Various Christian Views - Essay Example

?A COMPREHENSIVE ARTICLE ON VARIOUS CHRISTIAN VIEWS 2 Since time immemorial, people have developed ideas and perspectives that shaped the norms of the society at a particular given time. These standpoints concern various aspects of human life. Christian views, in particular, through time, have become more of a significant stance that continues to emerge as an important communal discussion in both the religious and governmental congregations. For example, Christian views on gender roles provide comprehensive argumentations that lead to the understanding and thorough assessment of the current role of gender in religion, society, and government; and, how it takes part in the reformation of the olden patriarchal traditions. Christian views on Sexual Orientation bring in a clearer picture of how the church takes stand in codifying descriptions of an “appropriate” sexual orientation. This paper shall cover three themes pertaining to various Christian viewpoints. This shall present a succinct examination of the vital issues in Christian beliefs that, in turn, should provide an intelligent impression to both believers and non-believers of Christianity. A COMPREHENSIVE ARTICLE ON VARIOUS CHRISTIAN VIEWS 3 A Christian View of Gender Roles Many authors, both in the present and in the past, have commenced to organize a reformation of the traditional views of gender roles, particularly the role of women, in the church and society. In the 1970s, more mixed and wide-ranging sets of Christian views of gender roles were validated. Traditionally, gender roles are specific to a culture. In other words, the role of a woman and a man in a certain society is determined by a particular norm at a particular given time. In Christianity, gender roles have inspired varying significance over the last two millenniums. Gender roles turned out to be seemingly normal because of the early precepts accentuating on the existence of the differences between genders. This has been passed on from one generation to another. Through time, the affirmation of, on the face of it, established norms in so far as gender is concerned, make itself more assumed that complex or something that needs logical discernment the reason why people do not attempt to contend it. Nevertheless, this new formation of Christian views of gender roles sparked debate all around the world. Today, Christian views of gender roles are contained within four prime perspectives: Christian Feminism, Egalitarianism, Complementarianism, and Biblical Patriarchy. Christian Feminism – more like avant-garde movement that intend to make significant reformations in the traditional Christian beliefs on the scripture regarding the roles of women (Grudem & Piper, 1991) – points toward liberalism in the interpretation of the scriptures concerning the norms that govern gender roles. Christian feminists make strong affirmations and support to homosexuality and pro-choice position on the subject of abortion (Cochran, 2005). This makes sense in the context of discriminately eradicating egalitarian beliefs, which are more A COMPREHENSIVE ARTICLE ON VARIOUS CHRISTIAN VIEWS 4 conservative in nature in describing gender roles in Christianity. Conversely, unlike Christian feminism, egalitarianism in the context of Christian faith and religious practices, promotes a more loose elucidation of the scriptures by eliminating gender-specific roles. This viewpoint is considerably consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ, which allows gender equality in social and religious functions. Egalitarian beliefs stresses on the following: (1) every person is made equal; hence, men and women are made equal (Genesis 1:27 New International Version) (2) there is no gender-specifications needed in the designation of responsibilities as determined by the scriptures: “…nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28 New International Version). The complementarian view believes that while God created men and women equally, they differ in their roles thereby implying specifications in gender in effect. While complementarianism asserts that every person is equal in the eyes of God, men and women are created to serve roles that are pole apart from each other (John, 2008). Complementarianism stresses on an apparent identification of gender roles in both the society and the church by affirming male domination and leadership over females (Genesis 2:22 New International Version). Lastly, Biblical patriarchy is much more similar to Complementarianism in that it believes in the equality of men and women; nevertheless, it extends to the idea of men as being sole individuals who are essentially bound to lead and that women should not be co-opted with such responsibility. While it upholds the notion that women do not and should not have the power to lead over men, it likewise rejects the idea that women cannot possibly lead even within the sphere of public service or in any designation at the civic level (Einwechter, 2009). A Christian View of Sexual Orientation   A COMPREHENSIVE ARTICLE ON VARIOUS CHRISTIAN VIEWS 5 Christian view of sexual orientation is more of a struggle