I am taking all of these classes in Women's Studies in Religion. They all talk about ways to make space for women in various religions. My own dissertation will relate to helping women progress in leadership in the Baptist church. I went to a discussion tonight with Rosemary Radford Ruether. She is one of the pioneer feminists in the area of religion, even back in the 60s. She has written so many books and is a legacy in her own right. We had a fireside chat with her, just as a small group. She described the struggle of feminists in Christianity since the 60s and it was fascinating. We have come so far! One of the men in the group asked about the current generation of women in conservative traditions that are making their way to leadership in unusually large numbers, but do not identify as feminists. I was reminded of the generation that does not hold to labels, does not align with denominations, but will be faithful to their call along the way. The older, traditional generation (even me in my own mind) wrestles with getting women into the male system, but these younger women are not fighting that same fight. I am intrigued.
The increasing fundamentalist control in the SBC is an example of what happens when a majority feels they are losing control. The rules get tighter, the watchful eyes get more intense, and women are further distanced from leadership. But they are trying to stop an unstoppable force! I left the meeting reaffirmed that no human can stop what God intends to do. Isn't that incredible?
So keep going. Keep seeking and following that call. Nothing can stop you if God is leading your way. I can pass comps. I can finish a PhD. I can find some avenue to rock the world with the love of Christ. I went to run on the treadmill and was able to run 20 minutes. Anything is possible. Rock on.
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