In my profession, which involves a lot of conflict resolution, especially with disadvantaged and Native communities, for decades men were in charge of every office that made the decisions, and every meeting was a p****** match. Nothing ever got done, we often couldn’t do our work because somebody was angry about something the other guy did. In the past few years, women have finally gotten into those offices. Yup, important projects are getting done, consultations go smoothly, and problems are worked out productively to everyone’s satisfaction. Take the male ego out of the equation, and insert trust and respect, and the world can be a decent place to live.
Gabby’s talking about women in substantive Church leadership roles, but that concept is far, far above Leo’s intelligence, education, and experience. Leo does have the wit to home in on the fundamental issue, i.e., the crying need for the so-called woman’s touch, but he seems to be at a loss as to how to bring that about. Gabby’s well ahead of him on that score. Eventually they’ll realize that they’re each looking at different sides of the same coin.
We must be careful not to turn sexism on its head. There are plenty of men who have these qualities. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked for leadership positions. Leadership should not be the reward for being combative and self-centered. Yes, we need more women. But don’t overlook the qualified men.
Regarding the above comments about Paul, I just wanted to mention that when our first grandson was born, I told my son that maybe they should think twice about getting him circumcised. It seems like male genital mutilation to me. So I did a little research, and I noticed in the Bible that 2/3 of the references to circumcision were in statements made by Paul. He seemed a bit obsessed with that. Seems strange to me. And I don’t like his attitude that he is superior by not being married. Odd duck. (And I live in St Paul, MN!).
Church tradition has been ignored. The early Christians met in private homes, which the women ran. They probably even were priests, meaning transubstantiated the bread and wine. Athanasius determine the books of the New Testament in the fourth century, so who knows which ones he ignored that showed this equality of the sexes?
dflak about 3 years ago
This is one of the reasons I added “ex” to “Catholic” when describing my religion.
I can’t be a member of an organization that thinks that 50% of the population is sub-human.
cdward about 3 years ago
Gandhi once said he liked Jesus a lot but not his followers. Sadly, I understand.
Out of the Past about 3 years ago
The symbolism of everyone walking in circles.
prairiedogdance Premium Member about 3 years ago
In my profession, which involves a lot of conflict resolution, especially with disadvantaged and Native communities, for decades men were in charge of every office that made the decisions, and every meeting was a p****** match. Nothing ever got done, we often couldn’t do our work because somebody was angry about something the other guy did. In the past few years, women have finally gotten into those offices. Yup, important projects are getting done, consultations go smoothly, and problems are worked out productively to everyone’s satisfaction. Take the male ego out of the equation, and insert trust and respect, and the world can be a decent place to live.
Dani Rice about 3 years ago
Fortunately, most mainstream Protestant denominations are welcoming female clergy. Pay attention to Jesus, not Paul!
cocavan11 about 3 years ago
Gabby’s talking about women in substantive Church leadership roles, but that concept is far, far above Leo’s intelligence, education, and experience. Leo does have the wit to home in on the fundamental issue, i.e., the crying need for the so-called woman’s touch, but he seems to be at a loss as to how to bring that about. Gabby’s well ahead of him on that score. Eventually they’ll realize that they’re each looking at different sides of the same coin.
buflogal! about 3 years ago
We must be careful not to turn sexism on its head. There are plenty of men who have these qualities. Unfortunately, they are often overlooked for leadership positions. Leadership should not be the reward for being combative and self-centered. Yes, we need more women. But don’t overlook the qualified men.
oakie817 about 3 years ago
amen
walstib Premium Member about 3 years ago
Regarding the above comments about Paul, I just wanted to mention that when our first grandson was born, I told my son that maybe they should think twice about getting him circumcised. It seems like male genital mutilation to me. So I did a little research, and I noticed in the Bible that 2/3 of the references to circumcision were in statements made by Paul. He seemed a bit obsessed with that. Seems strange to me. And I don’t like his attitude that he is superior by not being married. Odd duck. (And I live in St Paul, MN!).
Thorby about 3 years ago
Well, Roman Catholicism IS a male-centric, top-heavy organization..
MCProfessor about 3 years ago
In the Gospels there are many women in prominent roles.
VegaAlopex about 3 years ago
Church tradition has been ignored. The early Christians met in private homes, which the women ran. They probably even were priests, meaning transubstantiated the bread and wine. Athanasius determine the books of the New Testament in the fourth century, so who knows which ones he ignored that showed this equality of the sexes?