This is a common refrain from the pro-preaching crowd for women and it remains pathetic and paper-thin. The women went to the tomb first because they were responsible for preparing the body, not because God was planning to make a grand theological statement about women in ministry. I do not ignore the verses, but I also do not use them and twist them out of context to fit a preferred narrative. Once again, the deliverance of a message is not the same as allowing women to teach in authority over men within the church structure. It is not even close. It is almost laughable. What does this story have to do with church structure? Nothing. What does it even have to do with preaching and teaching? Absolutely nothing. I am sure you can find plenty of books that present this as absolute proof that women should preach and teach with authority over men, but the bible is not one of them. Rick Warren found a bunch of unbiblical books and he changed his belief he held for decades. All to avoid confronting his replacement at Saddleback Church. Mercifully this article concludes:
'"I have to say with humility, it doesn't bother me if you disagree with me," Warren says. "For 2,000 years, the church has debated the role of women in culture. "If I'm wrong, I'll say I'm wrong. But it's just everyone's interpretation of Scripture."' - Charisma News
He started with sleight of hand and so he concludes with one. This is not a debate about the role of women in culture and he knows it. That is why there is no humility in his position. He does not care if people disagree with him and in the same sentence declares he is speaking with humility! He then tries to write the whole thing off! You are a teacher, allegedly teaching the children of God and you conclude if you are wrong oh well, you'll just admit it then. There is only one interpretation of scripture that is the correct one. You are either right or wrong. God does not operate in shades of gray. The key verses cannot be clearer beloved. God does not permit! He even tells us why! Because the woman was the one deceived. Just like Rick Warren is the one deceived to this very day.
Reverend Anthony Wade - March 17, 2023
