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From the extended syllabus of Systematic Theology 3:
10. A man’s place is in the army.
9. The pastoral duties of men who have children might distract them from the responsibility of being a parent.
8. The physique of men indicates that they are more suited to such tasks as chopping down trees and wrestling mountain lions. It would be “unnatural†for them to do ministerial tasks.
7. Man was created before woman, obviously as a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment rather than the crowning achievement of creation.
6. Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors. Their conduct at football and basketball games demonstrates this.
5. Some men are handsome, and this will distract women worshipers.
4. Pastors need to nurture their congregations. But this is not a traditional male role. Throughout history, women have been recognized as not only more skilled than men at nurturing, but also more fervently attracted to it. This makes them the obvious choice for ordination.
3. Men are prone to violence. No really masculine man wants to settle disputes except by fighting about them. Thus they would be poor role models as well as dangerously unstable in positions of leadership.
2. The New Testament tells us that Jesus was betrayed by a man. His lack of faith and ensuing punishment remind us of the subordinated position that all men should take.
1. Men can still be involved in church activities, even without being ordained. They can sweep sidewalks, repair the church roof, and perhaps even lead the song service on Father’s Day. By confining themselves to such traditional male roles, they can still be vitally important in the life of the church.
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This is wonderful. Thanks Eddy.
Thanks Eddy. I linked to you from my blog today. This is fantastic.
Hmmm…this all sounds so familiar.
I sooooo linked to this!
Ah, this post is to die for…
Mmm smell the wit… ^^ Quite droll, if I do say so myself.
Absolutely terrific. Should be posted right next to the 10 Commandments in Alabama’s courthouses.
I love it. Particularly #7.
Great post–many thanks! I posted it to my website, the Virtual Tea House yesterday, along with some other info about the ordination of women.
http://virtualteahouse.com/blo.....istry.aspx
Thanks for the great work you are doing!
Beth
This is priceless. Yes, as a woman in ministry leadership I think I have heard some similar debates. Thanks for giving us a laugh on this topic.
Here is a comment to the post I made from this article. The comment is made by Bill Ellis, who is an Episcopal bishop in Spokane, WA.
“As an Episcopal Priest of the male persuasion for the past twenty-six years I have long been concerned about whether or not a man can be ordained validly. The arguments listed here are of course persuasive, but not quite decisive. The decisive argument is one I witnessed before I was ever ordained, and that was a priest eight months pregnant celebrating the Eucharist.
I realized in that instant that no man could ever provide such a profound metaphor for God’s presence among us. Of course I proceeded with my plans, on the grounds that men could also be ordained, but I must emphasize that “also.” It has stuck with me my entire career.”
Thought you all might enjoy Bill’s humble response. Thanks again!
Beth