Is a male savior good news for women?
In Alan Bennett's play & movie The History Boys, a female teacher wearily describes history as centuries of [male-initiated] slaughter, rape, and pillage, with "women following behind with the bucket." Because I want the next centuries to be better than that, I am looking forward to reading this book by my fellow WTS alumnus Neil Williams: The Maleness of Jesus: Is it Good News for Women?
From the description: "At the center of Christianity is Jesus of Nazareth—whose maleness is used by many to justify the subordination of women and to emphasize that men, rather than women, better represent Jesus.
"This raises a number of questions that are the subject of this book. What is the significance of Jesus' maleness? Does it reveal the character of God? Is it foundational for the gospel? Is Jesus' maleness associated with an ongoing created order of male priority? Our answers will affect Christianity's task of love, justice, and reconciliation in a world that is characterized by the global marginalization, oppression, and abuse of women."
From the description: "At the center of Christianity is Jesus of Nazareth—whose maleness is used by many to justify the subordination of women and to emphasize that men, rather than women, better represent Jesus.
"This raises a number of questions that are the subject of this book. What is the significance of Jesus' maleness? Does it reveal the character of God? Is it foundational for the gospel? Is Jesus' maleness associated with an ongoing created order of male priority? Our answers will affect Christianity's task of love, justice, and reconciliation in a world that is characterized by the global marginalization, oppression, and abuse of women."
posted by Justin | 11:19 AM
6 Comments:
Coming as a man shows his perfect presentation of salvation, and his absolute example of protection and love for women.
My whole being shouts "Unfair!". But, it's a question one can only answer for one's self. And whatever one's stand is, it should be respected and met with an open mind. Good job on the topic.
I think that "... at the center of Christianity is Jesus of Nazareth—whose maleness is used by many to justify the subordination of women and to emphasize that men, rather than women, better represent Jesus" should not be the case. The same folly could be realised regardless of whether the Saviour were male or female though.
I also think the key issue is that the world needs a Saviour as it cannot save itself from running into future destruction. We miss the point when we get too preoccupied about whether the Saviour is male or female.
God created both men and women. Both sexes are used throughout the Bible. God's love is for everyone. Nobody can even live a life close to Jesus' regardless of gender, that is why he came for all people, to give them grace.
Sounds great - let me know how it is! James and I were talking about this the other day.
Haven't women been forced into subservient positions long before Jesus? Still, it is an interesting topic to debate.
Post a Comment
<< Home