Cheryl Schatz

Gazza #54,
You said:

However, I still see a parallel in that God also did not define here how they were to multiply. He did not restrict a man here that he could not carry a child or breastfeed – we know that from elsewhere.

While it is true that God did not define how they were to multiply, he created restrictions by the way He made them male and female. All of us seem to be able to accept that as I don’t hear protests from females because they cannot impregnate their husbands or protest from men that they cannot become pregnant and this is discrimination. These restrictions are the physical part of our gender yet the restrictions are for both equally. It isn’t just the woman who is restricted, it is the man also. But in gender restrictions regarding God’s rule, the complementarian way is to assign restriction to one gender alone.

So in the assignment of blessing and rulership, God gave both equal ability to rule without defining exactly how they must rule, but neither defining any restrictions on their ability to rule. In the assignment to be fruitful and multiply, both were given the ability to be fruitful and multiply and both were restricted to their gender based ability.

However in rulership, there are no gender based restrictions that are inherent in rulership. Just as spiritual gifts have no restrictions because teaching and serving are not withheld from one gender.

It seems that based just on these verses you are saying that there is no room for men and women to have different parts to play in the rule – is this a fair understanding? Or are you saying “I am saying that God does not place restrictions on the rule that would stop a woman from exercising her God-given ability.” –in this verse? (not to necessarily say that God does in any other verse) I am just trying to more fully understand your position.

It is the latter. What I believe is that God creates a purpose and task for mankind and He allows us the joy of finding our place within that task. One person may find their joy in ruling through specializing in one area. Another person may take the big picture and do a little of everything to live out their rule. That is setting our own function within the rule that God has given mankind.

But when one person defines and sets up another person’s boundaries for whatever reason, and the result is that they set restrictions for another person, they have stepped outside of what God has given them permission to do. Whenever we are gifted and enabled by God but another human sets himself/herself up as an intermediator between ourselves and God and thus rules us and restricts us, we suffer. But when we set our own boundaries because of our individual gifts and likes, we are happy in service.

Thanks again I think I am beginning to put the pieces together – #51 and #52 were particularly helpful…I appreciate the time you have taken to be clear in your understanding of scripture Thanks

Thank you so much for that word of thanks. It is such a joy to be able to help in any way that I can and to be thanked for that is a double blessing.