Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Does the Bible forbid a woman from holding public office?

Gender Blog, a ministry of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, has finally weighed in on the nomination of Governor Sarah Palin as Vice-Presidential candidate. The bottom line:

Women should not be held back from an office that is not strictly forbidden in the Bible. Nevertheless, the question remains whether or not it is wise for a specific woman in a particular season of life to seek such an office — and the same would apply to any man.
While gender roles are clearly defined in the home and the church (1 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:12), God has given more liberty in the realm of government. You can read the whole Gender Blog article here.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Stephen,

I would love to know your personal view on this issue. While I definitely thing Scripture does not prohibit a woman from serving in political (or business) leadership positions, I have to wonder if this is ideal. From what I have seen and heard Sarh Palin represents a "win" for conservative Christians, but at the same time, do you think gender would play a role in your choice of a candidate, all other qualities being equal? Just curious.

David Squyres said...

I think one of Israel's best judges was a woman.

Deborah’s role:

1. A prophetess. Deborah was both a judge and prophetess. Moses’ sister Miriam was a prophetess. (Ex. 15:20) / Huldah (2 Kings 22:14) Noadiah (Neh. 6:14) / Anna (Luke 2:36) / Four daughters of Philip (Acts 6:14) She delivers God’s Word.

2. A judge. She oversees civil matters.

3. The leader of Israel. She oversees the nation.

4. Deborah saw herself as a “mother” to her people. “I, Deborah, arose, arose a mother in Israel.” Judg. 5:7 What do mothers teach us about God?Nurture. Unconditional love. Fierce love.

Now what did she do as a prophetess:

1. She divides God’s word. (Judges Israel) She held court and used God’s word to make decisions.

2. She commands God’s people.
–She sends: “She sent for Barak...”
–She commands (well, God command through her): “The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Go take with you ten thousand men of Naphtali and Zebulun and lead the way to Mount Tabor. I will lure Sisera, the commadner of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands.” 4:6-7

I think this story is great because it clarifies who is to lead us, what our authority is: A person, position or Bible. WHO was judge was less relevant than the peoples repentance and obedience to YHWH.