The Frightful Study

In the church family that I am part, we have begun a study of Gender roles in Christianity. In my lifetime it is the first public study of this subject (outside some preacher's 20 minute talk about women keeping silent). It has been well received by most all who attend. More than one visitor has talked about how refreshing it is to study such a thing.

There are four or five (there always is) whose attitude toward the study and the material is very negative. One said, "Let's leave well enough alone".  Another said, "We solved this 20 years ago."
A couple have tried to disrupt class with comments that divert attention from the study. Snide comments were made like, "It all went downhill when we gave women the vote."

 Lest I give the negative too much time, The study is very positive.  The material used is and always will be controversial:  It is the BIBLE. It is God's Word. It is the teachings of Jesus.

If we think there's nothing new to learn I will remind you of my youth.  As late as the 1960's our Christian beliefs were that racial segregation was proper and that we should not mix with the Blacks just as  the Jews shunned the Samaritans.  Once we were forced to read the Bible again, we suddenly noticed that Jesus mixed with the Samaritans.

Now we are looking again as Jesus speaks to a Samaritan WOMAN.