Emerging Women

So I’ve been posting at a postmodern, christian website for several years now. I’ve had this problem before and brought it up to the rest of the group, but nothing seems to be changing. This is what happens (from my point of view):

I bring up idea X.
No one comments on it.
A page or two later a male poster brings up idea X.
Several people comment on what a good idea it is.

At first I thought it was my communication style – maybe I wasn’t being clear enough, or maybe there was something in the way I worded it that detracted from my message.

So I worked harder to clearly convey my point. I reread my posts, looking for words or phrases that might be clouding the issue. It doesn’t seem to be making a difference.

Does this happen to anyone else? Short of assuming a male identity online, how can I stop this?

So the Right Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, bishop of Nevada, was just elected as the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. Click here for an article from salon.com about (yes it is biased, but its good – thanks Lydia for the link).

I’m non-denom (unless emergent become a denomination) and always have been (except for a fling with the Baptist thing) and don’t understand all the nuances of the high chuch structure. I understand that a lot of people have a lot of issues with Katherine (as she apparantly asks to be called), but as a women who completly supports women in ministry this is one huge step forward imho.

What are your thoughts?

I have struggled with the concept of “Accepting Jesus into my heart”, almost from the time I first did it at 6 years old. When I began my seeking into the emergent ideas and “stepping out of my box” to look into other denominations, ways of Faith etc. It really stood out to me. I know that from the time I was 6, I said the “sinner’s prayer” time and time again, for years. What occurred to me recently was, I was worried that I had not said it right, or I would lose it. I know I had been told you couldn’t lose your Salvation (once the prayer was said), but just in case! I continued to live in the fear of the what if’s. Obviously, I didn’t “get it” (as I now feel many of those telling me didn’t get it either). Well now I have 2 small children and I really want them to see following the way of Christ in such a different way. Not the scare tactics, not the “get you ticket punched to Heaven” approach (as our pastor has called it), but the sincere continuous longing for the RELATIONSHIP and power of Christ and all he is. I have been pondering different approaches to teaching children a different way. I don’t want my kids experience to be one, where they are covered because they said their prayer, or that they have arrived so there is nothing else to learn. I realize that my background in the Baptist church, and the approach is not the same as everyone’s. Just curious if anyone had any thoughts, or came from a less literal background? Would love to hear comments.

Tonight I had the opportunity to attend yet another wedding…I get to go to lots of these. I do so love to go! It’s always a really good cheap date and I love to see my husband in a suit! Right before we left (when he off with the couple to sign the license) I was sitting alone at our table and watching people dancing. Since we only know the bride and groom (which is often the case) I got to have a few moments by myself to just watch and enjoy. It’s funny how a single moment can seemingly pass by in slow motion and you just know that you have found yourself on holy ground. That’s exactly how I felt. Watching all of those people dancing and smiling and laughing–enjoying that very same moment–I suddenly knew that what I was oberving was more deeply spiritual than most of the moments I experience at church on Sunday mornings. How interesting that Jesus picked a wedding as the backdrop for the beginning of his ministry. At the moment when it seemed that the party would be winding down, he got it going again. I wonder if he was sitting alone at a table, like me, just enjoying those around him lost in the moment of the celebration of love. There’s always so much love at a wedding! I think that’s one of the ways we can know for sure that God’s presence is filling all the spaces around us–when there is love in the air! And one other thing…I’ve come to the conclusion that Baptists don’t know anything about dancing (sorry, but I can say that since I’ve pretty much been one my whole life)–it’s the greatest spritiual expression there is. I hope we can all find the rythm of the dance and then dance like we’ve never danced before!

What resources are you swimming in that proudly shout women’s stories of faith; both past, present and yet to be told? (This blog site being one!) Although “mainstream” Christian publications continue to marginalize our stories, there are resources out there that do not. Here’s what’s on my BEST LIST 1. The SOJOURNERS magazine. July’s issue is filled with women’s leading stories -2. LEFT TO TELL:Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza 2006 .. a story too amazing to describe -3. WOMEN’S BIBLE COMMENTARY … all women contributors edited by Newsom and Ringe -4. www.theotherjournal.net an online publication that always includes scholarly, artistic, Christian female contributors -5. HUMMINGBIRD DVD movie ( google it for purchase $20) .. a great example of Christian women leading pastorally, apostolicly, prophetically, missionally for Christ -6. THE WOMEN OF AZUZA STREET by Estrelda Alexander 2006 … get the real scoop! -7. The novel: THE RED TENT by Anita Diamant -8. WOMEN PREACHING: Theology and Practice Through the Ages by Eunjoo Mary Kim -9. CHURCH IN THE ROUND by Letty M. Russell -10. MUTUALITY … a quarterly publication by Christians for Biblical Equality. What is on your BEST LIST?

That is Ed’s question @ In a mirror dimly. Why not go over and give him some ideas?