Sarah Palin and Complimentarian America

There is an interesting discussion currently going on in some Christian blogging circles concerning the candidacy of Sarah Palin for Vice President of the United States.  Of course, Palin is Republican, and she holds opinions that represent the more conservative, traditional platform of the Republicans . . . a platform to which conservative evangelicals have flocked in droves over the past 30 years.  But, she is also a woman.

Why might that be a problem for some evangelicals Christians?  Well, here's the theological breakdown. 

There are some Evangelical Churches that hold to an "Egalitarian" view of women's roles in the church.  That means that women are allowed to be elders, serve as pastors at the highest levels, and teach . . . in short, women can do the same things in church that the men are allowed to do.  On the flip side is the "Complimentarian" understanding of women's roles.  This is the view that women's roles in the church compliment a man's role, but the gender distinctions have been ordained by God as such that women should not be allowed to do certain things.  Within the complimentarian position is a range of prohibitions that at the very least restricts women from the role of senior pastor.  Now, I've studied the issue for myself pretty extensively and I have my own opinions which I won't share here, but I will say that neither of those positions in my opinion, should be considered heretical, unbiblical, or unorthodox by anybody.  There are some very thoughtful, and careful theologians and exegetes on both sides.  Sometimes, there are simply different ways to understand a passage of Scripture. 

But back to the issue: as you might have guessed, complimentarians tend to show up in the more conservative evangelical churches and denominations in America.  Many of those people have voted Republican for a few decades now.  So what is a complimentarian to do when the most conservative, the most vocally Christian, and the most traditional candidate on the ticket is a woman?  If you don't allow a woman to be your pastor could she be your Vice President?  I find it interesting that there are some conservative Christian leaders who would walk out of a church if a woman was to preach from the puplit, and those same leaders are publically endorsing a female VP.  It seems strange to me.  Anyone have an explanation? 

Comments

[Greg E]

I believe that those people can justify that stance because the biblical justification is relevant to "the church" although, as you stated, a good argument can be made on both sides. But, what is most important here, is that she is HOT!!!

[David Herrick]

HA! Way to cut through the political spin and get to the heart of the issue, Greg.

[Dominic]

I guess when you view her stance on the issues via different eyes you can see some of the reasoning behind those views. But I see it in an old fashion way, a person actions should and they way they live should reflect their belief. I guess this is why I'm drawn to her. Just don't tell me how or what, just do what is asked of you from God. And I think her life really shows her faith.