The headline shouted at me! Lying right there in front of me on the counter inside my bank. I shuddered, looked around me and saw two young men in front of me looking at me. I did it. I picked up that slick newsletter from a local Church of Christ church. I folded it like a letter and stuck it inside my purse. Nobody else needed to see this propaganda against women. The men were not together, but we were all standing in line with our payroll checks and our bank cards in our hands waiting our turn.
Yes. I took it. I put it in my purse. I then got out two of my Street Evangelist for
Women’s Equality cards and handed each man a card. I explained who I am and why I stole the newsletter right off the table at the bank.
As we progressed, I turned the counter corner, and by golly, there was another one! I folded that one and took it, too.
What did that newsletter say that is so offensive to me as a female Christian? This is what it said:
A summary of the gender-specific passages shows Galatians 3:28 does not include freedom for women to:
1. Publicly present the word of God to mixed audiences (meaning men and women). In worship, women are to “learn in silence.”
2. Act as a representative of the church (administer church discipline).
3. Lead prayer in the presence of men. This prohibition is not limited to formal worship assemblies. (In other words, even around the dinner table if a male is present – my interpretation).
4. Assume leadership of the assembly such as: lead singing, preside over any part of the service.
5. Be head of a marriage and home.
My mother-in-law was Church of Christ as was my next door neighbor. They both told me that women cannot attend business meetings, or have a voice in where their tithes and offerings went.
I have many friends who are Church of Christ who advocate for women’s equality in the church and in their own homes. One is a woman who is a preacher and former pastor. But they are the exception, not the rule.
Al Mohler, in his resolution against women leaders in the church, has brought to light the meanness of modern-day Christian churches that cannot accept this 21st century that we live in.
Yes, I stole the Church of Christ newsletter that bragged about its holiness in following the selected passages of the Bible, and used this means to denigrate women and puff up men. I just wonder what Christ would say about the newsletter using his name to put women down. I took it from my bank with cameras looking at me, and with people looking at me.
And I am not ashamed.
Shirley Taylor Books (available on Amazon in print and on Kindle)
The Biblical Marriage Myth: The Devil Comes Calling
The Power of a Book: The Street Evangelist
Raising the Hood: A Christian Look at Manhood and Womanhood
Women Equal: No Buts. Powered by the Same Source
Dethroning Male Headship: 2nd Edition
From Wife to Widow: What I Know Now
Beyond the Grave: A Christian Dilemma
