Cheryl Schatz

“Egalitarians argue that there is no creation order in Gen,”

I will second gengwall’s comment of “nonsense”.

Egalitarians do not argue that there is no “creation order”. They merely state that there is no hierarchy or authority of one human over another attached to the “creation order”. Those who say that there is indeed an “authority over” or hierarchy taught in this passage are the ones who need to prove their point.

I think that it is also good to note here that Biblical egalitarians hold tightly to the Scriptures as inspired. We are not the ones who are insisting in a view that adds to the text. I, for one, am most interested in understanding what the text says and what it doesn’t say so that we stay away from proof texts that are ripped from their contexts.

I also am very interested in how a complementarian thinks about these matters. I am especially interested in how he or she can join with us in holding tight to the inspired text yet be oblivious to the inspired context surrounding the hard verses on women.

I was just re-reading an email that I got in early 2008 from an old friend who removed his friendship from me because of the women’s issue. It is obvious that his gender-related “authority” to demand obedience to his view and silence my opinion is a trump card that is almost impossible to give up without the grace of God. I am again reminded that the male trump card has harmed many relationships and separated friends. It is a “my way or the highway” attitude that discredits the image of God within God’s female “sons”. The body of Christ is greatly harmed by this mindset. We will all keep in this state of hurt until we come to the full knowledge of God’s Son who brings us together in unity and equality as co-heirs of God’s grace. I long for the day when we are truly united without prejudice.