Christians for Biblical Equality

Last updated

Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) is an organization that promotes Christian egalitarianism and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. CBE's Mission Statement reads: "CBE exists to promote biblical justice and community by educating Christians that the Bible calls women and men to share authority equally in service and leadership in the home, church, and world." [1] According to its website, CBE "is a nonprofit organization of Christian men and women who believe that the Bible, properly interpreted, teaches the fundamental equality of men and women of all ethnic groups, all economic classes, and all age groups, based on the teachings of Scriptures such as Galatians 3:28: 'There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus' (NIV 2011)." [1]

Contents

CBE believes that ordination for eldership and teaching roles in church services are not just for men but women can also be equally ordained as pastors and elders.

CBE exists to broadly communicate " that all believers – without regard to gender, ethnicity or class – must exercise their God-given gifts with equal authority and equal responsibility in church, home and world." CBE has grown to include members from over 100 denominations and 65 countries. [2]

Services

The organization is an educational ministry that publishes three award-winning journals, hosts a Web site and a blog, and a weekly e-newsletter. It provides an online bookstore [3] devoted to reviewing and promoting resources on gender and the Bible from an egalitarian (as opposed to complementarian) perspective. It supports grassroots chapters around the world. CBE's scholarly journal, Priscilla Papers , and ministry magazine, Mutuality, have received various publishing awards.

Beliefs

CBE holds that any interpretation of Scripture that prohibits women from using their spiritual gifts and abilities in ministry constitutes injustice. CBE defines injustice as an abuse of power, taking from others freedom, dignity, resources, and even life itself. CBE considers gender discrimination within the church to be an injustice that harms the Christian church at large and Christian ministry in the world.

CBE holds the following core values:

1. Scripture is our authoritative guide for faith, life, and practice.

2. Patriarchy (male dominance) is not a biblical ideal but a result of sin.

3. Patriarchy is an abuse of power, taking from females what God has given them: their dignity, and freedom, their leadership, and often their very lives.

4. While the Bible reflects patriarchal culture, the Bible does not teach patriarchy in human relationships.

5. Christ's redemptive work frees all people from patriarchy, calling women and men to share authority equally in service and leadership.

6. God's design for relationships includes faithful marriage between a man and a woman, celibate singleness and mutual submission in Christian community.

7. The unrestricted use of women's gifts is integral to the work of the Holy Spirit and essential for the advancement of the gospel in the world.

8. Followers of Christ are to oppose injustice and patriarchal teachings and practices that marginalize and abuse females and males. [1]

History

CBE was founded out of concerns over the inability of many women to use their gifts in ministry, and many evangelical egalitarians objecting to the earlier evangelical feminist organisation the Evangelical Women's Caucus (EWC) supporting gay rights. In 1986, the EWC voted on a resolution recognising its "lesbian minority" and supporting civil rights for homosexual people, which led to many members resigning, including Catherine Clark Kroeger who was encouraged by others to form an alternate organization. [4] [5] [6] [7]

Several evangelical leaders, including Kroeger, Gilbert Bilezikian, W. Ward Gasque, Stanley Gundry, Gretchen Gaebelein Hull, Jo Anne Lyon, Alvera Mickelsen [8] and Roger Nicole assembled in 1987 to publish their perspective in a new scholarly journal, Priscilla Papers. The group determined that a national organization was needed to provide education, support, and leadership about Biblical equality. [9] [10] They constructed a statement entitled "Men, Women, and Biblical Equality" [11] that provides an overview of the Biblical teachings that support women's full participation in all levels of ministry, as well as mutuality in marriage. [12] The statement was widely published in 1990 in such national forums as Christianity Today and Leadership. The Statement has been translated and disseminated into 15 languages.

Christians for Biblical Equality was established on January 2, 1988. Catherine Clark Kroeger served as the first president of the organization. Since 2001, Mimi Haddad has served as CBE's second president. CBE's papers are held at Catherine Clark Kroeger's family home. [13]

An Australian Chapter of CBE was established in Melbourne in October 2005. [14] This has now expanded to three Australian Chapters, in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.

