My parents say it's not Christian to have female pastors, and I don't think it makes a difference. They are Christian, and believe in Jesus as their savior, so why does it matter? I'm getting confirmed this year as a Lutheran. I've never read in the Bible that you can't have female pastors. What do you think?
2007-12-19 12:17:44 · 8 answers · asked by HyperNick 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Its OK you know everyone can interpret scripture to fit what ever their beliefs are don't you. You know The fruits of Sola Scriptura that gave you over 30,000 different sects all believing in something different and saying the other beliefs are wrong
2007-12-19 12:23:19 · answer #1 · answered by King James 33 1/3% 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hello Hypernick
Your question has many layers - let's see if we can unpack them...
There are almost as many denominations as there are people, and all of them have undoubedly strayed from what we might call "perfect" Christianity. That's to be expected, since we are imperfect human beings. The duty of your parents is to try to keep you as close to "perfect" Christianity as they are able and as they know it. So, whatever their understanding of "perfect" Christian may be they have only your best interests at heart.
I happen to think that Lutherans generally (at least the ones who still believe the Bible) have the most correct understanding of Christianity, and where they are uncertain, tend to err on the side of caution. The Lutheran view is that we cannot save ourselves. We must respond to the call of the Holy Spirit and accept God's merciful gifts.
Methodists believe that we can make ourselves holy (it's a little more complicated but look up semi-pelagianism) by a methodical (hence the name) practice of Christian virtues.
The whole debate often gets bogged down in subtle distinctions that, for most of us, appear to be nit-picking. While this may appear nit-picking, we must remember that all ideas have consequences, "sow an idea, reap an act; sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a custom..." Sometimes it may take years for the consequences to become apparent.
However, Methodists are Christian with a slightly different idea. I would suggest that, if you continue enjoy the company of your Methodist friends, you listen to your parents and keep this in mind. They are different, but they are better friends than the airheads that don't believe in God at all.
As for female pastors, the Bible does imply, particularly in the Pauline epistles, that men should be the pastors. That said, there is enough ambiguity that some denominations have exploited the ambiguity to change what has been the practice throughout all of recorded Christian history. I said earlier that Lutherans tend to err on the side of caution. Rather than introduce an innovation that might be offensive to the "God who is there", Lutherans (for the most part) have elected to retain a male only ministry.
There are good reasons for your parents concern, so "Deal with it"... as you say in your profile.
Dave
2007-12-20 13:52:15 · answer #2 · answered by dgosse_ca 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People are products of their environments. Nature & Nuture. Your upbringing (family) the actual place you you brought up in, your friends (Your Experiences) & Memory heavily influence who you are & the decision you make.
As for my view, Religion that is sold in Temples, Churches, & Mosques are better just ideas / ideals people follow.
For ex: (Politics simplified) if you like a Free Economy, then Capitalism is your best bet.
Some other people might believe (or forced to live) in other Political Systems.
Socialism, Communism ect...
Or take a Salad for Example.
It contains Fruits & Vegetables. But look @ how many different ways (recipes) for making a salad.
So who's wrong? Well we all could be wrong or right depending on what standards we put on ourselves.
But the key here is not to be LAZY!
It doesn't matter what your beliefs (hopefully good as in "if not beneficial to society @ least not to break the social contract)
Use your ACTIONS!! not LIP SERVICE to backup any claims of yours (as in belonging to a certain groups / religion)
ect...
So if your a Christain (which means followers of Christ.) Act like one. Seek God himself. Don't be lazy & just buy other's experiences w/ God though testimonies, sermons ect... Get out there & find out yourself.
There is a difference between Book Knowledge (someone's else knowledge that we've copied from) & Personal Experiences.
The golden rule is "Do unto others what you would like be done unto you".
So yeah, so what if the Pastor = Person is female/ male, gays, aliens (ok that might be far fetched) As long as their actions are just, learn from them.
"Do not judge a person solely based on their Affiliation"
Quy
2007-12-21 07:48:13 · answer #3 · answered by Quy N 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Women were leaders and even judges in the Torah (so-called Old Testament).
Christianity (or at least some branches of it, you must be Missouri Synod, right?) tossed that out with the garbage and decided that women shouldn't teach men.
It wasn't always like that.
2007-12-19 20:32:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says women cannot be the head of a church. So if there are men above her it shouldnt matter.
2007-12-19 20:22:16 · answer #5 · answered by 2telldatruth 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Because you need to know that what your parents believe is the certain truth, and all other religions that are even slightly different than it are most assuredly wrong.
silly huh?
2007-12-19 20:21:18 · answer #6 · answered by Morey000 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Your parents should be proud of you. Ask God to guide you and put your trust in him. God Bless.
2007-12-19 20:27:52 · answer #7 · answered by Awdrat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's fine. Congrats, and I hope your faith increases by leaps and bounds!
2007-12-19 20:26:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anna P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