1. A Challenge for
Theology from a Gospel Incident
Here's an invitation to explore the dynamics in the foreground (and
background) of the context surrounding Jesus' actions and words as depicted in
the gospels. The great majority of gospel scholars consider that Matthew not
only copied Mark's account but often altered it. Also, feminist gospel scholars
have alerted us to the interesting dynamics contained in the interesting
accounts of Jesus encounters with women in the gospels. Here's an invitation to
see what your thoughts are in response to the questions below.
JESUS' ENCOUNTER WITH A PAGAN WOMAN Mark 7:24-30
24. From there he set out and went away to the region of Tyre. He
entered a house and did not want anyone to know he was there. Yet he could not
escape notice, 25. but a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit
immediately heard about him, and she came and bowed down at his feet. 26. Now
the woman was a Gentile, of Syrophoenician origin. She begged him
to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27. He said to her, ‘Let the children
be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to
the dogs.’ 28. But she answered him, ‘Sir, even the dogs under the table
eat the children’s crumbs.’ 29. Then he said to her, ‘For saying
that, you may go—the demon has left your daughter.’ 30. So she went home,
found the child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Matthew 15:21-28
21. Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and
Sidon. 22. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came
out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is
tormented by a demon.’ 23. But he did not answer her at all. And his
disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting
after us.’ 24. He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of
the house of Israel.’ 25. But she came and knelt before him,
saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ 26. He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the
children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ 27. She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet
even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ 28. Then
Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you
as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.
- What ethnic, social
and religious dynamics are present in these 2 accounts?
- Should the woman be
regarded as a. feisty b.
impudent c. brave d. brazen e. a nagger (Matt. 15:23) f.
ungodly (Canaanite) g. persuasive h. desperate.
- Is it valid to
conclude that she changes Jesus' thinking? Why? If it is valid, did Jesus need
to change his attitude to Gentiles and/or (ii) to women?
- A study of the
redaction (editing) that Matthew does of Mark 7:24-30 is also
of interest. Note the variations in dark print across the two
accounts. Most gospel scholars believe Matthew edited Mark's
account. Why are the changes made?
And now for something semi-serious.
A good-hearted SCM'er from Perth, Kate Watts, passed on to me the
following 10 points WHY MEN SHOULD NOT BE ORDAINED. It comes from the
progressive evangelical website linked to the fine Christian journal called
SOJOURNERS. Mindful of the arguments put up to prohibit women's ordination,
these are a mirror image, as well as an echo, of the opposing arguments. (Some
of the entries have a particular American flavour.)
Ten Reasons Why Men Should Not Be Ordained For Ministry
- A man’s place is in
the army.
- The pastoral duties
of men who have children might distract them from the responsibility of
being a parent.
- The physique of men
indicates that they are more suited to such tasks as chopping down trees
and chasing cattle. It would be “unnatural” for them to do ministerial
tasks.
- Man was created
before woman, obviously as a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment
rather than the crowning achievement of creation.
- Men are too emotional
to be priests or pastors. Their conduct at football and other sporting
venues clearly demonstrates this.
- Some men are
handsome, and this will distract women worshippers.
- Pastors need to
nurture their congregations. But this is not a traditional male role.
Throughout history, women have been recognized as not only more skilled
than men at nurturing, but also more fervently attracted to it. This makes
them the obvious choice for ordination.
- Men are prone to
violence. No really masculine man wants to settle disputes except by
fighting about them. Thus they would be poor role models, as well as
dangerously unstable in positions of leadership.
- The New Testament
tells us that Jesus was betrayed by a man. His lack of faith and ensuing
punishment remind us of the subordinated position that all men should
take.
- Men can still be
involved in church activities, even without being ordained. They can sweep
sidewalks, repair the church roof, and perhaps even lead the song service
on Father’s Day. By confining themselves to such traditional male roles,
they can still be vitally important in the life of the church.
Thanks to our
respondents, we’ve tracked down the original source. This list is the work of Dr. David M.
Scholer, a former professor at Fuller Theological Seminary.
This SCM Newsletter has been compiled and sent out by Rev
Dr Ray Barraclough, Secretary of the Qld SCM Area Council.
