EGALITARIANISM VS. COMPLEMENTARIANISM

The egalitarian/complementarian dichotomy each have a loyal following, a detailed website, and a multi-authored handbook – an interdisciplinary volume challenging the other side’s position and defending its own as being both “more biblical” and “more scientific.” [1]

So, why does this matter? A local church needs to take a stand on this issue because of the pragmatic ramifications of the matter. Even if you regard it as a non-issue, this is one doctrinal area that directly impacts behavior. What you believe about the proper role for women to have in the body of Christ has a direct impact on how the church functions. [2]

     

WHAT IS EGALITARIANISM: Within Christianity, is a movement based on the theological view that not only are all people equal before God in their personhood, but there are no gender-based limitations of what functions or roles each can fulfill in the home, the church, and the society. [3]

WHAT IS COMPLEMENTARIANISM: is the viewpoint that male and female were created by God as equal in dignity, value, essence and human nature, but also distinct in role whereby the male was given the responsibility of loving authority over the female, and the female was to offer willing, glad-hearted and submissive assistance to the man. [4]

The controversy arises when comparing equality in verses such as Galatians 3:28 known as the Magna Carta of feminism to the crux interpretum of submission and subordination found in
1 Timothy 2:11-15.

 - The implications for complementarian women is the sin-struggle of wanting to be in charge. Genesis 3:16 states, “your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

- Implications for the egalitarian woman is living out the hermeneutical hypothesis within the home, church and society while maintaining humility and a servant’s heart. Galatians 5:13 declares, “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

TWEETABLE THOUGHT: Women shine brightest when they obey authorities, love sacrificially, operate in creativity, resourcefulness, and are compassionate and intuitive. - @robketterling

I come from a background where women have always been advocated, esteemed and valued. I never knew women to be limited, marginalized or disengaged. 2 THINGS:

1.)  Womanhood is to align into harmony with the truth of God’s Word.

2.)  Womanhood is God given and should not be merely socially constructed.

The point of discourse is to learn from one another. The most appropriate response suggests encouragement over status and faithful service over selfish gain.

I fall somewhere between a soft complementarian and a moderate egalitarian. The issue is bigger than narrow interpretations, bigger than cultural biases or socioeconomics.  Rather than resulting to dogmatic labels, I want to approach the mysteries of God and the unique experiences of humanity with wonder and humility and a listener’s heart. [5]

TWEETABLE THOUGHT: Pastors you will never regret investing in your women. As you build your women, wise women will build your Church. – @lisabevere

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 [1] Leeuwen, Mary Stewart. A sword between the sexes?: C.S. Lewis and the gender debates. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Brazos Press, 2010.[2] "Women in Leadership, Part 1: Setting the Stage." Bible.org. https://bible.org/seriespage/womeninleadership1 (accessed June 24, 2014).[3] "Egalitarianism." - Theopedia, an encyclopedia of Biblical Christianity. http://www.theopedia.com/Egalitarianism (accessed June 10, 2014).

[4] "Summaries of the Egalitarian and Complementarian Positions | CBMW | The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood." Summaries of the Egalitarian and Complementarian Positions | CBMW | The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. http://cbmw.org/uncategorized/summaries-of-the-egalitarian-and-complementarian-positions/ (accessed June 21, 2014).
[5] Bessey, Sarah. Jesus feminist: an invitation to revisit the Bible's view of women. New York, NY: Howard Books, 2013.