Do you have a personal mission statement? Maybe you hold a passage of Scripture close as the guiding beacon of your life. As an “older” Christian woman,
I like to meditate on Titus 2: 3-5.
Similar to a mission statement, a creed or statement of belief is often written by a group of Christians to outline a clear set of authoritative principles about what that group considers to be fundamental truth. Like the Nicene or Apostles Creed, a creed is often intended to refute heresy that has crept into the church.
Q & A with Wayne Grudem
The Danvers Statement was penned by the founders of the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood about twenty years ago. Listen to author and theologian Dr. Wayne Grudem as he discusses the impact of this statement as a response to evangelical feminism.
Q. Can you reflect on the significance of and impact of the Danvers Statement in the evangelical church? Is it serving its purpose?
A. Wayne Grudem: I think the Danvers Statement has been used by God to define a clear, balanced, biblical perspective on men's and women's roles. It has been widely accepted by organizations and denominations that hold to a "complementarian" position on men and women in marriage and the church… It has served as a "standard" by which people could evaluate their faithfulness to the biblical teaching on this matter. It avoided giving in to a liberal watering down of the Bible's teaching on the left, or to a harsh, overly-conservative, male-chauvinist kind of addition to the commands of Scripture on the right.
If CBMW had not published the Danvers Statement in 1988, there would be not one "complementarian position" in the evangelical world, but hundreds, resulting in much confusion, and enabling evangelical feminists to criticize the most offensive expressions rather than having to deal with a responsible, biblically balanced statement that affirms the equal value of both men and women and their differences in roles according to Scripture.
We have been moved in our purpose by the following contemporary developments which we observe with deep concern:1. The widespread uncertainty and confusion in our culture regarding the complementary differences between masculinity and femininity;
2. The tragic effects of this confusion in unraveling the fabric of marriage woven by God out of the beautiful and diverse strands of manhood and womanhood;
3. The increasing promotion given to feminist egalitarianism with accompanying distortions or neglect of the glad harmony portrayed in Scripture between the loving, humble leadership of redeemed husbands and the intelligent, willing support of that leadership by redeemed wives;
4. The widespread ambivalence regarding the values of motherhood, vocational homemaking, and the many ministries historically performed by women;
5. - 10. Continue reading…
Affirmations
Based on our understanding of Biblical teachings, we affirm the following:
1. Both Adam and Eve were created in God's image, equal before God as persons and distinct in their manhood and womanhood (Gen 1:26-27, 2:18).
2. Distinctions in masculine and feminine roles are ordained by God as part of the created order, and should find an echo in every human heart (Gen 2:18, 21-24; 1 Cor 11:7-9; 1 Tim 2:12-14).
3. Adam's headship in marriage was established by God before the Fall, and was not a result of sin (Gen 2:16-18, 21-24, 3:1-13; 1 Cor 11:7-9).
4. The Fall introduced distortions into the relationships between men and women (Gen 3:1-7, 12, 16).
• In the home, the husband's loving, humble headship tends to be replaced by domination or passivity; the wife's intelligent, willing submission tends to be replaced by usurpation or servility.
• In the church, sin inclines men toward a worldly love of power or an abdication of spiritual responsibility, and inclines women to resist limitations on their roles or to neglect the use of their gifts in appropriate ministries.
5. - 10. Continue reading…
Related
If you’re looking for more good quotes—both short and long—visit Barbara’s Monday meme, The Week in Words at Stray Thoughts.
Photos: MissKells & thewrongglass (Flickr)
Coming Soon—Can a Christian be Demon-Possessed?
Under “Affirmations” what are your thoughts on point #4?
9 Comments:
This is the first time I've ever heard of the Danvers statement. Definitely checking it out more... :)
I just saw the Danvers Statement referred to last week and wondered what it was about -- thanks for enlightening me!
I came across the Danvers Statement a couple years ago when I was studying women's roles in the church, but I had never heard of it prior to that. I found it very helpful in sorting out my own thoughts and interpretations of scripture. I would do well to revisit it again and freshen up on what it says. Thanks for sharing giving me the prompt!
I had heard of the Danvers Statement but had no idea what it really was! thanks for yet again another informative post! i learn SOOO much from visiting here :)
My thots on #4? well, my husband and I firmly believe, as does our pastor, that yes, this was the beginning of struggles between man and woman and the proper submission aspect. If Adam had been doing his job....(according to my hubby, he should have been the spiritual leader, somehow he allowed Eve to "take over") I am probably not saying it as well as my hubby could but...yes..we believe this is where it all began...
I've not heard of the Danvers Statement referred to as such, but I've definitely learned some of the principles of it and the reasons for the necessity of it. As always, Teacher, you enlighten me. :)
I've discussed much with friends that whole dominance of women because of the passivity of men. So much is hurt by each of our own personal falls.
I've never heard of the Danvers Statement before. However, I do think that when a man and woman embrace who God created them to be, that trust is allowed to grow and thrive, whittling away from the destruction of the Fall from Eden.
In answer to your question, I DO agree the Fall distorted the relationship between men and women. Tosca Lee illustrates that beautifully in her book Havah.
This is my first time hearing about the Danvers statement. Very interesting. Truly you bring much enlightenment and challenge to your readers. It is always a blessing to visit here! U never go away empty.
Sherry, Barbara H., Lisa, Faith, Glowin Girl, Bluecotton Memory, Tami, and Joyfull: Personal email responses have been sent to you... thanks for your thougths! e-Mom
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