Alan Garrett's Blog - Posts Tagged "christian-theology"
Check out these UNSilenced Endorsements!
Here is what people are saying about the book UNSilenced...
Dean Deguara, Local Church Team Pastor, Jesus Culture Sacramento
Kurt W. Bubna, Pastor Eastpoint Church; Author of Epic Grace:
Jack Little, Association of Vineyard Churches:
Danny Steyne Founder of Mountain of Worship (MOW):
Jennifer Faith, Author & Speaker, jenniferfaith.org:
Sean Scheper, Pastor, Mountain of Worship West Coast
Jaime Pierce, Pastor, Sacramento, CA:
© 2016 Alan Garrett, alsgarrett.net
Dean Deguara, Local Church Team Pastor, Jesus Culture Sacramento
"More than a good read, Alan lays down a foundation of sound doctrine leading the reader to a healthy perspective of women in the church. Through the lens of scripture, this book brings a fresh vision for the female expression in churches and ministries."
Kurt W. Bubna, Pastor Eastpoint Church; Author of Epic Grace:
"With a broad and profound approach to both history and the languages and theology of the Bible, Alan Garrett presents a convincing and robust case for the equality of women in the Church. I appreciated his insights and boldness in addressing a controversial issue. For too long, Christians have been confused about this matter. Garrett presents a clear Biblical argument for releasing women in the Church to fulfill their God-given roles and responsibilities. I highly recommend UnSilenced and endorse this book with delight."
Jack Little, Association of Vineyard Churches:
“As a church leader I found Unsilenced a great resource for pastors, church leaders, and especially for women who wish to be free and use their gifts and talents in the advance of the Kingdom of God. Keep Swinging the Sword Alan!"
Danny Steyne Founder of Mountain of Worship (MOW):
“Alan Garrett has written a brilliant and scholarly treatise in his book, "Unsilenced!" This book carries a weighty message that leaders need to hear. As I was drawn into the sound arguments and cultural applications of this work, I found numerous areas of my own theology shifting. What Alan has written will challenge leaders to make a place for women and create opportunities for them to lead."
Jennifer Faith, Author & Speaker, jenniferfaith.org:
“I want to send a big thank you to Alan Garrett on behalf of all the women I affectionately call my co-laborers in Christ. We all have a desire to serve our great God in the church and in the world – and honestly, I have found that the world is much more accepting of our gifts, service, and leadership abilities than some in the church. I believe this book will change that.
Sean Scheper, Pastor, Mountain of Worship West Coast
"A must have biblical study on the leadership role of women in the contemporary church. Alan Garrett takes the reader on a journey to discover God's heart for women in ministry."
Jaime Pierce, Pastor, Sacramento, CA:
“Alan Garrett helps bring clarity to passages of scripture that have been confusing to many. I am excited about the truth of God’s word revealed in this book and even more excited to see women released into their destiny by what he has written.“
© 2016 Alan Garrett, alsgarrett.net
What Did Paul Mean by "Man is the Head of Woman?" (Part 1)
What Did Paul Mean by "Man is the Head of Woman?" (Part 1)
Much of the current debate over whether women should be subordinate to men in marriage and in the church centers around Paul’s use of the word head (kephale) in 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 and Ephesians 5:21-24. In both of these passages, Paul says that "man is the head of the woman.”
Specifically, the debate revolves around what Paul meant by the phrase “man is the head of woman?” Did Paul mean head in the sense of “authoritative head,” “leader,” or “boss?” Did he mean “source” as in the source or head of a river? Or, did he have in mind another meaning like “prominent” as in the top or head of a mountain, which is the most prominent part? Consider Paul’s use of “head” (kephale) in the following passages:
The Use of Metaphors
In these two passages Paul is using the word head (kephale) in a metaphorical sense. A metaphor is a figure of speech that creates a mental picture by comparing objects and ideas.
The phrase, “John is a worm,” is a metaphor that compares a person with a worm. Culture and context are important in determining the appropriate meaning. If the phrase is used in the context of a person reading in a library, it might mean that John reads a lot of books. Used in the context of a dating relationship, it might mean that John is a lowly creature about to be stepped on. The same phrase might also convey different meanings to different cultures. A person from a culture in which books are not common would have a difficult time grasping the meaning of the phrase used in the context of the library. The lack of a cultural concept of a library might lead to an interpretation not intended by the original author.
Similarly, Paul’s metaphorical usage of the word head (kephale) is important to examine. We must ask what Paul meant by the metaphor, “man is the head of a woman.”
There are three main ways of interpreting Paul’s metaphorical use of the word head (kephalē) in these two passages: 1. Head as “authority over” or “leader.” 2. Head as “source.” 3. Head as “prominent” or “preeminent.”
Part 2 and 3 to follow
This is an excerpt from chapter eight of the book UNSilenced (projected release Aug/Sept 2016).
© 2016 Alan Garrett, alsgarrett.net
Much of the current debate over whether women should be subordinate to men in marriage and in the church centers around Paul’s use of the word head (kephale) in 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 and Ephesians 5:21-24. In both of these passages, Paul says that "man is the head of the woman.”
Specifically, the debate revolves around what Paul meant by the phrase “man is the head of woman?” Did Paul mean head in the sense of “authoritative head,” “leader,” or “boss?” Did he mean “source” as in the source or head of a river? Or, did he have in mind another meaning like “prominent” as in the top or head of a mountain, which is the most prominent part? Consider Paul’s use of “head” (kephale) in the following passages:
But I want you to understand that Christ is the head [kephale] of every man, and the man is the head [kephale] of a woman, and God is the head [kephale] of Christ (1Co 11:3 NASB).
…and be subject [hupotasso] to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head [kephale] of the wife, as Christ also is the head [kephale] of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Eph 5:21-25 NASB).
The Use of Metaphors
In these two passages Paul is using the word head (kephale) in a metaphorical sense. A metaphor is a figure of speech that creates a mental picture by comparing objects and ideas.
The phrase, “John is a worm,” is a metaphor that compares a person with a worm. Culture and context are important in determining the appropriate meaning. If the phrase is used in the context of a person reading in a library, it might mean that John reads a lot of books. Used in the context of a dating relationship, it might mean that John is a lowly creature about to be stepped on. The same phrase might also convey different meanings to different cultures. A person from a culture in which books are not common would have a difficult time grasping the meaning of the phrase used in the context of the library. The lack of a cultural concept of a library might lead to an interpretation not intended by the original author.
Similarly, Paul’s metaphorical usage of the word head (kephale) is important to examine. We must ask what Paul meant by the metaphor, “man is the head of a woman.”
There are three main ways of interpreting Paul’s metaphorical use of the word head (kephalē) in these two passages: 1. Head as “authority over” or “leader.” 2. Head as “source.” 3. Head as “prominent” or “preeminent.”
Part 2 and 3 to follow
This is an excerpt from chapter eight of the book UNSilenced (projected release Aug/Sept 2016).
© 2016 Alan Garrett, alsgarrett.net
UnSilenced: Giving a Voice to Women Silenced by Ignorance is now on Amazon.com
UnSilenced: Giving a Voice to Women Silenced by Ignorance is now on Amazon.com
A preview is available at:
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin...UNSilenced: Giving a Voice to Women Silenced by Ignorance
A preview is available at:
https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin...UNSilenced: Giving a Voice to Women Silenced by Ignorance
