The Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

[John317]

Core Beliefs: The Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

The "Danvers Statement" summarizes the need for the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) and serves as an overview of our core beliefs. This statement was prepared by several evangelical leaders at a CBMW meeting in Danvers, Massachusetts, in December of 1987. It was first published in final form by the CBMW in Wheaton, Illinois in November of 1988.

Rationale

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.the growing claims of legitimacy for sexual relationships which have Biblically and historically been considered illicit or perverse, and the increase in pornographic portrayal of human sexuality;

6.the upsurge of physical and emotional abuse in the family;

7.the emergence of roles for men and women in church leadership that do not conform to Biblical teaching but backfire in the crippling of Biblically faithful witness;

8.the increasing prevalence and acceptance of hermeneutical oddities devised to reinterpret apparently plain meanings of Biblical texts;

9.the consequent threat to Biblical authority as the clarity of Scripture is jeopardized and the accessibility of its meaning to ordinary people is withdrawn into the restricted realm of technical ingenuity;

10.and behind all this the apparent accommodation of some within the church to the spirit of the age at the expense of winsome, radical Biblical authenticity which in the power of the Holy Spirit may reform rather than reflect our ailing culture.

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.The Old Testament, as well as the New Testament, manifests the equally high value and dignity which God attached to the roles of both men and women (Gen 1:26-27, 2:18; Gal 3:28). Both Old and New Testaments also affirm the principle of male headship in the family and in the covenant community (Gen 2:18; Eph 5:21-33; Col 3:18-19; 1 Tim 2:11-15).

6.Redemption in Christ aims at removing the distortions introduced by the curse. ◦In the family, husbands should forsake harsh or selfish leadership and grow in love and care for their wives; wives should forsake resistance to their husbands' authority and grow in willing, joyful submission to their husbands' leadership (Eph 5:21-33; Col 3:18-19; Tit 2:3-5; 1 Pet 3:1-7).

◦In the church, redemption in Christ gives men and women an equal share in the blessings of salvation; nevertheless, some governing and teaching roles within the church are restricted to men (Gal 3:28; 1 Cor 11:2-16; 1 Tim 2:11-15).

7.In all of life Christ is the supreme authority and guide for men and women, so that no earthly submission-domestic, religious, or civil-ever implies a mandate to follow a human authority into sin (Dan 3:10-18; Acts 4:19-20, 5:27-29; 1 Pet 3:1-2).

8.In both men and women a heartfelt sense of call to ministry should never be used to set aside Biblical criteria for particular ministries (1 Tim 2:11-15, 3:1-13; Tit 1:5-9). Rather, Biblical teaching should remain the authority for testing our subjective discernment of God's will.

9.With half the world's population outside the reach of indigenous evangelism; with countless other lost people in those societies that have heard the gospel; with the stresses and miseries of sickness, malnutrition, homelessness, illiteracy, ignorance, aging, addiction, crime, incarceration, neuroses, and loneliness, no man or woman who feels a passion from God to make His grace known in word and deed need ever live without a fulfilling ministry for the glory of Christ and the good of this fallen world (1 Cor 12:7-21).

10.We are convinced that a denial or neglect of these principles will lead to increasingly destructive consequences in our families, our churches, and the culture at large.

[John317]

Tell your thoughts on what's right and what's wrong with the Danvers Statement.

As I see them, they are supported by both the Spirit of prophecy (i.e., the writings of Ellen G. White) and the teachings of the SDA church.

What say you?

[miz3]

6.Redemption in Christ aims at removing the distortions introduced by the curse. ◦In the family, husbands should forsake harsh or selfish leadership and grow in love and care for their wives; wives should forsake resistance to their husbands' authority and grow in willing, joyful submission to their husbands' leadership (Eph 5:21-33; Col 3:18-19; Tit 2:3-5; 1 Pet 3:1-7).

