The Liberating Truth
How Jesus Empowers Women
By Danielle Strickland
I was thrilled when I received this book from Library Thing.
First of all I consider myself a Fundamentalist and an Evangelical. I say that because I also believe my Pastor is fantastic and I’m thrilled that SHE is my Pastor.
I loved the book. Ms Strickland’s writing style is practical and appreciated I followed her instruction and feel more informed in reading her book. An example I enjoyed:
“In our current culture, the sex industry has hijacked the name of “womens’ rights.” They heap argument upon argument to bolster the myth that violence and sexual abuse, which are the harsh realities at the heart of prostitution, are actually liberating. That’s sick.” (pg 42)
Yeah, I can follow that no problem.
I believe women are fit for the pulpit and leadership and that gender dictated churches are not fundamentally correct and hamper the evangelical purpose of spreading the gospel. I believe that whole heartedly and I still believe that after reading this book.
But Ms. Strickland and I did lengthen in thought a few times.
Until page 89 Ms Strickland and I were on the same wave length, I was a student at her feet and pounded the proverbial wooden table top to applaud her teaching and her gumption. And then it happened.
Translation nit picking.
Oh how I hate the translation nit picking. Why? Because it only feeds the fire of those men who want to keep women under their thumbs. Going on the offensive with thick skulls is admitting defeat. Let’s face it, if they read the book of Esther and think, nice story, it’s time to shake the dust from our shoes. If they read in the gospel that on resurrection morning our Savior had to tell a WOMAN to go and tell His brothers to meet Him…well then I don’t think translations will get through.
Now I understand we have to stand up and say enough is enough. We have to instill in our daughters that they are not less than a male they are equal, with equal gifts and equal responsibilities.
Any way back to page 89. The Author sites a story written by Don Richardson in 2010. It seems the translators of the King James Bible watered down a translation - the word “andrapodisters,” meaning slave trader to kidnappers. Slave traders were part of a list that were “among those whom God’s law reproves.” Now the story goes on to say that if the word “slave trader,” had really been placed in the Bible rather than “kidnappers,” perhaps all the suffering of the European slave trade and the American Civil War may have been thwarted.
Yeah, just like those very straight 10 commandments stopping the atrocities of the world. I particularly like the one about, adultery or false witness, and murder, that’s a good one too. God made it perfectly clear regarding His law. Jesus had to come and die for us anyway. So really, that is just plain and simple wishful thinking. It is really like believing that the US Civil War really wasn’t about slavery but about state’s rights.
Now the book is excellent past this point but unfortunately I was less trusting. So when the usual scriptures come about “women should remain silent in the church,” I start to cringe. Fine, women, be silent but all you Pastor, Prophets, Evangelists, Apostles, Teachers and Singers, if you remain silent then may the rocks truly rise up and sing praises to God. Women, Men, Young, Old, does not matter, if God touches start talking.
I know the frustration. I have friends (no really I have a few) who are liberated, speak in tongues and their husbands adore them. I have a few others who look at their husbands as if asking permission to speak – I want to SCREAM when that happens but screaming will only drive those women away from me. I tell you what, I have more women talking to me about submission than men. We are our own worst enemy.
Frankly when I’m accosted (and I do mean accosted) by fellow “Christians,” regarding my stand on women’s rights to teach and pastor I simply ask those accusing me of non-fundamental thinking if they can tell me how God directs their life? I believe my Savior washed the feet of His disciples. I believe when Peter refused to allow Him to wash his feet, thinking that as Lord of the Universe Jesus had no business washing dirty feet. I believe that Peter was a tough nut to crack but when Christ said then that he was not worthy of the Kingdom of God, then I believe that Peter said, then Lord, wash all of me. We all need to be washed and washed again with a little humility.
Thanks Ms Strikland for your book, it is truly needed and every woman in the world needs to read it. We need to be reminded who we are and our possibilities in Christ. Thank you again.
