Writing a statement of belief was difficult. I know the things I believe, but there are so many things I'm trying to believe or trying to find out if I believe. So far in my life I have had a blind faith-- I believe because. I've never tried to qualify why I believe it, but in the process of filling out paperwork and writing essays I find that I'm not sure why I believe what I believe.
And I find that my Presbyterian doctrine has been challenged and made me question things. People around here will argue until they are blue in the face that the bible is LITERAL. If the bible is to be understood LITERALLY, why am I even thinking about becoming an Ordained Minister of the Word and Sacrament?
The bible tells us quite a bit about women in the ministry:
1 Corinthians 14: 34 -35: "Women should remain silent in the assemblies. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the assembly"
1 Timothy 2: 11 - 12: A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent
I believe in God. I believe that Jesus loves me and died for me. I believe that the Holy Spirit surrounds me. I believe that, for whatever purpose, God has called me and is calling me. I believe it is for Him to know where He wants to use me, and I refuse to put limitations on His call because of words.
But to try and put that into words is very difficult. As for literal interpretations of the bible, and people who would challenge my "right" to serve as an ordained minister, I would ask things like, "What did you have for dinner last night?" "When did you last get a haircut?" "When was the last time you celebrated the Passover or made a burnt offering?" I would question them as to whether or not it is okay to just pick and choose what we want to interpret literally.
But it is not for me to judge, or to tell others how to believe or how to read the bible.
So I will just say, "I believe."
11:16:10 AM 
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