Since you did not include a , I am assuming you are seriously asking me if I think we we as humans created gender. Of course not! But we have chosen to divide ourselves down gender lines in ways that, I am seeing more and more, are not healthy and perhaps not according to God’s perfect will for His creation.

For years I stood on the claim that men and women were created equal but fulfill different roles. I still say that when it comes to some roles, however, in other cases I think that we allow our cultural lenses to dictate guidelines that divide us and limit us in ways that perhaps God does not.

http://lancastertheoblogy.wordpress.com/2007/04/03/lancastertheoblogy/

Dawn said, “I am much more open to seeing the ways that God wants to bring reconciliation to the divisiveness we have created as humans. Gender is one of those areas.”

Please clarify. Did you mean that we created gender or divisiveness? The answer to that question makes a lot of difference to any comments I might make.

Peace,

Leon

Your distinction between leading and having authority is very helpful. That is truly a huge difference and one that I have observed in our church. I think you are right, there are people in the congregation who might not mind women “in leadership” or even preaching, but I doubt they would truly “trust” a women in authority or making decisions. And lucky for those at Sunnyside who oppose women in “authority,” I don’t think we have any women who are demanding authority in our church . . . a little more pro-activity and/or organization wouldn’t hurt . . . sometimes I feel like “demanding” that But I am certain that any influence the woman in leadership at Sunnyside have is held with much humility.

I say that because over the years as I journeyed through this issue I had been turned off by women in various churches (even in the Mennonite Church) who I felt came across just a bit too pompous about their accomplishments in attaining their leadership positions. I have questioned most of my life whether women should have spiritual authority over men. I still do to a certain extent; the question of headship still spins in my mind. However, since reflecting more on the various ways to interpret verses in the Bible, I am not sure my longstanding interpretations have been appropriate. I am much more open to seeing the ways that God wants to bring reconciliation to the divisiveness we have created as humans. Gender is one of those areas.

I could go on, but I better get off the computer — I need to finish grading some papers for tomorrow and instead I’m enjoying your conversation. Keep sharing your thoughts!