Tried With Fire

My daughter and I have interesting conversations. Yesterday, she asked, in a historical sense, when did girls began to fall for jerks. Interesting, no? Given that the attitude which makes one a jerk comes from sin, we would have to go back to Genesis 3 for the origin and I dare say the origin of those who would fall for such behavior. Also the Bible is not without its examples of bad boys such as Samson (yes he is in Hebrews 11 but his treatment of women was rather unchivalrous) and Nabal. Even in literature, all the ladies in Meryton were ga-ga for Mr. Wickham in Pride and Prejudice . In Mr. Wickham's case, he tried to hide his true character to ingratiate himself, but nowadays, it seems guys don't try to hide it at all. In media and music, women are objectified by men and they don't seem to mind. As we were talking, the thought crossed my mind that perhaps this is the only strength women see today. Compared to what Ahhnold called "girly men", it appears stro...

D. A. Carson: At the same time, I do worry a bit about women's ministry and men's ministry. Now there is something to be said for it, and sometimes you have to target particular groups, but have you noticed how many women's conferences there are that focus on the book of Ruth and the book of Esther? So that the whole conference is about women , and now we are getting men's conferences, men's conventions. I know I speak at them, but they trouble me just the same. These men's conferences where the whole aim is to be a hunk, to be a hunk for Jesus. Unless you really like UFC , you are definitely second class. Greek scholars need not apply....  I understand we are trying to fight the feminization of the church and all of that, but there is something ugly about that too, isn't there? So that at the Gospel Coalition Women's conference we are having next June...  it's not about women . It's a women's conference but it's about the gospel for ...

The role of women and men in the church and home is a can of worms. This topic is so emotionally charged that it's dangerous to step into the debate for fear of being verbally electrocuted. I occasionally lurk on a few egalitarian blogs (mainly for other issues), and it's interesting to get their perspective. At times I'm sympathetic to their position particularly when a complementarian spokesperson has made an insensitive, foot-in-mouth blanket statement regarding divorce or abuse, which are hot-button issues with me. But at the end of the day, these scenarios, as sad as they are, can't determine my stance on this issue.  I need to come back to the Bible. So I've been listening to the talks by D.A. Carson and Bob Yarbrough from the ECFA 2012 Conference:  Understanding the Complementarian Position: Considering Implications and Exploring Practices in the Home and the Local Church .  I'm part way through, but so far it's been very helpful. I appreciate the...