“GOD HAS HIS WISE REASON FOR DENYING THE OFFICES TO WOMEN.”

Dear Editor,

As was mentioned in Rev. Vander Kam‘s article, “Women in Ecclesiastical Office?” in the March issue of THE OUTLOOK, the number of articles written on this subject is legion. However, I believe that there is one perspective that has not been given much attention, and that is that God has His wise reasons to deny the offices in the church to women.

It was very interesting that in this same issue of THE OUTLOOK you published Jay Adams’ column dealing with women’s monthly problems, entitled, “How Can I Keep From Becoming a Monthly Tiger?” From this article it is obvious that this is a problem relating specifically to women’s sexuality and one that very milch influences her behavior, feelings, emotions, and attitudes.

I believe that women’s sexual problems are due to the curse pronounced upon her sexuality after the Fall. “And I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception: in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee” (Gen. 3:16). But even before the Fall, Eve already possessed unique psychological qualities. Satan, in the guise of a serpent, approached Eve, rather than Adam. Edward J. Young says: “There was that in the being of the woman which made her a more suitable vessel to approach than man” (Genesis 3, p. 19). It is very significant that in the New Testament the Lord reminds us that the reason why women may not “usurp authority over the man” is, “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression” (I Tim. 2:12–14).

Generally women are guided more by their senses, appearances, feelings, emotions, impulses, and moods. These psychological differences influence her judgments, responses, and reactions and have a direct bearing on how she carries out tasks of authority and leadership. I have observed this during my experience of working in business for fourteen years, part of it being in a position of authority. I was able to compare women’s reactions to those of men in similar situations. I learned that the Lord has good reasons for forbidding women to occupy the offices in the church.

As a Reformed woman who wishes to abide by the authority of the infallible Word of God, I am convinced that giving women the liberty to usurp positions of authority over men will weaken and degrade the offices and change the character of the church. This certainly does not mean that women are inferior or have less intelligence than men. On the contrary, God has given the woman special feminine qualities which she ought to use as directed by Scripture.

I think it would be very beneficial that attention be paid to giving positive Biblical directives to women in this “year of the woman.” Also articles dealing with godly women in history could be very helpful and serve as examples for women today who want to serve in the Lord‘s kingdom.

Yours respectfully, MRS. FREDRIKA PRONK