Things that make you say, ‘hmmm’
Let us suppose that a church holds the following two policies:
- Women cannot teach adult classes that are co-ed.
- Only approved curriculum is allowed to be taught in said classes.
Now let’s assume the curriculum that is being taught was written by a woman.
Does that present a problem? How would you handle this situation?
This is not a question about whether women should teach or not but about whether this situation causes a clash of desires for this institution.
Categories: Questions
Bible, curriculum, issues, preparation, standards, teaching, women
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30 Second Rule 
I know it’s a strong word, but right after “hmmm”, “hypocrisy” springs to mind.
And I think I would mention it…in love, of course (!)
Meanwhile, I totally read your post title as the name of C+C Music Factory’s hit, Things That Make You GO “Hmmm”, and now I’ll be singing that for the rest of this evening.
I originally had GO instead of say and changed it because I started singing the song .. 🙂
So you see the issue as exposing a possible double-standard?
I voted for a double standard here.
That vote is based on the assumption that the reason for the first rule (about women not teaching co-ed classes) is based on a belief that women should not be allowed to instruct men, or be in authority over them. If this is the case, then they are still being placed in a position of instruction and vicarious authority.
If there are other reasons, such as a belief that woman are really bad teachers, or distracting to have in a classroom, then there’s no apparent conflict.
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The assumption was based on your first thought… the belief that women should not instruct men.
i personally just can’t get over the idea that a certain institution would disallow women to instruct a co-ed class.
what a blessing i’m sure they’re missing out on with some of the assuredly gifted teachers who happen to be women.
At my church, I would never be asked to preach. Trust me, I’m okay with that. The entirity of the free world should be okay with that. But not to teach a class? Pfffft!
Now, go read Billy’s post on my blog today. It’s wicked awesome!
Read it and loved it.. even commented on it!!
I voted for the double standard, too. And it’s funny, our church recently went through something like this. There was a Sunday night class based upon a well-known female Christian author’s book, for WOMEN. Having a man lead the class was the height of stupidity. Thankfully, everyone realized that.
Did men attend this class?
From a strictly logical perspective of this utterly hypothetical situation i voted no conflict.
If those are the only verbatim rules there is no issue.
If you are going to look into each rule and have other ‘conditions’ attached i reserve my right to change my answer upon seeing ALL relevant conditions stated. 🙂
On the basis of your assumption in your comment do you mean the entire church curriculum was written by a women – or only that pertaining to women?
How else is a man supposed to learn about women? – or does this church (like so many) render that unimportant? 😉
<B
This hypothetical institution only allows men to teach Sunday School classes that have both men and women attending. Women can teach classes that are only attended by women.
The curriculum in question is published by a well known church organization and all Sunday School teachers, men or women, must use the curriculum to teach from. Most of the lessons that are included in the curriculum are written by women.
So the question is whether or not the man teaching the lesson is conducting the instruction of a woman by proxy since he is required to abide the curriculum provided.
I don’t know why i did not mention this previously since i am referring to it at my ‘Sis’ Michelle’s Blog (Consider Jesus) but Galatians 3:28 is surely applicable??
ANY who are to give religious instruction are to be ‘In’ Jesus (In Spirit) at the time, else we (being of the flesh) are subject to corruption and cannot truly instruct others in The Word.
At such time there is no longer Male or Female but ALL are ‘One’ in Him.
Of course, you and this hypothetical church knew that – right? 🙂
We read and understand Scripture completely – yes? And we Teach it to others also?
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i know the church would not be saying that it was OK for David Koresh (male) to teach Scripture/curriculum) while Mother Theresa (female) could not – true?
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True…. but they may disqualify both for completely different reasons.
or it might be for the same reason? –
They’re both dead! 😉
<B
hmm.. someone voted that this was a silly post… sure would have liked to have their commentary on why in order to balance out all the others that are voting this as a double standard.