SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES

Comments on Searching the Scriptures

Foreword by William Fagal..................................   7
Author's Preface...........................................   9

I.    Introduction.........................................  15
      Statement of the Problem
      The Church's Response
      The Challenge Facing the Church

II.   Meaning of Church Authority and Ordination...........  19
      Ministerial Authority
      Ordination to the Gospel Ministry

III.  Crucial issues on Women's Ordination.................  26
      Equality of Women and Men
      Women in Ministry
      Women as Elders But Not Pastors?
      The Holy Spirit's Leading
      Women's "Silence" and "Teaching"
      Qualification/Capability of Women
      Biblical Headship

IV.   Biblical Authority and Interpretation................  36
      Scripture: The Sole Authority
      Harmonious Method of Interpretation
      Attitude of Trust and Dependence on God

V.    Theological Obstacles to Women's Ordination..........  45
      Headship Principle
      Pattern of Authority: Home and Church

VI.   Biblical Obstacles to Women's Ordination.............  56
      Qualification to the Office of Apostle or Elder/Pastor
      Crucial Bible Texts: 1 Tim 2:11-14; 1 Cor 14:34
      Cultural Accommodation or Biblical Principle?
      The Alleged "Silence" of the Bible

VII.  A Forbidden Issue: Restless Eves or Reckless Adams?..  70
      The Spirit of Restless Eves
      The Attitude of Reckless Adams
      "Cultural" Barriers to Women's Ministry
      The Ministry of True "Mothers in Israel"
      "Where Are You," Adam?  "What Is This," Eve?

VIII. Implications for the Church..........................  84
      Moment to Decide
      Affirmations
      Basis of Affirmations
      Appeal to the Church
      A Test of Loyalty
      Personal Testimony
      Worthy Examples