ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 16, 2022
Historically, Christianity has played some funny games when it comes to what it does with scripture. At times, it has bent over backwards to make sure women knew their “proper” place in the life of the church (i.e., quiet and no leadership). Quick pause! That is NOT my opinion. There are, of course, passages of scripture that are a bit concerning, though I read them through the lens of first-century culture. In Romans 16, we find an interesting idea presented by the Apostle Paul. He wrote, “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.” Junia is a woman, and Paul seemed to be suggesting that she is “among the apostles.” The term “apostle” is a special title given only to those who were central to the church’s leadership, including preaching and teaching. At one point in the church’s history, there was an attempt to change the name Junia to a man’s name (changing it to Junias – a male name), simply because the church at the time could not imagine a woman being an apostle. It is troubling how the church, at least in some circles, continues to fight this same battle. There is a secondary concern in the dismissal of women from church leadership, and that is a question about the nature of God. To suggest that God is limited in who God can call is deeply troubling and contradicts the entire story of scripture. Isn’t the Bible a story about a God who continues to surprise people with how God works and who God calls? When there were insurmountable obstacles, God found a way. When there appeared to be no one who could help, God tapped the shoulder of the one that no one else would have chosen. There is something wonderfully breath-taking about a God who continues to say, “Surprise!”
I probably don’t even notice it, God, but I’m pretty sure I have—at least somewhere in my mind—limited the capacity of your grace and imagination. Forgive me, surprise me, enliven me, liberate me! Amen.