The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) was formed in 1987 to defend a complementarian perspective. [15]

1994 proposed statement on abuse

In 1994, at the CBE's request, Ray Ortlund, Mary Kassian, and Wayne Grudem of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, met with three of the CBE's leaders in Chicago to discuss potential points of agreement. According to Grudem, both sides overcame some misunderstandings about each other. One result of the meeting was an agreement to work on a joint statement on abuse in marriage, which was drafted by the CBMW with feedback from the CBE. [16] However, before it was to be issued, the CBE's board declined to join the statement. The statement was later published in the CBMW's own newsletter (later renamed the Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood). It has subsequently been published on their website and in many of their publications. [17]

James Beck, declining the joint statement on behalf of the CBE Board of Directors, stated: "We do not feel it would be helpful to convene a joint press conference at ETS to issue a joint statement on abuse. CBE's position on abuse flows directly out of our theological understanding of Scripture and what it teaches about gender and roles. If we attempt to issue a joint statement with an organization that differs fundamentally from us on this issue, we feel both organizations would be giving very mixed signals to their respective constituencies." [18] Wayne Grudem commented: "We regret that CBE declined to join us in this statement. If CBE will not join us in something on which we agree (condemning abuse), then I see little hope that they will be willing to join us in constructive dialogue on issues where we disagree. This is unfortunate for the evangelical world." [18]

Conferences

Beginning in 1989, CBE has presented international conferences—three-day events consisting of plenary sessions and workshops in such U.S. cities such as Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Saint Paul, Minnesota; Winter Park, Colorado; Wheaton, Illinois; San Diego, California; Orlando, Florida; Dallas, Texas; Portland, Oregon; Denver, Colorado; Toronto, Canada; St. Louis, Missouri; Houston, Texas; Seattle, Washington; Chicago, Illinois; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The 2019 International Conference will be conducted in Houston, Texas.

International off-shore conferences have been held in Durham, England; Bangalore, India; Limuru, Kenya; Medellín, Colombia; and in Australia.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian views on marriage</span>

Christian terminology and theological views of marriage vary by time period, by country, and by the different Christian denominations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wayne Grudem</span> American theologian and author

Wayne A. Grudem is an American New Testament scholar, theologian, seminary professor, and author. He is a professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood</span> Evangelical Christian organization

The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) is an evangelical Christian organization promoting a complementarian view of gender issues. According to its website, the "mission of The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood is to set forth the teachings of the Bible about the complementary differences between men and women, created equally in the image of God, because these teachings are essential for obedience to Scripture and for the health of the family and the church." CBMW's current president is Dr. Denny Burk, a professor of biblical studies at Boyce College and director for The Center for Gospel and Culture at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Its 2017 "Nashville Statement" was criticized by egalitarian Christians and LGBT campaigners, as well as by several conservative religious figures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Complementarianism</span> Theological view on gender roles

Complementarianism is a theological view in some denominations of Christianity, Rabbinic Judaism, and Islam, that men and women have different but complementary roles and responsibilities in marriage, family, and religious life. Complementary and its cognates are currently used to denote this view. Some Christians interpret the Bible as prescribing a complementary view of gender, and therefore adhere to gender-specific roles that preclude women from specific functions of ministry within the community. Though women may be precluded from certain roles and ministries, they still hold foundational equality in value and dignity. The phrase used to describe this is "ontologically equal, functionally different."