between reformative movements that aim to liberalize sexual orientation, and the conformist beliefs inspired by some traditional, conservative denominations, particularly the Roman Catholic Church who believes that every person must not have the authority to emancipate itself from the traditional and absolute standards of sexual orientation: no person can completely alter his or her whole being by simply tweaking sexual orientation through certain means (John, 2003). The prime theme of this matter would be the LGBT rights and how much they are supported by not just social organizations and civic policies but also by the facts and principles mentioned in the Bible. Of course, these Biblical facts differ in sense depending on who interprets them. Some religious denominations like the Lutheran churches in Europe, and several denominations in North America and United Kingdom believe that homosexuality is not a characteristically wicked habit (Blake, 2005). A strong indicator of how most religious denominations are opposed to the liberalism in sexual orientation is the disagreement between the religious and sexual characteristics of homosexuality, especially of lesbianism. Its root is traced from the person’s religious affiliation before leaking out from the “closet” (Wilcox, 2003). Furthermore, issues pertaining to altering biological details gained mixed opinions from various religious sectors. Less prevalent denominations like the Abrahamic religions assert on the conventional and strictest Biblical interpretations concerning sexual orientation and the wickedness associated with the modification of these Biblical principles, stressing that God originally created two kinds of being: male and female (Genesis1:27 New International Version). However, despite this resounding claim by the Abrahamic religions, still, there are religions that do not rest their decision of designating religious functions based on the sexual orientation of a person. A COMPREHENSIVE ARTICLE ON VARIOUS CHRISTIAN VIEWS 6 A Christian View of Abortion Although many non-governmental organizations and “social movers” have expressed constant dissent over abortion, still, many countries around the world are legalizing abortion. Perhaps, the creation of policies decriminalizing abortion points toward several factors, which could be valid in purpose. However, in the context of Christianity, there are no apparent Biblical proofs that could be used to strengthen movements trashing abortion aside from “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13 New International Version). Nevertheless, a conflict is made in the process of taking both the issue of abortion as a sin and abortion as part of human choice; hence, the openness of some religious denominations to abortion as a result of their stance favouring “pro-choice”. Conversely, conflict arises within the core of certain denominations as a result of the disagreement of some members to the outstanding position of the religion they belong to (Ehrich, 2006). More conservative churches like the Roman Catholic expressed disagreement to the legalization of abortion. It upholds Biblical precepts that respect the sacredness of life and therefore life should be protected against any possible harms or dangers, right from the focal point of conception. Perhaps, the real source of this conflict is the independent position of the states and churches. The church would always take stand according to what the Bible teaches; on the other hand, the State would not necessarily adhere to what the Bible says nor submit the church’s stance, at least, in the issue of abortion; the State adheres to what it believes would solve political and economic problems. At the end of the day, the dissenting perspectives on pro-choice and pro-life will not necessarily come to an inference any soon. References Blake, D. (2005). Methodist conference to reaffirm church tolerance for homosexuality. Christianity Today. Retrieved from: http://www.christiantoday.com/article/methodist.conference.to.reaffirm.church.tolerance.for.homosexuality/2765.htm Cochran, P. (2005). Evangelical feminism: A history. New York: NYU Press. Ehrich, T. (2006, August 13). Where does God stand on abortion? USA Today. Retrieved from: http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2006-08-13-forum- abortion_x.htm Einwechter, W. (2009). Men and women and the creation order, part 1. Vision Forum Ministries. Retrieved from: http://www.visionforumministries.org/issues/family/men_and_women_and_the_creation.aspx Holy Bible: New International Version. (1978). Grand Rapids: Zondervan. Koessler, J. (2008). Wounds of a friend: Complementarian. Christianity Today, 52(6). Norton, J. (2003). Vatican says 'sex-change' operation does not change person's gender. Catholic News Service. Retrieved from: http://ai.eecs.umich.edu/people/conway/TS/CatholicTSDecision.html Weinrich, W. (1991). Women in the history of the church. In J. Piper & W. Grudem (Eds.), Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. Wheaton: Crossway. Wilcox, M. M. (2003). Coming out in christianity: Religion, identity, and community. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. Read More