Why Women Should Study Church History
By Diane Bucknell - Posted at Out of the Ordinary:
It’s unfortunate that the average Evangelical Christian has so little knowledge of church history. This comes as no surprise since few churches engage their congregants in studies of our incredibly rich spiritual heritage.
Church history is not only relevant but it is extremely fascinating! It is a panoply of doctrinal and spiritual battles and victories showcasing God’s preservation of His beloved Bride. Discovering how the Lord emboldened men and women to remain true to Christ and the Scriptures throughout the ages will surely encourage believers facing the challenges of our day.
WHAT’S GENDER GOT TO DO WITH IT?
First, notwithstanding the Biblical mandate for male pastoral leadership in the church, women do happen to make up half of church history and have played a vital role in contending for the faith. But most church history courses won’t cover these contributions, which is too bad. Neglecting to teach such an important aspect of church history that provides godly examples of women who held sound doctrine, may inadvertently contribute to the rampant problem we have today with women who distort the Scriptures and assume leadership roles God intended only for men. Furthermore, the current infatuation with Medieval Romish mysticism reflected in many women's studies might lose luster if women understood the fatal heresies attached to it.
“How shall we labor with any effect to build up the church, if we have no thorough knowledge of her history, or fail to apprehend it from the proper point of observation? History is, and must ever continue to be, next to God’s Word, the richest foundation of wisdom, and the surest guide to all successful practical activity.” 1—Philip Schaff
It’s unfortunate that the average Evangelical Christian has so little knowledge of church history. This comes as no surprise since few churches engage their congregants in studies of our incredibly rich spiritual heritage.
Church history is not only relevant but it is extremely fascinating! It is a panoply of doctrinal and spiritual battles and victories showcasing God’s preservation of His beloved Bride. Discovering how the Lord emboldened men and women to remain true to Christ and the Scriptures throughout the ages will surely encourage believers facing the challenges of our day.
WHAT’S GENDER GOT TO DO WITH IT?
First, notwithstanding the Biblical mandate for male pastoral leadership in the church, women do happen to make up half of church history and have played a vital role in contending for the faith. But most church history courses won’t cover these contributions, which is too bad. Neglecting to teach such an important aspect of church history that provides godly examples of women who held sound doctrine, may inadvertently contribute to the rampant problem we have today with women who distort the Scriptures and assume leadership roles God intended only for men. Furthermore, the current infatuation with Medieval Romish mysticism reflected in many women's studies might lose luster if women understood the fatal heresies attached to it.
Oh, yes! Glad and grateful to see this, Angela.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I found it very encouraging and praise the Lord you did too! :)
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