Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Deborah and Women Deacons?
I almost did not blog about Deborah, but since she is sometimes used as justification for what women should do in terms of leadership today I thought I would share a couple of quick thoughts.
Remember that she is an Old Testament judge, so she was not an elder, deacon or preacher.
She was, however, a prophetess and is described as leading Isreal. So at one time, God's people were led by a woman. So does that establish a principle for women leading today? I would be careful with trying to prove a point with that. If it means that men and women are equal and both could -- or should -- lead God's people, then why is she the only female judge mentioned. There are lots of male judges. Was there only one female qualified? Was she the only female with the spiritual conviction to step up and lead? You would think if God wanted to make a point about female leadership, He would have mentioned other female judges.
On the other hand, be careful to dismiss what the Bible says. She was leading Isreal. I have heard people say it was only because the men of Isreal would not step up that she had to lead. I am not sure Scripture teaches that. Much is made of Barak' situation (remember that Deborah told him to attack Sisera he said only if she went. She agreed but said the honor would not come to him, but to a women), but I am not sure he should be called a failure since he is listed in Hebrews 11 as a hero of the faith.
So what does Deborah have to do with female deacons, or women's role in the church? Maybe not one thing. I just know I want to be careful using Scripture to prove a point I have already decided is the correct position.
Next post I will give some wrap-up thoughts.
Remember that she is an Old Testament judge, so she was not an elder, deacon or preacher.
She was, however, a prophetess and is described as leading Isreal. So at one time, God's people were led by a woman. So does that establish a principle for women leading today? I would be careful with trying to prove a point with that. If it means that men and women are equal and both could -- or should -- lead God's people, then why is she the only female judge mentioned. There are lots of male judges. Was there only one female qualified? Was she the only female with the spiritual conviction to step up and lead? You would think if God wanted to make a point about female leadership, He would have mentioned other female judges.
On the other hand, be careful to dismiss what the Bible says. She was leading Isreal. I have heard people say it was only because the men of Isreal would not step up that she had to lead. I am not sure Scripture teaches that. Much is made of Barak' situation (remember that Deborah told him to attack Sisera he said only if she went. She agreed but said the honor would not come to him, but to a women), but I am not sure he should be called a failure since he is listed in Hebrews 11 as a hero of the faith.
So what does Deborah have to do with female deacons, or women's role in the church? Maybe not one thing. I just know I want to be careful using Scripture to prove a point I have already decided is the correct position.
Next post I will give some wrap-up thoughts.
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I think our position on "women in the church" (deaconesses, etc) is far more tied to 2nd millennium culture and tradition (and a theology based thereon) than on first-century principles or how the early church actually operated. 1 Cor 14 is certainly an issue, but I think it's one that is troubling because we've decided in advance what it must mean, rather than looking at the specific context in which Paul wrote it. I'm not SURE where that would lead, actually, but Paul's respect and appreciation for women leaders and workers (he names so many in his writings) cannot be tossed out. - Dave Wright, San Jose
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