◦In the church, redemption in Christ gives men and women an equal share in the blessings of salvation; nevertheless, some governing and teaching roles within the church are restricted to men (Gal 3:28; 1 Cor 11:2-16; 1 Tim 2:11-15).

I find this part very offensive. Why should woman be excluded "from some governing and teaching roles"?

Why are woman "unqualified" for these roles?

[John317]

It isn't that women aren't qualified intellectually or even spiritually. They are fully equal to men in every way in terms of qualification for doing the work of the gospel.

But what is Paul saying here? How do you understand these verses?

Quote:

1 Tim. 2:11-15

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. [12] I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve; [14] and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. [15] Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

1 Cor. 14:33b-40

.

As in all the churches of the saints, [34] the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. [35] If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

[36] Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? [37] If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. [38] If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. [39] So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40] But all things should be done decently and in order.

1 Cor. 11:3-16

But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. [4] Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head, [5] but every wife who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as if her head were shaven. [6] For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. [7] For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. [8] For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. [9] Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. [10] That is why a wife ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. [11] Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; [12] for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. And all things are from God. [13] Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a wife to pray to God with her head uncovered? [14] Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him, [15] but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. [16] If anyone is inclined to be contentious, we have no such practice, nor do the churches of God.

Do you see any contradiction between what Paul was inspired to write above and what the NT says in the following verses:

1 Cor. 11:5

but every wife [woman] who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as if her head were shaven.

Acts 18:26

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

Luke 24:22-24

Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, [23] and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. [24] Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

NOTE: Notice that women prayed and prophesied in worship services in the NT. Priscilla taught Apollo. The women pointed people to Jesus Christ after Christ's resurrection.

Don't these things represent a departure from, or contradiction of, what Paul sometimes taught?

[Alchemy]

You may find those statements offensive, but you are wrong to think that way.

Females are to submit to the authority of the man as to God. To make your own rationale would be following after pagan traditions.

[miz3]

John317, I have no problem with any of the texts you quoted. They are all good.

However, the problem I have is that the SDA Church applies the texts to exclude women from some offices while at the same time giving them leadership positions in other offices.

It is fine for example:

1. Lead out in the "children's divisions.

2. Lead as Sabbath School Superintendent.

3. Be Adult Sabbath School Teachers.

4. Lead out in Community Services.

5. Lead as the Church Clerk.

6. Lead as the Church Treasurer. (Quite a serious responsibility).

7. etc.

However woman are excluded from other leadership posts.

This is inconsistent. Either a woman is fitted to lead or she is not. If you believe that men should be the leaders then they should lead everywhere not just in the plush jobs they like.

Men then should lead in everything. This garbage that woman are only fit to lead in part but not in all is not Biblical.

Is not the Leader of a Children's Division Sabbath School a "Pastor"? Of course it is. She is sharing the Gospel with the little ones under her care.

SDA also use woman to give Bible studies (preaching the Gospel). I don't see where we get off as men in excluding woman from some posts but not others.

If woman are to submit to male authority then what are women doing teaching and leading "little boys" in Sabbath School. These "little boys" should be taught by men.

Let's have some consistency here.

[miz3]

You may find those statements offensive, but you are wrong to think that way.

Females are to submit to the authority of the man as to God. To make your own rationale would be following after pagan traditions.

If that is so then the men should lead out in everything. Women should then hold no church office. Women should not give Bible Studies, Lead in Sabbath School, Lead Vacation Bible School, Lead as Church Treasurer, Lead as Church Clerk, Lead the Community Services, etc.

Is this what you are espousing?

By the way Alchemy are you saying that woman=pagan.

[miz3]

No. We want to follow Scripture as best as we can!

The Bible clearly compares being ruled over by women with being ruled over by pagans. These women's issues are pagan in nature. The pagans had female gods, such as Diana of the Ephesians.

[Alchemy]

Originally Posted By: Alchemy

No. We want to follow Scripture as best as we can!

The Bible clearly compares being ruled over by women with being ruled over by pagans. These women's issues are pagan in nature. The pagans had female gods, such as Diana of the Ephesians.

