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by Fred Price
The newly released movie, The DaVinci Code, purports to reveal hidden information regarding Jesus Christ and the early church’s development within its story-line. It repeats allegations that have circulated for centuries; that Mary Magdalene was more than a spiritual supporter of Jesus’ ministry, being his lover if not his wife, possibly bearing him a child. As a result of her relationship with and understanding of Jesus she supposedly rivaled Peter’s leadership of the early church; having lost a power struggle with him she was then relegated to merely being a sinner in need of grace, her particular offense designated as prostitution.1
When author Dan Brown first published his book of the same name, Newsweek Magazine covered its release in a surprisingly balanced manner. One article dealt with a number of assertions in an honest and straightforward manner with assurances given by leading Biblical, historical and art scholars that the young, beardless, somewhat effeminate individual seated next to Christ in DaVinci’s portrayal of The Last Supper was indeed the disciple John – not Mary – he often being depicted beardless and less manly to emphasize his youth. Jesus’ possible marriage to Mary is also noted as having no basis in fact or credible innuendo.2 A number of books have been written as well decisively refuting the "evidence" offered in The DaVinci Code book and movie.3
Contention often centers on the so-called patriarchal system in place during much of our Bible’s development and two scriptural injunctions given by Paul concerning the behavior of women in church; as well as his teaching concerning marriage. In 1 Timothy 2:12 he writes, "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man…", recalling man’s status as first born and his partner Eve’s role in bringing temptation to him and sin to mankind. His remarks in 1 Corinthians 14:34 are more problematic; concerning a woman’s silence in church, being taught in detail at home. Although this could in part be referring to the admonition for peace rather than the disorder of debate and argument in church between couples, it probably alludes primarily to the concept of the husband "ruling" over his wife from Genesis 3:16.
However, any unbiased reading of corollary scripture reveals Paul’s call for mutual respect and submission of wills between couples, (Ephesians 5:22-23 and 1 Peter 3:1,2, & 7); with a hierarchy that gives allegiance to Christ first and foremost, acknowledges husbands as head of household and wives as consenting, involved partners. (Or as some say – the husband as head; his wife the neck that turns it!) Some question the necessity of a "leader" at home but any appraisal of successful work endeavors or organizations proves the wisdom of having some form of hierarchy. I honestly believe God creates people to fill roles, differing in particulars but in a broad sense suiting us for enhancing our effectiveness and happiness; women tending to be more emotion driven, spiritually sensitive, considerate, patient, instructive and enabling. These characteristics ideally empower them for supportive ministries that involve training and relational skills. (see 1 Peter 3:15) Men tend to be more demanding and commanding, corrective and inspiring by action; ideal characteristics for motivating, preaching, correcting, persuading ministries. (see 2 Timothy 4:2) Neither ministry is better than the other however different they may be; their variety allowing them to address a larger number of people and situations. (It is worth noting that twelve men formed the nucleus of Jesus movement, receiving a certain entitlement as a result; however it was women who were recorded as being among the last at the crucifixion and first at the empty tomb as a result of their faithfulness to the person of Jesus.)
Much of this debate revolves around the question of whether scripture was written by men for men or inspired by God for mankind’s edification; is it the infallible word of God or a fumbling attempt by men to understand God? We may never fully comprehend all we read in God’s word; but if he says it, we must abide by it, hoping to gain understanding and ability through obedience. (Isaiah 55:8) It is however, beneficial to periodically re-examine our doctrine to insure we stand on God’s word, not man’s tradition. Questioning is not wrong as long as we honestly search for answers and accept them when found. Kenneth Woodward notes that, "The test of Biblical scholarship is not how user-friendly it makes the scriptures to groups that feel neglected. Rather it is how well it sheds new light on texts that millions hold to be authoritative."4Those who seek to use women of the Bible for fulfillment of political agendas ultimately hurt their own cause as gains made through manipulation of facts rarely last.
Criticism is frequently leveled at the Bible’s supposed silence concerning the exploits of women, but an honest appraisal of scripture reveals the large influence many women had on the affairs of biblical man – Sarah, Esther and Deborah to name but a few from the Old Testament; Mary the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene – the Apostle to the Apostles – so designated for being the first to see the risen Lord and proclaiming His resurrection to the other disciples – in the New. Yet our Bibles were never meant to be a series of biographies; lack of detailed information does not denote lack of worth. Jesus and his closest associates, along with Paul, are the only New Testament characters who are scrutinized in detail and large segments of their lives are omitted as well; most of the disciples just simply disappear from the written record. This can be terribly frustrating as we wonder why. My personal feeling is that we are given the essentials, which is often more than we can handle and that much of the personal issues we crave would be merely distractive. The non-canonical writings that claim to give detailed histories often deal in fantasy while misguided reverence resulted in the near deification of Jesus’ mother, the Apostles and the "saints" of Catholicism. Silence doesn’t indicate conspiracy so much as an intent to lessen the opportunity for us to fix our eyes on the temporal rather than the eternal; as we often become over-awed by the exploits of others or complacent in over-familiarity.
Besides, women are mentioned and praised in scripture for their contributions and accomplishments. In particular, the man who advocated silence for women was never-the-less quick to assert his gratitude for their efforts on behalf of the church. He notes Phoebe, "…a servant of the church" and "…a great help to many .."; Priscilla, who opened her home to Paul and the church in Rome and Corinth; Mary, Persis, Tryphena and Tryphosa, as working hard for the Lord; as well as others who were instrumental in advancing the gospel. (See Romans 16 - Diakonos, sometimes translated as Deacon, or by some as Deaconness, actually meaning servant.)
One of the core issues in this debate (besides questioning the veracity of the Gospels and the integrity of the church’s founding fathers) revolves around women in the pulpit.5 But do women have to be preaching ministers to have worth in the church? This question will have to be dealt with by today’s youth for them to be completely connected to and supportive of the church of Jesus Christ. And therein lies the real issue. It is His church, to rule, administer or dispose of as he sees fit; it is merely ours to obey and grow as we do. We all are gifted in different ways and suited for different purposes, but we are all expected to find our place, fill that space and support everyone else in their ministry as well. (Rom. 12:4-8,1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and 1 Corinthians 13:1-8)
Footnotes:1Depicted in the Gnostic Gospel of Mary
2"Decoding The DaVinci Code", Newsweek, Dec. 8,2003 – Newsweek’s coverage of the movie this year
rightly characterizing it as intriguing yet fantasy – not factual; making of Mary a vehicle for thinly
disguised social and political agendas. "The Mystery of Mary Magdelene," Newsweek, May 29,2006
3The DaVinci Myth vs. The Gospel Truth by James Kennedy and Jerry Newcomb; Explaining The
DaVinci Code by Lee Strobel; The Truth Behind The DaVinci Code by Richard Abanes; The DaVinci
Code – Fact or Fiction by Hank Henegraff and Paul Maier; The DaVinci Hoax by Olson and Miesel
4 "God’s Woman Trouble", Newsweek, Dec. 8,2003
5 Dealt with in part by Pat Wingert and Karen Srpingen in, "The Bible’s Lost Stories", Newsweek, Dec. 8,
2003
Several websites offer insightful analysis as well, a few of them being:
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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