PrajnaVihara_Vol24_No1_final.pdf 93 Vol. 24 no. 1 January to June 2023, 93-104 © 2000 by Assumption University Press Soba Chettry and Mohammad Manzoor Malik ABSTRACT There are two contrasting positions concerning status of women built on Biblical verses: Egalitarians and Complementarians. The egalitarian position asserts that women and men are equal in all senses whereas the complementarian position takes the view that men and women complement one other. Therefore, both positions have implications concerning the role of gender in society. This article explores the passages in the Bible relevant to the topic and how they provide a ground for both positions. The main focus will be on the understanding and interpretation of Bible verse (Gal 3:28). Based upon this examination, the researcher will try to defend the Complementarian position. Key Words: Egalitarianism; Complementarianism; Gender Equality; Biblical Studies Introduction in the Bible. They are the Egalitarianism and the Complementarianism position. The Egalitarianism believes that males and females are equal and should hold equal roles and positions of authority based upon their abilities, in the home, church, and society.1 It is understood from the 94 Bible verse (Gal 3:28), which says that all are equal in Christ through baptism. In contrast, Complementarianism believes that males and females 2 It is understood from another verse in the Book of 1 Cor. 11:3 (NIV), where it says that the head of the woman is a man. Both positions appeal to the inerrancy of the Bible.3 This topic is sensitive and controversial; however, the researcher in this article aims to provide more light than heat. The researcher intends the status of women. And in this regard, the researcher defends the Complementarian position on the status of women in the Bible. The initial impetus of the debate stems from the popularity of Feminism. Feminist movements have brought many positive changes in themselves as Christian Egalitarians. In the opinion of the researcher, this often has led to a distortion of the scriptural explanation of the divine role assigned to gender.4 the Biblical narrative on women; second, it will discuss the Egalitarian position and its argument; and third, it will discuss the Complementarian argument could be refuted from the Complementarian position. Women In The Bible Regarding the authority of the Bible, In the Book of 2 Timothy 2: 16 (NIV), Paul says that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, righteousness.”5 In the Book of Matthew 24: 35 (NIV), Jesus Christ, the and authenticity by saying that “heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”6 Therefore, The Bible insists that it is the 95 highest authority on the matters it discusses, and among these matters is gender. and female. It says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” 7 As John Calvin interpreted this verse, the man was not complete in himself and needed a partner so that both could be one. The following Genesis 2: 18 (NIV) says, “The Lord God said, it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him”.9 This verse clearly mentions that a female is a helper or a partner, which means an assistant to a male. In the following chapter of Genesis 3:16 (NIV), addressing the woman, it says: “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you”.10 Closely connected to the abovementioned details, which show how the Bible distinguishes between gender, there is also an assertion that these 22:5 (NIV) says, “The woman shall not wear that which pertained unto a abomination unto the Lord thy God.” 11 The verse shows us that men and is disgraceful. If God is very particular in the dress code between men and women, why not in gender and its role? The New Testament consists of 27 books. The Book of Matthew 27: being involved in the ministry of Jesus Christ. It says, “there were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.”12 On the other hand, in the Book of 1 Corinthian 14:33-35 (NIV), it is mentioned that the woman should not speak in the church but should be quiet and learn with her husband at home. It says, “For God is 96 not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.”13 In addition to that, the Book of Ephesian 5: 22 (NIV) counsels that “wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.”14 Egalitarianism Egalitarianism argues that everyone is equal and should have the same rights and opportunities.15 Alexander Strauch, an author of the Book entitled , explains the meaning of egalitarian, Egalitarianism, that men and women are completely equal and the Bible, especially New Testament does not instruct traditional male-female 16 Supporters of Egalitarianism gathered in 1987 to publish their scriptural point of view in a new academic journal, . With the assistance and vision of these people, CBE Universal (established as Christians for Biblical Equality) was set up on January 2, 1988. CBE is president of the organization. Since 2001, Mimi Haddad has served as 17 In short, the egalitarian perspective of equality is husband and roles according to gender; males and females are equal before God. Egalitarian Arguments Christian Egalitarians use the Bible verses to argue against the complementarian position. For example, the Book of Galatian 3: 28 (NIV) says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Christian Egalitarians 97 place great importance on this verse and interpret it as asserting total equality. In Jesus Christ, all are equal; therefore, men and women can both be leaders in the homes, church, or elsewhere. In her book, , Groothuis, R. M., an egalitarian, explains that times have changed the Christian community. In truth, numerous researchers accept that the early Christians asserted their solidarity and correspondence in Christ social, or sexual status and is raised to a new life in Christ. The Book of Gelasian 3:27 (NIV) says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ,” Paul announces. Women, no less 19 An egalitarian, Wayne Grudem explains Gal. 3:28 as a verse that to salvation by faith or unity in Christ. That truth is certainly verbalized all through Scripture. Yet the verse carries a ring of widespread application to Jesus Christ. 20 J. Lee Grady, an egalitarian who wrote a book called “ 9, Peter does not specify that this New Covenant priesthood is limited to male Christians. This passage makes no mention of gender because “there is neither male nor female... in Christ, “which is mentioned in (Gal. 3:28). 