Dave

Amaranth @ 200, I think you come to some conclusions that I have recognised in the Australian gender debate. Those who believe in the ordination of women were labelled as liberal – people with an unhealthy interest in “love” to the extent that they did not even believe in the truth and the authority of the Bible; and those who did not believe in the ordination of women were labelled as “fundamentalist” who were too wrapped up in the truth of scripture to give a hoot about how other people felt.

I think though that there is a growing third dimension to the discussion which I think is reflected here at CHeryl’s blog. It is a desire to know both authority and love, or if you like, truth and grace. Cheryl has experienced God’s love, and wants to live in submission to his authority. I like this because it reflects the Gospel of Jesus – it contains truth (the identity of Jesus as the Son of God, a desire to see sin dealt with, not swept under the carpet) and also contains grace (Jesus taking our sin for us, showing love not legalism).

This is why Cheryl argues her case for a loving God using the authority of God revealed through scripture.

I see Egalitarianism as a reflection of God’s love that is in line with the truth of his authority. Sorry to ramble and sorry if this is not clear!