RIGHT or WRONG? Treatment of women

Someone recently said, "The church only reflects the broader culture in its treatment of women." Should Baptist Christians agree or disagree with this statement?

Christians long have struggled to understand the proper connection of faith and culture. People of faith have pondered and lamented the influence society has on our churches. The reality is we cannot escape the influence of our cultural context. We do not live in isolation but live in God's ever-changing world. And in our world, women now have greater access to educational, economic and employment opportunities.

The celebrations of the 40th anniversary of Title IX served for me as a reminder of the increasing prospects for women in the United States. That 1972 legislation was intended to open the doors for women in education and athletics, but Title IX also opened employment and leadership doors. In 2012, women make up about half the student population of medical and law schools, and women also serve in leadership positions in business, politics and the military.

Our broader culture has become more welcoming of the skills, strengths, gifts and contributions of women. Whether Baptists "should" or "should not" agree with these changes, the truth is many churches have moved with these changes. In more and more churches, lay women serve on committees, read Scripture and pray in worship services, and in some churches, serve as deacons. Medium-sized to large churches now have women staff members who minister to children, youth and families. A growing number of Baptist churches, albeit still a small minority, have called a woman to serve as pastor. The trend toward opening doors for women is best seen in some of our Baptist seminaries and divinity schools, where women now make up a third to a half of the student population.

But perhaps a harder question than whether churches should reflect culture is the question of how churches can best reflect the teachings of Jesus. Reading the gospels carefully, we find a Jesus who was radically counter-cultural, especially in his dealings with women. Jesus gathered the boys and girls around him, blessing them all and reminding his disciples, "To such as these belongs the kingdom of God." Jesus sat quietly teaching in the home of Lazarus and included Mary in his circle of students, recognizing her desire to learn. Jesus welcomed women to walk alongside him during his ministry and depended on the encouragement and financial support of Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna. Jesus, in his post-resurrection appearance, spoke to Mary Magdalene, instructing her to "go and tell," to be the first messenger of the good news of the Resurrection.

Throughout his life, Jesus radically befriended and welcomed women. He recognized their value, their gifts. He opened doors of grace to them. He freed them to serve. Should Baptist Christians be so bold as to agree with and follow the model provided by Jesus?

Pam Durso, executive director

Baptist Women in Ministry, Atlanta, Ga.

Right or Wrong? is co-sponsored by the Texas Baptist theological education office and Christian Life Commission. Send your questions about how to apply your faith to bill.tillman@texasbaptists.org.