21 Complementarianism Complementarianism suggests that women and men complete very back to the Biblical description of the creation of the woman. The Biblical account of the creation of the woman is stated in Genesis 2:20- 24 (NIV) that God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he 98 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother 22 With that is the love that a woman should share with her husband, as mentioned in the Book of Titus chapter 2: 3-4 (NIV), “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children”.23 So, to be compassionate so the world can see a lovely partnership between a man and a woman. A collaboration that shows how God engages with His people (the church).24 Complementarianism has been in use since December 1987 when the world Christian leaders were concerned by the growth of unbiblical ideas concerning gender. So they met to articulate Complementarianism in Dallas, Texas, USA. They agreed to form the Council on Biblical president of CBMW.25 The organization prepared a statement called the USA, in December 1989.26 The mission of the CBMW was to create lessons derived from scripture, concerning the complementary contrasts between males and females. They considered these lessons as essential for submission to the Bible and for the wellbeing of the family and the church.27 The aim was to encourage homes, churches, schools, colleges, institutions, and other services to embrace the standards of the Danvers Articulation and the Nashville Explanation and apply them in a steady, heartfelt way. The complementarian stance holds that although there is a gender. Children are to love and obey their parents and wives to comfort, 99 teach, and nurture the family and their husbands to protect, lead and provide for the family. According to John Piper and Wayne Grudem, the term complementarianism was chosen because it implied both equality and positive distinctions between men and women. They disliked the label traditionalist because it indicates a reluctance to allow Scripture to question old patterns of conduct, and they also despised the term hierarchism because it stresses organized authority while ignoring equality and the joy of interdependence.29 They also reject the term “hardliner” because it implies a refusal to allow the Word of God to challenge traditional ways of life. 30 Defense of Complementarian Position Based upon the above considerations, the complementarian position seems closer to a biblically authentic position. As we discussed above one of the main claims that Egalitarianism has made by their understanding of the Biblical verse is that: Male and female are both Gal. 3:18(NIV). However, the context of (Galatian 3:18) is all about male or female, all are one before the eyes of God. It is about oneness rather than equality. Spiritually, we all are royal priesthood, as 1 Peter chapter 2 verse 9 says “but you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”.31 The author believes that men should be the head of the family and assume the role of pastors and elders in the church. This does not mean a they should act in an authoritarian manner but as humble and Christ-like servant leaders. Dough Batchelor, a pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist church, says that we cannot be wrong for about 1900 years of church history. If we all become prey to the popular mis-understandings of the feminist style of interpretation, then we are rejecting the age-old views of Mathew Henry, Martin Luther, Adam Clark, John Wesley, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, John Gill, and others.32 100 John Piper and Wayne Grudem say it is critical to carefully consider what Paul says in Galatians 3:28., “you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This of their similarity, he emphasizes their unity in Christ.33 John Piper and Grudem conclude, “Men and women both are spiritually equal in the eyes of God. (Jr., 2011, p. 113). There is no need to assert that Galatians 3:28 helps the idea of the Egalitarianism of function in the church. It does doubtlessly instruct an followers in Christ. The Abrahamic guarantees, in their all around to the family of God. Questions of performance and duty in that body can be replied to by a study of another Bible verse”. 34 Conclusion In the discussion above, we have found out that a close traditional reading of the Bible seems to support the Complementarian position on women. Egalitarian interpreters rely on the use of Galatians 3:28 (NIV), to argue against the complementarian position. But they misinterpret between male or female; women are equal in all aspects with their male counterparts. However, a closer reading of this verse suggests that we all are one in Christ as a community but we are not the same individually. 101 ENDNOTES 1 Ronald Pierce, Rebecca Merrill Groothuis, and Gordon Fee, (Amsterdam, Netherlands: 2 John Piper Wayne Grudem, (Crossway, 3 1 Cor 11:3 (NIV). 4 “Together for the Gospel,” June 17, 2016, accessed February 24, 2023, 5 Tim. 3:16 (NIV). 6 Mt. 24:35 (NIV). 7 Gen. 1:27 (NIV). John Calvin, , 1.1 (Christian Classics Ethereal Library, 2009), 54. 9 Gen. 2:18 (NIV). 10 Gen. 3:26 (NIV). 11 Deut. 22:5 (NIV). 12 Mt. 27:55-56 (NIV). 13 1 Cor. 14:33-35 (NIV). 14 Eph. 5: 22 (NIV). 15 16 Alexander Strauch, 17 Gal. 3: 28 (NIV). 19 Rebecca Groothuis, (Zaltbommel, Netherlands: Van Haren Publishing, 1996), 34. 20 Wayne Grudem, (Crossway, 2012), 891. 21 Lee Grady, (New York, United States: Penguin Random House, 2006), 100. 22 Gen. 2:20-24 (NIV). 23 Tit. 2:3-4 (NIV). 102 24 Jennifer Heeren, “Why Did God Create Woman?” Crosswalk.com, July 26, 25 26 (Crossway, 2006), 479. 27 . Ibid. 29 John Piper and Wayne Grudem, 30 John Piper and Wayne Grudem, (Crossway, 2006), 11. 31 1 Pet. 2:9 (NIV). 32 JesuWiederkunft, “Women Pastors: A Biblical Perspective (Doug Batchelor),” 33 Ronald Pierce, Rebecca Merrill Groothuis, and Gordon Fee, (Amsterdam, Netherlands: 34 John Piper and Wayne Grudem, (Amsterdam, Netherlands: Adfo Books, 1991), 157. 103 REFERENCES CBE International. “History of CBE,” January 4, 2023. . . CBMW. “Our History,” April 6, 2021. . CBMW. “Our History,” April 6, 2021. . Calvin, John. . 1.1. Christian Classics Ethereal Library, 2009. Grady, Lee. . New York, United States: Penguin Random House, 2006. Grudem, John Piper Wayne. . Crossway, 1992. Groothuis, Rebecca Grudem, Wayne. . Crossway, 2012. Heeren, Jennifer. “Why Did God Create Woman?” Crosswalk.com, July create-woman.html. . Crossway, 2006. Piper, John and Wayne Grudem. . Crossway, 2016. 104 ———. . Amsterdam, Netherlands: Adfo Books, 1991. Strauch, Alexander. “Together for the Gospel,” June 17, 2016. 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