Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression. But women shall be persevered through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint. 1 Timothy 2:11-15
Feminism is a belief advocating social equality for both men and women if they are qualified, not necessarily called by God. So, what is 'qualification' and what is a 'calling'? 'Qualification' is the ability to do the job while a 'calling' is a gift from God even though you are too weak to do the job. The argument of qualification is one of the weak arguments of the feminist movement, because 1 Timothy 2:11-15 is clear that women are not called to preach to other men. It is important to understand that every Christian must have a calling from God even though he or she may be unqualified. There are some exceptions such that a sister can preach. For example, a sister in Christ can preach to other boys and women. (Titus 2:3-6) On the other hand, there is precedent domination of men, who are called by God throughout the Bible. Last of all, there is equality between men and women even though God has called both men and women differently.
In some cases though, many women are qualified and called to teach in children's or women's ministries. Even though she is qualified to teach in children's or women's ministries, she must be called by God. Boys under the age of 12 should be acceptable for a sister in Christ to teach and preach to with authority. The Bible never mentions any age for a boy to be a man. However, Jewish tradition defined a man to be beyond the age of 12. A boy's age of 12 is considered a safe benchmark for a sister in Christ to preach without breaching the Word of God. (Titus 2:3-6)
1 Timothy 2:11-15 is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16), even though there are a few verses suggesting that only men are called to lead. Then again, there is a plethora of examples in the Bible that seem to show that only men are called by God, although they are not necessarily qualified. Qualification and calling are totally different. For example, Moses was not qualified to speak, which was why Aaron was his interpreter. Even though Moses was not qualified as a speaker, he was called by God to lead the Israelite tribes. In addition to the clear teaching in 1 Timothy, there are a few other examples we can find in the Bible that women are not called by God to preach to other men. For instance, none of Jesus' 12 disciples were women. Jesus is also a man. Bible mentions God the Father, not Mother. Last of all, none of the authors in the Old and New Testament were women.
Women are not called to lead other men in the church even though they are qualified. Even though women are not called to lead, there is equality between men and women in the church. Most men are physically superior compared to other women. So, does it mean that men are called to give birth to children through genetic alterations? Although it is very hypothetical, some day, genetic engineers will be able to program our DNA so that it is possible for men to give birth to children. Thus, the church will look politically incorrect by saying that it is a sin for a man to be pregnant. If women can give birth to children through in vitro fertilization, technology can make it possible for a man to give birth to children in the future.
Feminists do laugh at my argument about men giving birth to children. They find this argument irrational, even though genetic engineers are working on this issue. However, I am not laughing that feminists would argue that qualification determines one's role as a leader in the church, not their calling. Qualification does not justify a sister's leadership in the church, because she will be admitting that she is not weak. (1 Corinthians 1:27-31) Where in the Bible does it say 'if women are qualified to teach, let them teach over men'? Justification and calling of one's leadership comes from the authority of scripture, the church, and God. The boasting of one's qualification is a very clear sign that she is not called to preach.
The bottom line is that it is sinful for a woman to perform the role of a man -- that is, to preach to other men. Men and women are created equal, and thus, God loves us more than we can imagine. However, men and women have different roles. We do support the arguments on eliminating sexual discrimination. However, when this crosses the boundary of different roles, we do not agree further. Not all men are called or qualified to preach. However, there is a greater restraint for a sister in Christ to preach. This is a danger. Just imagine a brother in Christ who believes that he is qualified to preach, and yet he is not called. For example, what if a deacon does not want to repent from his sins like drinking? How can she minister to a sinning brother in Christ by telling him he is not called to be a deacon? (1 Timothy 3:20) You must be called by God, and not necessarily be qualified. As a result, it is clear that a sister in Christ is not called to preach even though she may be qualified.
Table of Contents
Introduction on the Issues of Feminism