A few days ago, Matthew Morine published an article in the September issue of the Gospel Advocate about the role of women: “The Feminist Agenda Within the Churches of Christ.” Mike Cope has posted a response in Wineskins: “Judgment Free Disagreements: A Response to Matthew Morine.”
I appreciate Matthew’s and the Advocate‘s willingness to post Matthew’s article on the Internet so that anyone may read the article and consider Matthew’s article for himself. I encourage the reader to read both articles in full.
Now, I have a soft spot in my heart for Matthew, because he was among the earliest readers to regularly comment on my blog One In Jesus back when it was new, and I was just hoping that someone — anyone — would read my writings. I’ve enjoyed exchanging barbs with Matthew about SEC football. I’m an Alabama fan. Matthew pulls for the Volunteers of Tennessee (bless his heart). I actually know Matthew much better than I know Mike.
I’m also quite fond of Greg Tidwell, the editor of the Gospel Advocate. I’ve corresponded with him ever since we worked together on the GraceConversation dialogue. I believe he improved the quality of the Gospel Advocate in many ways.
Nonetheless, I believe Mike has correctly criticized the tone of Matthew’s article. And yet I’m sure many readers have wondered what’s so wrong with calling your opponents “hypocrites” or saying things such as —
– “Instead of following the plain teachings of the Word of God”
– “This disregard for the intent of the word of the Scriptures”
– “The feelings of those promoting women into leadership are fickle”
– “Hidden forces are at work seeking to corrupt your congregation and lead it into an unfaithful direction”
After all, a reader might wonder, Jesus said similarly harsh things about his opponents, and shouldn’t we follow his example? Read more »