Christian feminism is a school of Christian theology which uses the viewpoint of a Christian to promote and understand morally, socially, and spiritually the equality of men and women. Christian theologians argue that contributions by women and acknowledging women's value are necessary for a complete understanding of Christianity. Christian feminists are driven by the belief that God does not discriminate on the basis of biologically determined characteristics such as sex and race, but created all humans to exist in harmony and equality regardless of those factors. On the other hand, Christian egalitarianism is used for those advocating gender equality and equity among Christians but do not wish to associate themselves with the feminist movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian egalitarianism</span> Belief in gender equality based in Christianity

Christian egalitarianism, also known as biblical equality, is egalitarianism based in Christianity. Christian egalitarians believe that the Bible advocates for gender equality and equal responsibilities for the family unit and the ability for women to exercise spiritual authority as clergy. In contrast to Christian complementarianists and Christian patriarchists, proponents of Christian egalitarianism argue that Bible verses often used to justify patriarchal domination in gender roles are misinterpreted. Egalitarians believe in a form of mutual submission in which all people submit to each other in relationships and institutions as a code of conduct without a need for hierarchical authority.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Women in Christianity</span>

The roles of women in Christianity have varied since its founding. Women have played important roles in Christianity especially in marriage and in formal ministry positions within certain Christian denominations, and parachurch organizations. In 2016, it was estimated that 52–53 percent of the world's Christian population aged 20 years and over was female, with this figure falling to 51.6 percent in 2020. The Pew Research Center studied the effects of gender on religiosity throughout the world, finding that Christian women in 53 countries are generally more religious than Christian men, while Christians of both genders in African countries are equally likely to regularly attend services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus</span>

The Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus (EEWC), also known as Christian Feminism Today (CFT), is a group of evangelical Christian feminists founded in 1974. It was originally named the Evangelical Women's Caucus (EWC) because it began as a caucus within Evangelicals for Social Action, which had issued the "Chicago Declaration". Its mission is to "support, educate, and celebrate Christian feminists from many traditions." It favored passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, encourages the ordination of women, and has called for gender-inclusive language in all communications. The word ecumenical was added to the organization's name in 1990 in order "to reflect the increasingly inclusive nature and the many traditions of [the organization's] membership".

<i>Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood</i>

Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism is a collection of articles on gender roles, written from an evangelical perspective, and edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem. Crossway Books published the book in 1991 for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW). CBMW, an international interdenominational evangelical Christian organisation, has a board and staff committed to a view of gender roles they dub complementarian. Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood won Christianity Today's Book of the Year award in 1992.

The Danvers Statement is a statement of the complementarian Christian view of gender roles. It is not the product of any particular Christian denomination, but has been cited by the Southwestern Baptist Seminary, the Presbyterian Church in America, and the International Council for Gender Studies. It was first published by the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) in Wheaton, Illinois in November 1988. Work on the statement began with "several evangelical leaders" at a CBMW meeting in Danvers, Massachusetts in December 1987. In 1989, a paid advertisement center-spread appeared in the January 13 issue of Christianity Today accompanied with the Danvers Statement.

The Colorado Springs Guidelines is a 1997 document to address gender issues in Bible translation. It was written by theologically conservative Christians in response to "gender-neutral" Bible translations, in particular the New International Version Inclusive Language Edition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Timothy 2:12</span> Controversial bible verse

1 Timothy 2:12 is the twelfth verse of the second chapter of the First Epistle to Timothy. It is often quoted using the King James Version translation:

But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biblical patriarchy</span> Set of beliefs in evangelical Christianity concerning gender relations

Biblical patriarchy, also known as Christian patriarchy, is a set of beliefs in Evangelical Protestant Christianity concerning gender relations and their manifestations in institutions, including marriage, the family, and the home. It sees the father as the head of the home, responsible for the conduct of his family. Notable people associated with biblical patriarchy include Douglas Wilson, R. C. Sproul, Jr., Voddie Baucham, the Duggar family, Dale Partridge, and Douglas Phillips.

Jack Cottrell was a Christian theologian, philosopher and author in the Christian churches and churches of Christ. He was a professor of theology at Cincinnati Christian University from 1967 to 2015. He authored many books on Christian philosophy, doctrine and theology.

