The continuum on gender bias

Sometimes my blog posts about the impact of women and men to co-laboring side by side in the Kingdom  are picked up by other sites. They can attract a wealth of comments–usually favorable, sometimes disapproving of my position, and on occasion, downright antagonistic.

I’ve observed a whole continuum on gender bias. It goes something like this:

1. Unashamedly misogynist: these people tell me I’m rebellious and unsubmissive and should get back in line. If God uses me, as a woman, it’s an aberration, rather like God using Balaam’s donkey (and yes, I’ve had someone tell me that!)
2. Men lead; women follow: these people are sympathetic to the plight of women but believe that the role of women is always to be subservient to that of men. The overall effect is that women are marginalized.
3. Certain roles are forbidden to women: women can be apostles, prophets and deacons, but the roles of elder and senior pastor are reserved for men only.
4. Women can do anything. God has gifted women in many ways and their gifts can be used in any way and in any role that God directs. We see this through Biblical examples and throughout history.
5. There’s no difference between men and women. Any cultural differences should be wiped out.
6. Women are actually superior to men, and the opinions of men can be disregarded.
7. Women have been downtrodden through the centuries and it’s payback time.

As you can see, the continuum on gender bias goes from the downright misogynist to the militant feminist. I’ve received comments that reflect all of the above.

I know which one I favor. What about you?

The Black Swan Effect: A response to gender hierarchy in the church is now available.