Wayne on Wayne on Gender
Honzo November 28th, 2007
Wayne Leman over at Complegalitarian looks at what Wayne Grudem said at the annual Evangelical Theological Society meeting last week.
Grudem on the State of the Gender Debate and the Way Forward
Grudem had this to say:
I am surprised that this controversy has gone on so long. In the late 80’s and early 90’s I expected that this would probably be over in 10 years by the force of argument, by the use of the facts, by careful exegesis, by the power of the clear Word of God, by the truth. I expected the entire church would be persuaded and that the battle for the purity of the church would be won. I still believe that will happen because Jesus Christ is building his church and purifying it so that he might present it to himself without spot or wrinkle. But, it is taking much longer than I expected.
Leman responded with:
The logical fallacy in Dr. Grudem’s statement, of course, is the assumption that his interpretation of the scriptures concerning the role of women in the home and church is the only possible biblical interpretation. He equates following his interpretation of the scriptures on gender issues with having a high view of scripture and its infallible truth.
A strong case could be made for the claim that the reason the gender debate is taking so long is that it truly is a matter of how Bible-believing Christians understand the scriptures about gender differently. It is not a matter of whether or not they believe the Bible and seek to have it transform our lives.
Some really good points are being brought up in the comments. I suggest heading over there and contributing to the discussion.
- Women in Christianity
- Comments(3)
This reminds me of the Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate. Smart People. Same Bible Verses. Different conclusions.
Perhaps there is something in post-modernity for all of us!
Edgar
Shhh!!! don’t say ‘postmodernity’ too loud!
But, yeah, I agree completely….that is with the response to Grudem and with E.I.
I think E.I. is quite correct in his analogy of Calvinism vs. Arminianism, and Wayne on Grudem’s statement. How one translates the gender of certain words to make them more inclusive or more literal to the Greek words should never call into question one’s commitment to the Bible. I think Grudem goes a little over board in this issue. Gender inclusive language does not make the church unpure, neither does an egalitarian view of the roles of men and women in the body of Christ. It feels like some emotional ploy to "poison the well." But I do admire the intensity of his conviction.