An interesting debate is taking place on the blog of the Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Catholic Church concerning the role of women in the priesthood. You ought to read the original post here. It has to do with an essay he wrote concerning the issue which can be read in PDF form here. While I am not Coptic Orthodox Catholic, and I don’t agree with all of H.H. Patriarch Mar Anthony’s comments, I think that his arguments, as well as the entire debate, are interesting.
Yes, indeed, this is an interesting debate! One that my own church denomination is beginning to wrestle with (again).
I don’t have time for much depth to my comments, but after reading Anthony’s article I must say:
1) I find it intruiging (almost arrogant) that the author thought that 7 short pages was enough to answer what I believe to be a complex question.
2) While some of his points might have been correct, his supporting evidence was lacking at best. I venture to say that some of his evidence was greatly erred and mis-interpreted. He did some crazy things with a few passages. I felt like screaming…”where did you learn inductive Bible study?!”
3) (and I solicit you comments on this) What role does church history and the early church Fathers play in interpreting and applying scripture? I guess I find it flawed to use frescos in old cathedrals to try to prove principles of the Bible. There have been great untruths propogated by a sincere Church throughout history, so I think we need to always stick to the Scriptures as our source of Truth. It is quite likely that those same churches that held Frescos of Women deacons also taught flawed doctrines that Anthony wouldn’t agree with or see fit to bolster a theological debate.
However, Anthony has guts! I admire that. My Jr. High band director demanded that if we must make a mistake, at least make it a loud one and claim ownership. Let’s live bold.
There, I have succinctly evaded giving you my view on the issue… maybe later…