I recently received an article entitled, Why Men Don’t Like Church by Doug Giles (http://www.ntrf.org/articles/article_detail.php?PRKey=82). While I don’t often respond to articles with which I disagree, I feel compelled to respond to this one!
I do not consider myself to be a “feminist;” however, I do desire to stand on the full word of God regarding men and women in the Church. Although I have more than one concern regarding the contents of Doug Giles’ article, I will attempt to focus on its main thrust, the “masculine spirit.”
Having just returned from a five week stint in the Philippines helping women trapped in the sex-slave trade, Giles’ question, Why do some churches look more like the bra and panty aisle at Wal-Mart rather than a battalion of men poised to plunder the powers of darkness,” likely had a deeper impact on my heart than it may have previously!
- I submit that the reason why churches look like a bra and panty aisle to some has something to do with the mentality of those people.
- I agree that there is need for more men of godly character to join the assemblies of God; however, according to His Word, the army of God is not made up of only men. Thus, it was never intended to look like a battalion of men poised to plunder the powers of darkness.
Giles contends that:
- the lack of strong men going to church has crippled the Church
- hanging out in church… seems unmanly
- most men just wannabe a cowboy.
While I concur with the cowboys that “going to church” is irrelevant, it is not the Church’s role to provide “wannabe cowboys” with an environment which encourages a testosterone driven mindset! What has “crippled our churches” more than the lack of the attendance of “strong men” is the failure to recognize that God sees the Body of Christ as being neither male nor female.
Giles proposes that the masculine spirit needs to be regained in our houses of worship. We could look to no avail to find God’s description of a “masculine spirit” in His Word; however, He does have plenty to say about hormonal attitudes and behaviors!
Why would we want a masculine or feminine spirit
in the places where Believers meet
when the indwelling Spirit of Christ promises to be there!
Giles questions, How do we equip the Church to press on with that which is holy, just and good? How can we Christians fight the good fight honorably, for freedom, family and the flag?
What is “holy, just and good” according to God’s Word? It is the law (Romans 7:12) and it was not made for the righteous! It was made for “whatever is against sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel” (1 Tim 1:10). What is that “glorious gospel?” The law of Christ (Gal 6:2), His gospel, is that “all are one in Christ with full rights of sons (Gal. 4:5)!” It seems that Giles is preaching another gospel!
Giles urges congregations to fire the Nicer-Than-Christ pastors and hire a John Wayne who will prod the congregation to biblical maturity with solid meat. All of God’s people are encouraged to move beyond easily digestible milk and be trained through the “solid meat of Scripture.” Firing the Nicer-Than-Christ pastors is a great idea! However, let them be replaced with a body of believers who recognize that we all have something to offer.
As long as we look to “the pastor” for nourishment,
maintaining the infantile idea that somehow
women have less to offer than men,
there will continue to be immaturity in the Church!
Giles concludes that men will be there like stink on a monkey if we toss in…, competition.., fun and a problem to spiritually throttle. When we spiritually emasculate the environment of these holy testicular necessities your church, as far as men go, will be more empty than Snookie’s noggin.
According Giles, a building full of women is the reason for artificially sweetened worship, sentimental basilica décor and wimpy co-dependent behavior. Is establishing an environment which attracts males seeking to be “the answer man,” to compete and have fun going to solve the problem?
Not only does Scripture deny that these “testicular necessities” are “holy,” the ongoing lust for power, control and entertainment is the very reason why God described the Jewish people as being an empty-headed whore! It is the Bride of Christ who walks in “the beauty of holiness” who is so compelling to the rest of mankind, not a testosterone driven agenda!
Giles proclaims, If concerned Christians want to improve our nation biblically, then the Church has got to eliminate its effeminate drift and re-establish a masculine bent. I contend, however that if concerned Christians want to improve the nation of God, then the Church must abolish its lusts and re-establish a Spirit-led bent. God’s people must stand against the Jungian psychology which teaches that “Masculinity is achieved by a revolt from woman, and it is confirmed only by other men.”
I question the wisdom of a man who thrives on sensationalism, encourages believers to “whip some ass” like Jesus did, and teaches fathers how to raise “daughters to fight and shoot guns" (http://righteousrowdygirls.com/, http://www.clashradio.com/wwjw.html). Giles ministry does not exude with the aroma of Christ, but the ego of its leader! In fact, it seems that Mr. Giles has experienced his own “spiritual emasculation!”
Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie
P.S. Please feel free to contact me with questions, thoughts, topics you’d like to ponder or to read past articles at: http://whole-heartedlife.blogspot.com/. You may also contact me at:
Bonnie Jaeckle
In Search of the Whole-Hearted Life
Diagonal Progress
505 Jefferson St.
Diagonal, IA 50845
DISCLAIMER:
The author of this article does not endorse everything represented on/in suggested links, books, etc. Each of us is accountable to God to weigh everything according to His Word.
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