Bigger than any box: art from the juxtaposition

Beth Patterson — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:04:00 GMT

Technorati Tags: relgious images , spirituality , comparative theology Twelve years ago or more I was a chaplain at a Veterans Hospital in Colorado. I worked in the substance abuse and psychiatric units. It was one of the favorite jobs of my lifetime...(read more)

Top 10 reasons why men should not be ordained for ministry

Beth Patterson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:58:00 GMT

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

Beth Patterson : Christianity

Bigger than any box: art from the juxtaposition

Top 10 reasons why men should not be ordained for ministry