Catherine Clark Kroeger was an American writer, professor, New Testament scholar, and a leading figure within the biblical egalitarian movement. She founded the worldwide organization Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE), and its papers are housed at her family home. As a speaker, Kroeger traveled the globe opposing violence and the abuse of women, while also advancing the biblical basis for the shared leadership and authority of males and females.

Sarah Sumner is a Christian egalitarian theologian based in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biblical womanhood</span> Evangelical Christian movement

Biblical womanhood is a movement within evangelical Christianity, particularly in the United States. It adopts a complementarian or patriarchal view of gender roles, and emphasizes passages such as Titus 2 in describing what Christian women should be like. According to author Rachel Held Evans, it is driven by the conviction that "the virtuous woman serves primarily from the home as a submissive wife, diligent homemaker, and loving mother."

The word kephalē appears some 75 times in the Greek New Testament. It is of considerable interest today because of differences of biblical interpretation between Christian egalitarians and complementarians as to the intent of the New Testament concerning roles of authority assigned biblically to husbands and wives. A prime example appears in Ephesians 5:21–24 where all Christians are told:

Kevin N. Giles is an Australian evangelical Anglican priest and theologian who was in parish ministry for over 40 years. He and his family live in Melbourne, Australia. Giles studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, Durham University, England and Tubingen University, Germany. He has a Doctor of Theology degree from the Australian College of Theology.

<i>The Making of Biblical Womanhood</i> 2021 book written by Beth Allison Barr

The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth is a book written by Beth Allison Barr and published in 2021 by Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group. The book discusses women in Christianity and argues that the restrictive position known as complementarianism is a recent development inconsistent with the historic roles of women in the church.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) Retrieved on 2018-02-25.
  2. ↑ Our Mission and History Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) Archived 2011-06-14 at the Wayback Machine . Cbeinternational.org (1988-01-02). Retrieved on 2011-02-15.
  3. ↑ "online bookstore". Archived from the original on 2009-08-01. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
  4. ↑ Cochran, Pamela (2005). Evangelical Feminism: A History. New York: NYU Press. pp. 77–110.
  5. ↑ Balmer, Randall (2004). "Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus". Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism (rev. ed.). Waco, Texas: Baylor University Press. pp. 237–238.
  6. ↑ Keller, Rosemary Skinner; Ruether, Rosemary Radford, eds. (2006a). "Christians for Biblical Equality". Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America. Vol. 1. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. p. 471. ISBN   978-0-253-34686-5.
  7. ↑ Keller, Rosemary Skinner; Ruether, Rosemary Radford, eds. (2006b). "The Evangelical Women's Caucus". Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America. Vol. 1. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. pp. 469–471. ISBN   978-0-253-34686-5.
  8. ↑ Painter, Kristen Leigh (2016-07-20). "Obituary: Professor, nonprofit leader Alvera Mickelsen blended feminism and Christian teaching". Star Tribune . Retrieved 2016-08-06.
  9. ↑ Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) Retrieved on 2018-02-25.
  10. ↑ Randall Herbert Balmer. "Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism". Baylor University Press 2004.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. ↑ Men, Women, and Biblical Equality. Retrieved on 2018-02-25.
  12. ↑ Hull, William (2000). "Women and the Southern Baptist Convention". Journal of Christian Ethics. 6 (4): 10. Archived from the original on 2011-01-12.
  13. ↑ Cochran, Pamela (2005). Evangelical Feminism: A History. ISBN   9780814716502.
  14. ↑ Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) Retrieved on 2018-11-01.
  15. ↑ Christians for Biblical Equality Archived 2010-05-27 at the Wayback Machine . Spiritrestoration.org. Retrieved on 2011-02-15.
  16. ↑ "Personal Reflections on the History of CBMW and the State of the Gender Debate," CBMW.org, 31 May 2009.
  17. ↑ "Statement on Abuse," CBMW, November 1994.
  18. 1 2 "CBE Declines Joint Statement" (PDF). CBMW News. 1 (1): 3. August 1995.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.