Dear John 2

Dear John,

Please understand that it isn’t for a singular reason that I’m leaving, as you have felt the need to point out, rather there are many. Genesis is simply both the starting point of the conversation and my conversion away from our complementarian relationship and into something quite a bit more equitable. Know that while there is a plethora of Biblical basis, of which I am happy to share, ink will never unveil your eyes like a relationship will.

Your response to my last letter pointed out the importance of the gender roles that the man and woman play, in Genesis at the outset of creation, and you warn me against stripping away these roles simply to provide egalitarian inclusion. But, egalitarian inclusion doesn’t require the stripping away of gender or roles – though, John, you may eventually see that some of your conclusions about both are quite antiquated. However, that is probably a conversation best saved for another day.

I know how much you admire the Apostle Paul so let me use his words from Galatians when he suggests that “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (1)

John, you’ll notice upon careful examination, that one of these things is not like the others – although “neither” is used for the first two statements when it comes to the one regarding gender Paul drops this word and adopts “no” to describe “male nor female.” Which may sound exactly like what you are scared of – the stripping of gender roles! Except we must press furtherfor that would drive against Pauline literature in every other place.

Instead, consider that Paul is quoting the very story that I wrote to you about last time: the creation account in Genesis! Paul’s main concern is the transformation and new creation found in Christ; indeed, this is his thematic approach in nearly all his epistles. In this singular statement to the Galatians, he doesn’t strip away anyone’s past or anyone’s background. To be Jewish is important, as is being Gentile – Paul addresses both in his writings. To be free and to aslave – is recognized and Paul addresses people in both roles. To be a man and to be a woman is important and Paul will address both in various communities. He doesn’t strip these roles, these histories and these backgrounds away.

Paul’s point is not to strip away the roles but that the roles will no longer prohibit membership. Our understanding of structures and hierarchies were crucified with Christ. No longer will our understanding be that man is privileged over woman, freedman over slave or Jew over Gentile. The transformative work of Christ includes and equalizes participation for all.

With hope,
Your Former Complementarian Christian

1.Galatians 3:2