Originally Posted By: miz3

Are saying, woman=pagan?

Originally Posted By: Alchemy

God is saying that, not me.

Feminists have become such a shameful drag on the SDA Church. Far more harmful than good. It is haughty and pagan in nature.

A couple of years ago I visited Washington D.C.. While I was there I took a tour of the General Conference Headquarters of the SDA Church. The woman we had for a guide told us that worldwide, the SDA Church was 73% female.

Well, God is very clear on this issue. It is not a matter of polls, surveys or democracy. Feminism is a horrible sin and women don't have any right to these feelings and authority they think they should have.

But, this whole idea of women leading out in church has all its roots in paganism. Diana of the Ephesians is in the Bible if you care to look it up.

It doesn't matter if the female has ten talents to one for the man, it doesn't matter if the female makes $150,000 a year to $20,000 for the man, it doesn't matter if her IQ is 70 points higher than the man; the man is chosen by God to be the head of the household and the church. (I do mean God given authority, for Christ is the Head of the church)

Where does God say that woman are pagans? Please quote me the Scripture.

Second, I don't recall saying anything about "Feminism". That is a whole different animal than what I am talking about. I think it is a whole different animal than being righteous about "Leadership in the Church".

No! I'm not going to quote the Scripture!

Study your Bible for yourself! God directly compares woman ruling over men with being ruled over by pagans! There isn't any room Biblically for women to hold such leadership positions! None! So, don't put words in my mouth or God's!

I completely disagree with your statement about Feminism! This whole "women in leadership positions" is a Feminist issue.

[LynnDel]

Alchemy,

To state that "the Bible clearly says" something, and not to share what verse from which you extrapolated that notion does not benefit further discussion or elucidation. I looked up various terms in the concordance relative to this issue and could find none that fit. I am not a feminist and don't like the "Me, me, me" attitude of some women who push for various church positions, nor the attitude of some men who want to keep women from God-gifted service -but we have to get past those human frailties and learn what God really has for us in these times. The gift and mission He gave Ellen White is incontrovertible evidence that God does gift women with prophecy and the directive to share it with others--through, often, speaking in church. She was not the first. Biblical examples have already been shared. Therefore, we need to compare those evidences with what Paul said, because when there is a clear contradiction, it is likely our understanding is incorrect, and contextual circumstances for Paul's statements need to be considered.

LD

[Alchemy]

Alchemy,

To state that "the Bible clearly says" something, and not to share what verse from which you extrapolated that notion does not benefit further discussion or elucidation. I looked up various terms in the concordance relative to this issue and could find none that fit. I am not a feminist and don't like the "Me, me, me" attitude of some women who push for various church positions, nor the attitude of some men who want to keep women from God-gifted service -but we have to get past those human frailties and learn what God really has for us in these times. The gift and mission He gave Ellen White is incontrovertible evidence that God does gift women with prophecy and the directive to share it with others--through, often, speaking in church. She was not the first. Biblical examples have already been shared. Therefore, we need to compare those evidences with what Paul said, because when there is a clear contradiction, it is likely our understanding is incorrect, and contextual circumstances for Paul's statements need to be considered.

LD

Blessings LD,

I will try to address all your points.

The reason I didn't reference the Bible passage I am talking about is even without it, the man is clearly stated to be the head of the house and also has the authority in the Church. Even without that verse, there isn't any need or reason to be having these types of conversations. But, I will say this; those "women = pagan" statements are classic feminism. It's not about women or their feelings.

As far as women having ministries in the Church; absolutely there are roles and ministries for women. I completely support women's ministries. But, if they are married, their first role is to their husband and children. I firmly believe the reason a man must have his house in order to become an Elder or Deacon is because his family is more important to God than a Church position. It should be no different for a woman.

As far as a "contradiction" with Paul's writings, the Scripture can not be broken. (John 10:35) So, I disagree. There isn't any contradiction in the Bible.

