Question for you, Karen

[TomUK]

I pickted up a book at our Church book sale called 'In Good Company- women in the Ministry'. I'm going back to my parent's house for a few weeks to enjoy the summer and i'm thinking of what books to take with me.

Have you read this one - is it any good?

[karen freeinchristman]

No, I haven't read it. But I've just googled it, and found this (http://www.womenpriests.org/called/company.asp).

If you would read it, I would be really impressed because it would show to me that someone who is against women's ordination is willing to read something that is pro-women's ordination. I know you wouldn't read it just to impress anyone, of course. But I think it is really good when people can read opposing views to their own with a fairly open mind, whatever the issue. It's not easy to do.

[TomUK]

That's unfair. You're guilting me into reading it now!

To be honest though the reason i bought it was for a comment on the back cover. It .. "gives a glimpse of the faulty theology that underlies oppostion to to [women in the ministry]".

A pretty confident claim for a book that is less than 200 pages long but i'll give it a go. If i'm being honest much of my previous reading has been to reinforce my previous opinions rather than opening me to new ideas so this should be a good thing to read.

[Colabomb]

I agree that it is wise to broaden your horizons, but I have little respect for a site that depicts witty kitties, suavely correcting ignorant barking dogs.

I'm not exaggerating.

http://www.womenpriests.org/pquest1.asp

http://www.womenpriests.org/pquest2.asp

[TomUK]

I imagine there are similar sites from both sides.

[Colabomb]

I imagine there are similar sites from both sides.
Granted

[Finella]

I agree that it is wise to broaden your horizons, but I have little respect for a site that depicts witty kitties, suavely correcting ignorant barking dogs.

I'm not exaggerating.

http://www.womenpriests.org/pquest1.asp

http://www.womenpriests.org/pquest2.asp

Ew. I agree, that's not the most tasteful presentation of the argument. But I would guess that they're not trying to speak to the "opposition" with that site, they're speaking to the already converted. Who like cats, and dislike dogs. Apparently.

Who's stereotyping now? Sheesh.

Anyway, let us know what you make of the book, TomUK. Not that we'd need a full-fledged review (although that kind of thing would be nice around here, too).

[karen freeinchristman]

I agree that it is wise to broaden your horizons, but I have little respect for a site that depicts witty kitties, suavely correcting ignorant barking dogs.


I agree that site is a bit strange...

[No Swansong]

No, I haven't read it. But I've just googled it, and found this (http://www.womenpriests.org/called/company.asp).

If you would read it, I would be really impressed because it would show to me that someone who is against women's ordination is willing to read something that is pro-women's ordination. I know you wouldn't read it just to impress anyone, of course. But I think it is really good when people can read opposing views to their own with a fairly open mind, whatever the issue. It's not easy to do.


This comment kind of bothers me Karen. Do you believe that those of us who are opposed to womens ordination do not attempt to understand all sides of the issue? I have not read this book but I have read a few books and more than a few position papers on the subject. (Mostly Theologians)

I am constantly challenging myself to understand arguments contrary to my own, and I would assume that most who are opposed to womens ordination have at least spent some time studying the issue from the pro side.

[karen freeinchristman]

This comment kind of bothers me Karen. Do you believe that those of us who are opposed to womens ordination do not attempt to understand all sides of the issue?
No, I do not believe that. I am fairly certain that most people who are genuinely seeking God's will on this issue are willing to look at all aspects. I'm sorry if what I said came across as a suggestion that committed seekers of God's will would not want to look at all sides.

I have not read this book but I have read a few books and more than a few position papers on the subject. (Mostly Theologians)

I am constantly challenging myself to understand arguments contrary to my own, and I would assume that most who are opposed to womens ordination have at least spent some time studying the issue from the pro side.

I am sure that you have studied this issue in a theologically fair manner. I would hope that everyone who is determined to argue their position does the same. I'm not convinced that this is always the case. I personally know of some people who held the anti-WO position that was held purely because of their life experiences - basically their father drilled it into them that women could not do anything worthwhile in life except to serve men. So, jtbdad, while I do believe that truly faithful people will be open to seeking God's will when they "do" theology (on any issue), unfortunately many others just follow along blindly without searching for themselves. I don't think there are many of those types here in STR!

[No Swansong]

. I would hope that everyone who is determined to argue their position does the same. I'm not convinced that this is always the case. I personally know of some people who held the anti-WO position that was held purely because of their life experiences - basically their father drilled it into them that women could not do anything worthwhile in life except to serve men. So, jtbdad, while I do believe that truly faithful people will be open to seeking God's will when they "do" theology (on any issue), unfortunately many others just follow along blindly without searching for themselves. I don't think there are many of those types here in STR!


Unfortunatly very often true.

[gtsecc]

No, I haven't read it. But I've just googled it, and found this (http://www.womenpriests.org/called/company.asp).

If you would read it, I would be really impressed because it would show to me that someone who is against women's ordination is willing to read something that is pro-women's ordination. I know you wouldn't read it just to impress anyone, of course. But I think it is really good when people can read opposing views to their own with a fairly open mind, whatever the issue. It's not easy to do.
Have you ordered and read this book:
http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/0881411469.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0881411469/ref=dp_image_0/102-5316410-4165715?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books)

[karen freeinchristman]

Have you ordered and read this book:
http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/0881411469.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/0881411469/ref=dp_image_0/102-5316410-4165715?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books)

Nope, not yet. I'll have to take out a second mortgage in order to buy all the books you suggest, Glen! ;)



Honestly, I would (and do) read opposing views and arguments to mine on this issue.


I'm not expecting Tom's book to change his view, btw. We all know that it comes down to things that we all hold firmly to, such as different interpretations, different emphases in theology, different church traditions, different backgrounds, and different visions of God's will for humankind. That's why I've given up arguing with people here in STR. It's pointless.

[gtsecc]

Yes. - It comes down to source of authority. Hopko's book is so well written that I think it is the best starting point for folks of all traditions and on all sides of the subject. I'll mail you my copy when I am finished.

[TomUK]

I've got a copy of that book on my bookshelf. Haven't read it yet however.