Blasted SBC

You all knew that I would have something to say about the shenanigans of the Southern Baptist Convention. 

In a world where progress is often measured by the leaps we make toward equality and justice, it is disheartening and scary to see how institutions - namely the Southern Baptist Convention - hold steadfastly to harmful and antiquated ideologies. Their refusal to allow females within their ordained pastoral ranks is at best misguided. Despite the pressing social issues that demand our attention, the SBC seems determined to suppress the voices, gifts, and potential of their own daughters, mothers, and wives. 

Misreading and Misinterpretation of Scripture:

The foundation for the Southern Baptist Convention's position on female pastors lies in a theological interpretation of Scripture that is deeply flawed. I am positing that their stance is based on a narrow reading of a few select passages, while disregarding the broader message of the life of Jesus. By selectively emphasizing verses that seemingly support male leadership, they have inadvertently contributed to the perpetuation of gender inequality within the church and across the spectrum of organizations. I am not suggesting that they alone power and perpetuate this nonsense. They do have much to do with it. 

Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that interpretations of Scripture are not fixed or immune to change. Throughout history, various religious doctrines have been reevaluated and reinterpreted to align with more mature understandings of how Jesus demonstrated the command to love God with everything and love people as if we were them. The SBC should grow up theologically. 

Missed Opportunities for Social Change:

While the Southern Baptist Convention devotes its energy to enforcing a restrictive policy on female pastors, pressing issues continue to plague our society. Sensible gun control laws, tackling poverty and the wealth gap, and dismantling systemic racism are just a few examples of urgent matters that require concerted effort and moral leadership. Yet, of the myriad of ills that this Christian organization could have strategized to transform, their statement was about how terrible it is that some churches within the convention were not in 'friendly cooperation' with the SBC's statement of faith. 

By actively choosing to prioritize the suppression of their own daughters, mothers, wives, and other female relatives over the pressing concerns that diminish human life, the SBC undermines its credibility as a moral compass. It is a disheartening irony to witness an institution that claims to be guided by biblical principles fail to grasp the fundamental values of equality, justice, and inclusivity, as taught, and modeled by Jesus whom they claim to follow. 

Embracing Gender Equality:

It just makes no sense that the SBC (and others) would continue to hold to tradition over transformation. Much of the world has long since recognized the valuable contributions that come from the beautiful tapestry of God's creation. It is evident that the world has experienced God's enriching grace at the hands of all people, including women, and not only cis-gender males. There is a need for (gender) equality within the church which will contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Rejecting female pastors perpetuates a harmful message that women are somehow less capable or worthy of leading within the church. It undermines the gifts, talents, and calling that women possess and denies the church the diverse perspectives and contributions that female pastors bring to the table. I wonder where Jesus is in all the nonsense about expelling congregations for daring to do as Jesus did. Hmm. 

I mean, here we are, grappling with pressing social issues, and the church is still doing shit by choosing to be moral torchbearers against Jesus' choices. It is bad enough (in my opinion) that the males are doing this nonsense. It is worse (in my opinion) that they also receive support from some women. The SBC's unwavering stance against female pastors serves is a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done in healing the nations of the world and repairing the breach caused by humans.

Isn't it time to break the chains of outdated and harmful ideologies? If not, why should anyone take the church seriously? Don't miss that the ballot paper on which people voted to uphold the SBC's decision to silence the witness of the women, bears a cross at the top. This is how shit starts. What's new, pussycat?  

#womenpreachers #womenarecalled #Jesusandwomen #Jesusordainedwomen