But, feminism has destroyed families in the church and nobody wants to face it because women have such a large majority of the membership.

I hope this helps.

[Alchemy]

Originally Posted By: Alchemy

No. We want to follow Scripture as best as we can!

The Bible clearly compares being ruled over by women with being ruled over by pagans. These women's issues are pagan in nature. The pagans had female gods, such as Diana of the Ephesians.

Originally Posted By: miz3

Are saying, woman=pagan?

Originally Posted By: Alchemy

God is saying that, not me.

Feminists have become such a shameful drag on the SDA Church. Far more harmful than good. It is haughty and pagan in nature.

A couple of years ago I visited Washington D.C.. While I was there I took a tour of the General Conference Headquarters of the SDA Church. The woman we had for a guide told us that worldwide, the SDA Church was 73% female.

Well, God is very clear on this issue. It is not a matter of polls, surveys or democracy. Feminism is a horrible sin and women don't have any right to these feelings and authority they think they should have.

But, this whole idea of women leading out in church has all its roots in paganism. Diana of the Ephesians is in the Bible if you care to look it up.

It doesn't matter if the female has ten talents to one for the man, it doesn't matter if the female makes $150,000 a year to $20,000 for the man, it doesn't matter if her IQ is 70 points higher than the man; the man is chosen by God to be the head of the household and the church. (I do mean God given authority, for Christ is the Head of the church)

Where does God say that woman are pagans? Please quote me the Scripture.

Second, I don't recall saying anything about "Feminism". That is a whole different animal than what I am talking about. I think it is a whole different animal than being righteous about "Leadership in the Church".

By the way; What thread did you get these statements of mine that you quoted?

[miz3]

Are saying, woman=pagan?

[miz3]

Originally Posted By: Alchemy

No. We want to follow Scripture as best as we can!

The Bible clearly compares being ruled over by women with being ruled over by pagans. These women's issues are pagan in nature. The pagans had female gods, such as Diana of the Ephesians.

Originally Posted By: miz3

Are saying, woman=pagan?

Originally Posted By: Alchemy

God is saying that, not me.

Feminists have become such a shameful drag on the SDA Church. Far more harmful than good. It is haughty and pagan in nature.

A couple of years ago I visited Washington D.C.. While I was there I took a tour of the General Conference Headquarters of the SDA Church. The woman we had for a guide told us that worldwide, the SDA Church was 73% female.

Well, God is very clear on this issue. It is not a matter of polls, surveys or democracy. Feminism is a horrible sin and women don't have any right to these feelings and authority they think they should have.

But, this whole idea of women leading out in church has all its roots in paganism. Diana of the Ephesians is in the Bible if you care to look it up.

It doesn't matter if the female has ten talents to one for the man, it doesn't matter if the female makes $150,000 a year to $20,000 for the man, it doesn't matter if her IQ is 70 points higher than the man; the man is chosen by God to be the head of the household and the church. (I do mean God given authority, for Christ is the Head of the church)

Where does God say that woman are pagans? Please quote me the Scripture.

Second, I don't recall saying anything about "Feminism". That is a whole different animal than what I am talking about. I think it is a whole different animal than being righteous about "Leadership in the Church".

[Alchemy]

You are the one that should ashamed of yourself.

You quote me way out of context and then challenge the context of my statements. Absolutely disrespectful and disgusting.

But, you can be that way if you want.

But, my verse exists and its in context.

[Alchemy]

I really appreciate you posting those for me. You seem to like them more than me. Of course, I'm going to answer to them here since they are way out of context. You are a very vindictive person miz3, I hope you find freedom from that.

Your questions about what the SDA Church does and how it handles women's ministries are not the point. It's all about what the Bible teaches. It's because people insist on this context outside the Bible that these problems exists and they would only get worse if we allow women to fill the jobs only men are supposed to have.

[Tom Wetmore]

OK. If it exists, show us. When we see the text, we can all see the context.

Stop beating around the bush.