"This confuses me -- what are the "theological arguments" for women's ordination? Was this not the beginning of the present problem? Does the church now have the right to tell the next "oppressed" group that the theology and traditions of the church will not change for them like it did for women?"
I agree-- female priests are clearly and plainly disallowed by scripture, and this WAS the first real issue where we departed from the traditional faith. And, whenever I've heard a female priest give the sermon, I would have to say that they simply didn't have the same impact that most of the male priests I have heard have had. I think women, being less agressive than men, experience less than the whole nature of God (He doesn't usually stomp on us as badly as He does on men, simply because He usually doesn't have to-- it's similar to the difference in disciplining boys and girls) so women tend to preach less than the whole gospel. Christianity is a tough faith, and women priests seem to me more likely to lose that toughness. The loss of the toughness has a whole lot of ramifications, but one of the most important is that it tends to drive men away from the church, which is a REALLY bad effect. Our society is crying out for more strong, Christian men.
Oh, by the way, I am a woman. ;)
Good to hear your view. We need more voices like yours. The lack of authentic Christian men (men with God to serve, work to do and a woman to love) is hurting all areas of our society. Especially our boys, IMO. Thanks.
Oldie but goodie thread, referenced by Sionnsar in a post today. Worth reading and forwarding to some "less defensive" friends wh remain in ECUSA.