To me, the view on gender roles in the Catholic and Orthodox church seem very similar, but they are in contrast to the Reformed church (where women are allowed to become priests).
Are there any significant differences between the two church when it comes to sex and gender?
(I'm from Norway, I apologize for my bad english)
Tags: sex and gender, reformed church, Gender
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in the orthodox and Catholic churches – the women’s roles are similar to that of Mary; Mother of Jesus. She is more of a step back from the head (Jesus or priests). She is very important and has a role of taking care of things, making sure everything is on track and working and yet – she does so with the humility of Mary. Women in the Catholic and Orthodox churches do not need a title or place of “power” to teach and lead, they do so discreetly from the sidelines.
Become a Unitarian Universalist and you won’t have to worry about gender roles. Catholics and Orthodox are very similar because they are related back to a schism before the Protestant schism.
The most important thing to understand is that all these Churches should be the same thing. They are all Christians that should be focused on Jesus Christ. As Psalm 133 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” Paul tells us to “avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.” So, what the Catholics say and what the Orthodox say matters very little in comparison to what the Word of God says.
The fact is, God created man and women in his image. Genesis says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Male and female complement each other. Just as the world the world we see reflects masculine and feminine qualities (Yin-Yang if you will), God also contains both these characteristics, “The Lion and The Lamb.” There are separate roles for males and females and that is God’s design. One is the fire and the other the water; one is the loud and the other is subtle. Both of these natures complement each other, and their workings bring glory to God (Which is the purpose of our lives).
When people lack understamding about the unity of man and women as designed by God, they often find it hard to except this piece of scripture in 1 Corinthians 14:34 that says, “The women should keep quiet in the churches, for they are not authorized to speak, but should take a secondary and subordinate place, just as the Law also says. But if there is anything they want to learn, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to talk in church [for her to usurp and exercise authority over men in the church].
And to any churches or persons that disregard this word, he continues to say, “What! Did the word of the Lord originate with you [Corinthians], or has it reached only you? If anyone thinks and claims that he is a prophet [filled with and governed by the Holy Spirit of God and inspired to interpret the divine will and purpose in preaching or teaching] or has any other spiritual endowment, let him understand (recognize and acknowledge) that what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord.
But if anyone disregards or does not recognize [that it is a command of the Lord], he is disregarded and not recognized [he is one whom God knows not].”
God has a ultimate reason for all these things and it will bring about complementary harmony if these things are done. But trust that God is justified in these things, for He is Goodness, so nothing He does can be made wrong by man. But, trust me when I say He is not unfair to women and His design is absolute and right. We see it in the world: One to be harsh and one to be gentle, one to speak and one to listen, one to send out and one to receive. (see ecclesiasties 3:8). And what is greater? To speak or to listen?
Listen to Jesus’ words in Luke 22:27 “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.”
Most importantly, whether man or women, orthodox, catholic or reformed, keep your eyes fixed on the free and loving gift of salvation that Christ has offered to those who trust Him.
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