Under Much Grace

Cheryl,

Thank you for drawing attention to this escalating issue of “patriarchy” and the skewed teachings propagated by Vision Forum and for collaborating with Don Veinot. In retrospect, having grown up attending an Assemblies of God church, it’s difficult to believe that I became subject to this patriarchal school of thought in a Gothard-friendly church. The thought-dulling effects of their teachings subtly became an automatic response to their ideals of gender without me realizing that I’d been influenced. I’m grateful to those who, like you, worked with me to bring me a renewed, deeper level of understanding of “those troublesome egalitarian proof texts.” (See this VF citation of Roy Moore at http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/2005/12/1391.aspx for a new spin on egalitarianism and complementarianism.)

In Veinot’s recent article on Phillips in the MCOI newsletter, (available by mail now and online in a few months), I appreciate all the “old pagan customs” discussed. In addition to the “Proverbs 31 Man” Subtitle, I especially appreciate this “old custom”:
……..
“The point is Vision Forum isn’t going far enough if their objective is to embrace OT patriarchy! If they want patriarchy, they simply cannot pick and choose which elements they leave out. Are tribal fiefdoms really supposed to be the pattern for the Church? Forget about wives submitting to husbands — all our relatives have to submit to Uncle Ned!”
…….

This example reveals the and logical conclusions and the ethical dangers of selecting Scriptures out of texual and historical/societal context. Who gets to decide the standards of this prejudicial interpretation, and by what standards are those interpretations deemed appropriate for doctrine? These concerns parallel the greatest secular ethical dilemmas of our day.

We should keep matters of living simple, but not TOO SIMPLE. In doing so, we create new versions of the same old problems of prejudice.

I look forward to following your subsequent postings on this subject as I continue to endeavor towards a balanced and faithful understanding of the Word of God on the subject of woman. In my search for balance, swinging from a very egalitarian side of the issue of women to the legalistic, Gothard influenced view, I appreciate your perspective.