“You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lord, you have seen the wrong done to me. Uphold my cause!”
ooof. reading this brought back memories of a particularly horrible conversation I had of this nature. Also no raised voices or harsh words, but it was absolutely devastating to me personally (I have since done a lot of healing so I am OK now, but it took a while). If I hadn't been through that myself I would probably think that you should get a grip, how hard could it have been, etc. But I get it, and I'm sorry.
From my review on Goodreads on “Authority” - While I think this subject is desperately needed in the Christian church, Leeman ultimately ignores the Bible to continue the “institution” of church, particularly patriarchal leadership, in order to provide Christianese (excuses) for maintaining power and control in the church.
1 Peter 5:3 “Don’t shepherd by ruling over those entrusted to your care, but become examples to the flock.” (See also John 13:12-17)
However, Leeman advocates for Pastors (and Husbands) to “Rule” over (spoiler - it’s the subtitle of the book). The Bible is consistent about placing yourself under authority (I.e. 1 Peter 5:5), not about exercising authority over people. Chapters 1-3 dangerously defines authority in flowery “christianese” language, making it sound as though having power over someone is somehow God’s great design. Yet Christ says, “Call no one Rabbi, because you have one teacher, and all of you are Brothers and Sisters.” Matthew 23:8. See also Matthew 20:25-28) These types of passages are largely ignored to make way for “power to discipline” (Chapter 9).
A previous review criticized Leeman for having too graphic a view of Husbands abusing their wives; I disagree, and think he did not go far enough. The patriarchal view (often disguised as “Complimentarianism”) does not always lead to abuse, but it always leaves that door open. Evidence-based research (such as the Gregoire’s in The Marriage You Want) show this to be reality.
Jesus said, “I am … the truth.” John 14:6. So, if all truth is God’s truth, then why does Leeman’s “truth” differ from the Bible and from empirical research?
Good stuff, thanks for sharing Dave. As a friend said to me recently, protestants (most protestants, at least) never really reformed the Catholic approach to power and authority.
“You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life. Lord, you have seen the wrong done to me. Uphold my cause!”
Lamentations 3:57-59 NIV
ooof. reading this brought back memories of a particularly horrible conversation I had of this nature. Also no raised voices or harsh words, but it was absolutely devastating to me personally (I have since done a lot of healing so I am OK now, but it took a while). If I hadn't been through that myself I would probably think that you should get a grip, how hard could it have been, etc. But I get it, and I'm sorry.
I’m so sorry you had a similarly horrible conversation, Katharine. Thank you for getting it, and I’m encouraged to hear of your healing.
From my review on Goodreads on “Authority” - While I think this subject is desperately needed in the Christian church, Leeman ultimately ignores the Bible to continue the “institution” of church, particularly patriarchal leadership, in order to provide Christianese (excuses) for maintaining power and control in the church.
1 Peter 5:3 “Don’t shepherd by ruling over those entrusted to your care, but become examples to the flock.” (See also John 13:12-17)
However, Leeman advocates for Pastors (and Husbands) to “Rule” over (spoiler - it’s the subtitle of the book). The Bible is consistent about placing yourself under authority (I.e. 1 Peter 5:5), not about exercising authority over people. Chapters 1-3 dangerously defines authority in flowery “christianese” language, making it sound as though having power over someone is somehow God’s great design. Yet Christ says, “Call no one Rabbi, because you have one teacher, and all of you are Brothers and Sisters.” Matthew 23:8. See also Matthew 20:25-28) These types of passages are largely ignored to make way for “power to discipline” (Chapter 9).
A previous review criticized Leeman for having too graphic a view of Husbands abusing their wives; I disagree, and think he did not go far enough. The patriarchal view (often disguised as “Complimentarianism”) does not always lead to abuse, but it always leaves that door open. Evidence-based research (such as the Gregoire’s in The Marriage You Want) show this to be reality.
Jesus said, “I am … the truth.” John 14:6. So, if all truth is God’s truth, then why does Leeman’s “truth” differ from the Bible and from empirical research?
Good stuff, thanks for sharing Dave. As a friend said to me recently, protestants (most protestants, at least) never really reformed the Catholic approach to power and authority.