listen to women preaching? I am happy you were not living in Anna’s time. You would have hindered many from being saved, simply because a woman was preaching the truth. The scripture says Anna spoke to all. Don’t you think both men and women were there? The next time you think about discouraging people in regards to listening to women preach, think about God’s criteria concerning listening to a preacher: ‘To the Law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word…there is no light in them’ Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life…’ (Isa. 8:20; Rev. 22:14).

To you my dear reader,

accept Jesus Christ to make you a new and holy person and go out into the world telling people about the blessed Redeemer..go,go,go whether you are man, child or WOMAN…PREACH the Gospel of peace. Have no fear; God is not a male chauvinist: ‘…there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.’

(Rom: 3:28)

Ann-Marie John