Why aren’t more women theologically-driven?

By Dr. Judith R. Coats

To begin, I reflect on an insightful moment that caused me much dismay and spawned questions as to the mystery regarding several generations of women who have been somehow convinced that theological studies were for men alone. A seminary president stood by his display at a college.  I walked up to the table with a female student who was interested in theology and who desired to get an MDiv (Masters of Divinity, a 96-hour degree in systematic theology).  I was simply accompanying her as her friend as she prepared for and prayed about her future.  She was interested in the study of theology solely to live her life for God. When she inquired as to enrolling at this particular seminary, the president rolled his eyes and said the following: “Planning to be a pastor, eh?”  After which he threw his head back in mocking laughter.  Both of us, however, stood stone-faced and appalled at his condescension. Needless to say, that seminary was off her list immediately. How did we get to this point in the 21^st century?

What is the biblical basis for theologically-driven women?

·         We are all, as male and female believers, disciples of Christ, and we are called to speak truth into each other’s lives in the ministry of one-anothering and community and body life. We cannot or should not refer everyone to “the pastor” or “the head elder.” Biblical counseling should not be left to the male leadership in the church body.

·         The Bible is not gender-specific regarding studying the Word of God. Below are a few examples of the over 75 verses encouraging us to study God’s Word:

1.      II Timothy 3:16, 17 (that the believer may be equipped)

2.      Psalm 119:11 (that the believer may not sin)

3.      Hebrews 4:12 (it is powerful to help us change)

4.      II Peter 3:15 (that the believer may make a defense of his/her faith)

5.      Romans 12:2 (that the believer may know the will of God)

6.      Hebrews 4:12 (that God my discern the heart of the believer)

7.      Proverbs 1:1-22 (that the believer may find the knowledge of God)

8.      Psalm 1:2 (that the believer may delight in the Word)

·         We are all, male and female, to put on the armor of Ephesians 6 as we wrestle against principalities and powers.  Why leave one gender open to defenselessness?

·         We are all, male and female, called to guide our own families in wisdom and in spiritual truth. Recall Timothy. Two of the greatest influences in his life were his mother and his grandmother (II Timothy 1:5).

·         We as the women are admonished to teach the younger women by word and by example in our church bodies (Titus 2:4).  If we go through life “weakly” equipped in the Word, we are not fulfilling our purpose as we grow in Christ and live out our spiritual lives in community.

·         We need the knowledge of the Scriptures to face the trials and temptations of life armed with truth and strength and full faith. Because more women are not theologically grounded, they may tend to suffer through extremely difficult circumstances without strong anchors of truth to call to mind for stability.  For example, a woman who has a stillborn child or goes through the failure of a marriage or the rebellion of a son or daughter must have solid theology to guide her through deep waters.  Otherwise, she may flounder endlessly in an emotional abyss.

What has kept women from understanding and from studying theology? 

(1) Well, I believe that several generations of church leaders have relegated the study of the Bible to the men.  That study has been taught as the “man’s role.”  If women looked at that as submission to male leadership, then they were sold a bill of goods something like, “Stay weak in the Word, and ride out the storms of life without a rudder.”  (2) I also believe that perhaps the overall oppression of women in some Christian circles (underpaid, overworked, unappreciated, guilt-ridden into service, and any other number of sad scenarios) has plagued many churches and institutions especially in some fundamental churches that I have been a part of in my past; so women have seen their role as being ignorant theologically, doing exactly what they are told to do under the guise of “be a servant.” (3) Since women have been deterred by whatever means to leave the theological studies to men, they have many times fed on books with little to no theological meat.  Some well-intentioned authors share their personal experience without backing up their claims with strong theology.  (4) And most sad to me is that men especially reject good theological material if the author is a woman.  It seems that they will not read articles (like this one) and books unless the author is a well-known male. 

Let me interject here that you may be thinking that I believe that women should be pastors.  I do not.  I do believe that they should and must take on leadership roles and administrative roles within the body.  However, there are four words in the NT for me that draw the line at their being the head preaching elder.  I must acknowledge those four words.  For me, they indicate that women can use their gifts in many ways in the body except for the head preaching elder.  Those four words in the list of qualifications for the elder are the following: “Husband of one wife.”  That phrase cannot be rejected today as a cultural faux pas to mean something that it does not presently.  That specific qualification is very clear in my opinion.  Other than that, women may and should serve the body per their spiritual gifts.

Here is my proposal: 

Women, let’s turn the tide of the generations past to pursue a radical commitment to the study of theology.  Our churches, families, friends, neighbors, and communities will be changed as we embody truth and as we speak the truth found in the theology of the Word of God. Go for it! Podcasts, resources online (ccel.org), Bible studies, historical theology online for free, and websites that list hundreds of materials ready to download and to read are a great place to begin or to continue the study of theology if you are already on that terrific journey. And by all means, do this study of theology in community so that your studies and conclusions can be grounded in the church.