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12/03/2016
A short reflection and prayer with Richard Hill.
Last on
Sat 12 Mar 2016
05:43
大象传媒 Radio 4
Prayer for the Day, Richard Hill
Good Morning
On this day 1994, the first 32 women became Church of England priests. I had 聽many female Anglican friends with whom I studied theology waiting for that day, waiting for the institution to catch up with the thinking of many theologians.
Just over a week ago there was a service to celebrate 40 years since the ordination of the first woman by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. For many of my friends with no church affiliation it comes a surprise to hear that this remains a divisive matter for some while it is a source of joy for others.
I remember being taught New Testament in the University of Aberdeen in the mid 1980鈥檚 by the late Prof Howard Marshall. He insisted I translate my Greek New Testament in an inclusive way. 聽I risked losing marks if I used Anthropos in the literal meaning 鈥渕an鈥� when the context referred to humankind in a broader sense. I鈥檓 grateful for the patience of all my Professors who took time with this once conservative young Ulster student, helping me see a different perspective on the text showing me a more inclusive Christ.
I marvel at how we can make Jesus exclusive. He was inclusive, relating to those who might have been marginalised and excluded by others. {He ignored gender, religious difference, he even showed compassion to members of the occupying Roman army.}
Saul initially persecuted early believers yet after his encounter with this inclusive Jesus he wrote, 鈥淭here is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.鈥�
Lord,Show us how to build bridges instead of walls,Teach us your inclusive love.Amen
On this day 1994, the first 32 women became Church of England priests. I had 聽many female Anglican friends with whom I studied theology waiting for that day, waiting for the institution to catch up with the thinking of many theologians.
Just over a week ago there was a service to celebrate 40 years since the ordination of the first woman by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. For many of my friends with no church affiliation it comes a surprise to hear that this remains a divisive matter for some while it is a source of joy for others.
I remember being taught New Testament in the University of Aberdeen in the mid 1980鈥檚 by the late Prof Howard Marshall. He insisted I translate my Greek New Testament in an inclusive way. 聽I risked losing marks if I used Anthropos in the literal meaning 鈥渕an鈥� when the context referred to humankind in a broader sense. I鈥檓 grateful for the patience of all my Professors who took time with this once conservative young Ulster student, helping me see a different perspective on the text showing me a more inclusive Christ.
I marvel at how we can make Jesus exclusive. He was inclusive, relating to those who might have been marginalised and excluded by others. {He ignored gender, religious difference, he even showed compassion to members of the occupying Roman army.}
Saul initially persecuted early believers yet after his encounter with this inclusive Jesus he wrote, 鈥淭here is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.鈥�
Lord,Show us how to build bridges instead of walls,Teach us your inclusive love.Amen
Broadcast
- Sat 12 Mar 2016 05:43大象传媒 Radio 4
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