Where Are The Women?

This post by Heather Hodges has got me thinking. Here's an excerpt:
"From the time I was a child I heard the names of Sarah, Rachael, Leah, Jochebed, Miriam, Abigail, Tamar, Deborah, Jael, Rahab, Esther, Ruth, Hannah, Elizabeth, Anna, Mary, Martha, Dorcas (Tabitha), Lydia, Phoebe, Chloe, Priscilla, Junias, Lois, and Eunice. These women served in every roll imaginable in the kingdom. There was a mother of nations, a song leader, a ruler, a warrior, a hero, a determined convert, a rescuer, a faithful mom, a loyal wife, a prophetess, a hostess, a church planter, a teacher, an apostle, a philanthropist, a business woman, a devout Christian, and a woman honored above all other woman as the mother of Christ.

Throughout Scripture we read story after story of these great women who had distinct roles in the kingdom of God. Whether they were pious or not, they were used for the glory of the Lord. Unfortunately, many Christian churches today have let two culturally restrictive Scriptures (1 Co 14:34 and 1 Tim 2:12) over shadow the rich history of women in the Bible. Scholars agree that these two Scriptures were cultural directions that dealt with specific situations and are not to be directives to all churches for all times. However, many churches have applied these two restrictions to all women for all times. Other churches have softened their stance for women’s roles but have kept women in the background because of “heritage values.”

It is time for a better understanding of Scripture and a better understanding of how the Lord has used and plans to use women in his kingdom. So, where are the women in churches today? They are where they have always been. They are behind the scenes planning, coordinating, and organizing. They are in the kitchen, nursery, and classrooms. They are on their knees in prayer. They are battling the enemy head-on in their homes, at work, the community and the mission field. They are raising-up generations of faithful believers."

Good points and well written! I'm not even sure how we have a dialogue about this topic in my faith community without people feeling alarmed and threatened. We are probably in that group of churches that "have softened their stance for women’s roles but have kept women in the background because of “heritage values".” But, I'm also distressed that many believers' giftedness lies dormant due to the restrictions we're placing on them, especially when the needs of the church are so great! Yes, I know the Scriptures, but I'm no longer a "flatlander", viewing all Scripture as of equal height and weight and literal relevance to this culture, to be read in the same manner and with the same "lenses". Honestly, who can read Job and John in the same way? Or Psalms and Philemon? Or Ruth and Revelation?

My goal is not change for change's sake; my goal is honoring God and loving people as He does. I have questions; I am seeking Truth. I would love to have some healthy discussion on this, and soon.