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Beth Patterson

Top 10 reasons why men should not be ordained for ministry

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From a site called "Serving Bread" comes the 10 top reasons why men should NOT be ordained.  A little satire is good for the soul! 

From the extended syllabus of Systematic Theology 3:

10.    A man’s place is in the army.
9.     The pastoral duties of men who have children might distract them from the responsibility of being a parent.
8.     The physique of men indicates that they are more suited to such tasks as chopping down trees and wrestling mountain lions. It would be “unnatural” for them to do ministerial tasks.
7.     Man was created before woman, obviously as a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment rather than the crowning achievement of creation.
6.     Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors. Their conduct at football and basketball games demonstrates this.
5.     Some men are handsome, and this will distract women worshipers.
4.     Pastors need to nurture their congregations. But this is not a traditional male role. Throughout history, women have been recognized as not only more skilled than men at nurturing, but also more fervently attracted to it. This makes them the obvious choice for ordination.
3.    Men are prone to violence. No really masculine man wants to settle disputes except by fighting about them. Thus they would be poor role models as well as dangerously unstable in positions of leadership.
2.   The New Testament tells us that Jesus was betrayed by a man. His lack of faith and ensuing punishment remind us of the subordinated position that all men should take.
And the # 1 reason why men should not be ordained: Men can still be involved in church activities, even without being ordained. They can sweep sidewalks, repair the church roof, and perhaps even lead the song service on Father’s Day. By confining themselves to such traditional male roles, they can still be vitally important in the life of the church.

Now if that doesn't make you smile...!

There's a lot of information available on the ordination of women to the Catholic priesthood. Here are a few resources:

Roman Catholic WomenPriests

When Women Become Priests

Women Priests

Any thoughts? Opinions? 

Beth, VTH Host

 

Published Monday, April 28, 2008 3:58 PM by Beth Patterson

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Bill Ellis said:

As an Episcopal Priest of the male persuasion for the past twenty-six years I have long been concerned about whether or not a man can be ordained validly.  The arguments listed here are of course persuasive, but not quite decisive.  The decisive argument is one I witnessed before I was ever ordained, and that was a priest eight months pregnant celebrating the

Eucharist.  I realized in that instant that no man could ever provide such a profound metaphor for God's presence among us.  Of course I proceeded with my plans, on the grounds that men could also be ordained, but I must emphasize that "also."  It has stuck with me my entire career.  

May 4, 2008 10:18 AM
 

Beth Patterson said:

...and has served you well, Bill.  Your lack of 'issues' around women serving in all roles in the church is noted.  

I love it that you proceeded with your plans, as an also-ran!

Thanks for being a pastoral presence that all can relate to--

Beth, VTH Host

May 5, 2008 10:32 PM

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About Beth Patterson

The Virtual Tea House website became 'word-ripe' when, over a cup of jasmine green, I realized that the web has an expanding part to play in the communal aspects of spiritual growth.
One of my favorite hats, among several is: initiated firekeeper in the Sacred Fire Community. Hosting a monthly community fire circle, I'm being taught that the simple act of sitting around a fire with the intent of holding open-hearted space makes for some soulful community!
With a master's degree in religion, my career spans 20 years in end of life care and I currently work in the field of child abuse intervention and advocacy.
Here in beautiful Central Oregon, my spiritual homes of the high desert and the mountains are both in proximity. And for good measure, four hours away is Grandmother Ocean and the stunning Oregon Coast.
I'm making decent progress on the goal set by my mother early on: she taught us that the goal of humanity should be to become ever-more eccentric, i.e. more fully human.
Entering the 'forest-dweller' phase of life, I am honored to host the Virtual Tea House for all who wish to explore how our lives are enriched and made new a thousand times each day by the spirituality we embody. Exploring this engagement together is the purpose of the Virtual Tea House.
Welcome! Let's have a cup of virtual tea together and share what brings us joy, what we are being taught by life, how we are leaning into the Big Questions posed to us each day in sometimes 'distressing disguises'.

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