Quest for Biblical Womanhood

The #MeToo Movement. Debates surrounding the “Billy Graham Rule.” High profile religious leaders stepping down because of inappropriate behavior with, and to, women. Is it no wonder the role of women in ministry is causing ample chatter among various groups of people?

I find myself searching Scripture and books, grappling with this issue inside and outside of the church. I have recalled past conversations from my youth with youth leaders and other adults. I have prayed and meditated on Scripture. I have discussed this topic with my spouse (ad nauseum) and trusted friends. I have mentioned it in passing to friends and family. I have read differing voices on social media. And I have concluded that (drum roll please)….

I still don’t know exactly what I think.

This topic is too massive, too nuanced, and frankly too steeped in cultural bias throughout history to fully tease out a definitive “Truth.” Perhaps that is the point, though. Not that all of life and truth is relative, but that how we apply truth may depend upon circumstances, personalities, and giftings. That the Holy Spirit is active even in this day and age.

Despite my ambiguity and evolving opinion in this matter, I typically default to a few guidelines when the chaos and whirling thoughts become too much:

1.       Scripture is Yahweh’s revelation to us regarding Himself and His character,
2.    Scripture was written for my benefit, but not to me specifically, and
3.    I must receive and seek to understand the Bible in its entirety.

First, God has chosen to reveal Himself and His character to humanity through the Scriptures. The Bible is not merely an instruction manual for my life or a reference book to chart my future. It is also not simply a self-help book I can use to better myself. In fact, Scripture is one of the ways Yahweh has chosen to interact with His creation and to invite us into a relationship with Him—to join Him where He is at work. It is not really about me at all.

Secondly, the Bible is comprised of writings, letters, poetry, and history written to, and for, specific people, cultures, and nations.  I may benefit from Scripture’s revelation, but I am not the sole intended recipient of those letters, etc. There is a huge difference.

Third, if I am being intellectually honest, I must seek to understand the entirety of Scripture, not the few topics I find interesting or relatable nor just the verses I find comforting.

While recently processing this topic with a friend, she asked “How does Jesus value women?” That concept shift is a gamechanger for me.

It is abundantly clear. God values women. Period.

On the surface, it may seem difficult to reconcile 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14 with Phoebe, a deaconess (Romans 16), and the other women Paul himself commended for serving alongside him. There is no difficulty, however, in finding examples of how Jesus esteemed and elevated women especially when seen within the cultural backdrop of women being thought of, and treated, as chattel and objects. For example, Christ entrusted women, specifically speaking directly to Mary Magdalene (John 20), to be the first witnesses of His resurrection (Matthew 28). He entrusted them with this pivotal aspect of Christianity despite women being legally unable to testify in a court of law as a witness within the culture and religious settings at the time. He encouraged Martha to sit at His feet and learn as any disciple would in their culture while praising Mary for already doing so (Luke 10). He valued the woman who was caught in the act of adultery by speaking directly to her, not condemning her, and urging her to take ownership of her life and leave her life of sin (John 8). Jesus healed women, ate with women, talked with women, and esteemed women.

Moreover, the valuing of women is not isolated solely to Jesus. God allowed daughters to inherit (Numbers 27). Israelite men and women sought out Deborah, a prophet and anointed judge for Israel, for her wisdom and judgment to adjudicate their disputes (Judges 4). Paul commended Priscilla along with Aquilla several times often naming Priscilla first, a clear indication of respect (Romans 16). Scripture is filled with examples of God’s love and respect for women.

Scripture is also overflowing with accounts of unique people—men and women—with differing personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and giftings. Given the breadth of differences accounted for and valued in Scripture, it would be absurd to conclude that women (or men for that matter) should fit a narrow mold of acceptable behavior, preferences, and contributions.

Then why are we stuck in that rut? Why do we often forget or downplay how much of our current views of roles for women and men are shaped and influenced by arbitrary factors and, frankly, advertising? (I’m looking at you pink and blue!)

I fully believe that one of the most dangerous types of teachings is one that contains a kernel of truth surrounded by a heap of lies and misdirection. The whole package feels true because we are attracted to that kernel of truth. It is very easy, in turn, to accept uncritically the whole package–lies and all.

I may not have it all figured out. However, a definitive answer does not likely exist because we are all created uniquely in God’s image. Instead of referencing Scripture to define the perfect role for women or the parameters of what women are allowed to do biblically, I believe a better approach is grappling with this topic through the lens of seeking God’s calling to each of us to live out His gospel as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. Because God values women, we are not relegated to second-class citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven. Any attempt to do so is probably attributable to the Fall.

I am finding joy, though, in this journey because my journey is leading me closer to the heart of Yahweh. I lean into my Heavenly Father who sees me, loves me, seeks relationship with me, esteems me, corrects me, disciplines me, and allows me the breathtaking privilege of joining Him where He is at work. Nevertheless, I can chose whether to join Him or not. When I step out in faith and obedience, He will go before me and hem me in. What more could a girl ask for?

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