Sue

Mark,

This is the way I see it.

First, one cannot demonstrate that kephale means “leader” in native Greek preceding or at the time of the NT. One can also not demonstrate that kephale means “source” at the time of or preceding the NT.

It is true that kephale is used for Jephthah to translate rosh, and this appears to mean leader or something like it. This is unusual and since it is the only case, I don’t think that Paul would honour it. It is very odd that this is the only person ever called kephale over a group of people.

I do think that kephale meant “head” and somehow, there is a complex metaphorical language built up in the scriptures first for the “body” of Christ, and then encorporating “head” and “body.” This is not found in the LXX.

I see this as interacting with the notion of the church as “one body.” Some people see this one body as a single visible hiearchical entity like the Roman Catholic church. Others see the one body as organic and mutually supportive but not a single organizational entity. I am of the latter. I am not Catholic and do not support hierarchical organizations except inasmuch as they enable constituent members to function better. They should not function to subordinate member churches.

I am trying to be honest, and not give the impression that I know more than I do. Frankly, I think it would be better if more theologians were this honest, comps or egals. But that is just my opinion. I don’t think you should speak to me with such a coercive tone. It is becoming a little uncomfortable.