Christianity Confronts Culture: Gender
Here are some thoughts about an understanding of gender from a Christian perspective, culled from a recent sermon.
Scriptures of reference:
Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:18-24, I Corinthians 11:11-12, Genesis 3:16, Galatians 3:28-29
Introductory thoughts
In the Genesis account, the only aspect of original creation that God judged not to be good was for His original man to be alone (Gen. 2:18). To remedy this, the creator did not simply make another male human. God created a woman. She is described in the aforementioned chapter of the Bible as a “helper”, and specifically a “helpmate”. Thus, the genius of human creation: Each is to reflect the image of God, and to do so distinctly as male and female.
Insights:
*Both are equal in relationship with God, and as representatives of God concerning creation
*One is not superior to the other, but complementary
Thus, the “man” and the “woman” were created in such a way that each needs the help of a partner
*One uniquely provides what is lacking in the other, what will especially bring completion to the other
What he lacks, she supplies. What she lacks, he supplies.
*The distinction of the sexes goes beyond mere anatomical triviality. It is a profound and beautiful difference intended by God.
*We would have no problem understanding and living in a truly complementary manner if sin had not entered into the world. It is sin that is the devastating ingredient of interpersonal conflict.
*The restoration of true equality, between man and woman, is found in Christ
*God amazingly and wonderfully allows us, as male and female, to share the gift of love combined with the gift of creating life through marriage.
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Some questions certainly worth asking, and should they be of interest I will be glad to discuss with fellow bloggers:
(1) Does God have gender? (no)
(2) Why did Jesus choose men as his disciples? (culture)
(3) How did Jesus treat women? (respect)
(4) Why do some have conflict concerning basic identity as male or female? (sin)
(5) Is marriage and children intended of God for every person? (no)
(6) What is the role of gender in government? (none)
(7) Must there be differing roles according to gender within the church? (perhaps)
(8) Does being male automatically qualify for higher pay and greater authority in the workplace? (you’ve got to be kidding!)
05.30.07 (2:19 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
bill (
reply)
post date:
05.30.07 (2:58 pm)
#7 NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nothing in the Bible that teaches this.
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
05.31.07 (3:23 pm)
I was wondering about #7 myself and I know that you said, "perhaps" but, maybe you could expand on that a bit?
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
05.31.07 (3:26 pm)
(4) Why do some have conflict concerning basic identity as male or female? (sin)
Did you happen to see the 20/20 episode about the children with "identity crisis" It was gut wrenching. I think my husband even shed a tear.
It's a biological....thing (for lack of a better word.
You might be able to go to the 20/20 website and view it. It was on just a few weeks ago.
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
05.31.07 (3:27 pm)
oops sorry, that should be "Gender Identity Crisis."
posted by:
tfruge1 (
reply)
post date:
05.31.07 (7:22 pm)
I agree with you on every answer. I believe in equal rights for all regardless of gender. This is how God intended it to be.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.31.07 (7:35 pm)
Reply to: doeeyed
I read the Newsweek article(s) about Gender. It was basically saying we learn the identies of male and female from culture. It is learned, not birthed. I think it is a mixture. Biologically we are born with gender. As little ones, we are enforced with our gender identity by those around us. When this is not adequate, then confusion sets in. As adolescents and adults, we can make the choice. Even if our parents did a very poor job of enforcing gender identity, still the person who is an adult has a choice. For some, admittedly it is more difficult than others.
In the Newsweek article, I find quite disturbing the parents who allow their little boy to wear dresses and take on the identity of a girl. I think that to be very unhealthy, and unnatural.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.31.07 (7:38 pm)
Reply to: tfruge1
We agree. Equality under the law, and as human beings, regardless of chosen gender identity/neutrality. I should nto be forced to agree, or support a lifestyle choice that I would consider to be unhealthy/sinful. And, neither should they be required to live according to my beliefs. Freedom is dear.
posted by:
tfruge1 (
reply)
post date:
05.31.07 (7:43 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
Very well said.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.31.07 (7:49 pm)
Reply to: bill
In reference to # 7:
You do know the Bible does define the roles of women in the church? Paul tells us a woman should not speak in church, that if she wants to know something then she should ask her husband (I Cor. 14:34-35). I Timothy 2:12 says that a woman should not teach a man. The Bible tells us that a minister should be the husband of one wife (Titus 1:6). Many, many churches and Christians with thought and prayer have concluded from such Biblical teachings that women are equal to men, but have defined roles within the church. Personally, I choose to interpret such scriptures in light of the social context of the writing, and feel they are not literally binding to the government of the church of today. But I am in the minority when it comes to my own denomination. Fortunately we have a congregational form of church government, therefore I do not have to answer to any ecclesiastical authority other than my own congregation. And, God, of course.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
05.31.07 (7:50 pm)
Reply to: doeeyed
I gave bill my interpretation of #7. Maybe it is helpful to you.
posted by:
doeeyed (
reply)
post date:
06.01.07 (4:51 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
REALLY, you SHOULD try to read the transcript of the show or view it if possible. You may have a different opinion if you do.
posted by:
bill (
reply)
post date:
06.03.07 (3:54 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
That is all Paul's thoughts and feelings.Not God! and I think we all know what Paul was like and how he disliked marriage and women. What about women in the Bible that God used to tell his story, what about all the prophetess and woman such as Deborah and in the NT the Women who Paul wrote to? was not God Part of their leadership? we must remember some of Paul's teaching's came from his view's political and Church.
posted by:
xgnmqlusxe (
reply)
post date:
06.23.07 (11:17 pm)
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