Men and Women in the Nation

Some Initial Assumptions:
i. Fundamental equality of men and women.
ii. Biblical Headship applies to all of life.
iii. All men are not in authority over all women.
iv. Biblical role of civil ruler.

1. Citizenship

I. Equal responsibility to obey lawful commands and honour authority. (Romans 13:1)

II. Equal right to protection and justice. (Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17)

2. Voting

I. The Popular Vote is A Lawful Method of Electing Rulers. (Exodus 18:21 with Deuteronomy 1:13; 2 Kings 11:17).

II. It is not necessary for women to vote to remain fundamentally equal. (Exodus 20:18-19 with Deuteronomy 5:23-27; 2 Samuel 5:1-3).

III. It is permissible for women to vote.

3. Ruling

• Women should not be in civil authority [Legislative, executive or judicial].

I. Biblical principle of Headship

II. Biblical principles concerning Calling.

III. Biblical pattern overwhelmingly men as rulers.

IV. Women rulers as sign of weakness of nation. (Isaiah 3:12)

V. God’s sovereign exceptions are not our rule! (What about Deborah? Judges 4:4-9)

VI. Christians should submit to Women in Lawful Authority. (Romans 13:1)

4. Fighting

• The issue is not self-defence (Exodus 22:2; Luke 22:36)
• Women should not be soldiers or warriors or in the police-force.

I. Biblical pattern is for Men to provide and protect. (Nehemiah 4:14)

II. Entrance and performance requirements are either lowered or unequal. (Jeremiah 50:37; Nahum 3:13; Isaiah 19:16; Jeremiah 51:30. And Proverbs 20:10)

III. Biblical distinction of male and female clothing applies. (Deuteronomy 22:5)

IV. Immorality prevalent.