Do not try to quench the Spirit
by Ardell Stauffer, Akron, Pa.
I respectfully submit that the focus of your two thoughtful editorials on women’s ordination (March 4) is wrong. The main issue is not church structure or whether a shepherd should be disciplined for supporting his flock, going against the rules of a church structure. The issue is how to respond when women feel God calling them to serve and whether the church can try to quench the Holy Spirit without harming itself.
Of course, none of us can quench the Spirit; if we refuse to allow God’s gifts to be used, they will be given and received elsewhere. This is fundamentally a spiritual issue, and we are wrong to deal with it mainly as a church structure issue. God gives good gifts; we are wise to accept them.
Associated Issue: Lessons from the road - March 4, 2008
Associated Article: Two rights make a wrong - two parts
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