Over the next… well, the next hundred years probably, I’m thinking about exploring the role of women in the Bible. ‘Tis one of those subjects, where I have a belief and a rough idea of why I believe it, but I’m also aware it could be more informed. Inevitably there are a plethora of such subjects, and many don’t matter enough to research properly – and this one didn’t either, right up until my pastor asked me to preach last summer, at which point it suddenly became a much more important topic!

It’s also one of those controversial topics where a cursory Google-search raises more questions than answers, and where almost every article is hugely biased. You know those “Let’s discover the Biblical view together” articles where you can tell within two sentences exactly what the author is going to make sure the Bible says. Bias is inevitable, but less forgivable when people try to hide it.

So, I’ll be upfront about mine. I believe women can and should preach and lead in a church setting, under the authority and direction of a male pastor. My church (of 23 years) takes that position, so it’s unsurprising that my beliefs lean that way too. I have now preached four times, and have discovered that I love it, and that God uses it. Women pastors are a separate issue in my mind, and I’m quite uncomfortable with the idea of a woman leading a church, for reasons that I’m sure I’ll expand on later.

The point is, I’m not 100% sure about any of the above – hence the need for research! I have decided that an in-depth study is the solution to my worries, and I am determined to begin this study… soon. It might be months before I actually get round to it! (Equally, it might be minutes. You never can tell with me…) But I’m started to mull it over. Suggestions of key passages to look at might be useful. I think I shall begin in Genesis… Creation’s as good a place as any I feel!

In other news, I have had the dullest day in the history of the world. But, I am interviewing a couple of interesting people and writing articles about them in the next few weeks, which will lead to being published and seeing my name in print, which is quite exciting. Being friends with Steve has finally paid off!

When I write this thing I sometimes want to make up blogging nicknames for people… you know, to protect their identities and/or add general amusement, à la the brilliant Anna Broadway, but then I resort to real names because the other feels a bit odd. Steve would be a good candidate though… So many nicknames, so little time.

Question for my readers (yes, all none of you): Which Jeremy is more smug, Clarkson or Kyle? To me the answer is obvious. Or perhaps it’s just that one’s smugness annoys me immeasurably more than the other’s..

Right, I’m off to do a sun dance.

(To start the Biblically Feminine series, see Part 1)