Reading: Societal Transformation and the Early Church – The Rights of Women - Slides

Societal Transformation and the Early Church – The Rights of Women

Henry Reyenga

Societal Transformation and the Early Church

Christianity introduced humanity into a restored relationship between God and humanity.

Through Forgiveness of Sin 

Through the Resurrection of the Dead

The renewed person through the power of the Holy Spirit began a life of sanctification

The Believer Meta-Narrative 

God created this world. The world fell into sin and all Creation was frustrated, and we are bringing redemption to the very creation. 

Rom. 8:19-21  The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.  20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 

The Believer Meta-Narrative 

God restored fallen humans into a relationship with himself. The new Creation begins inside out from the redeemed person.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 

The Believer Meta-Narrative 

Restored to Love God and Your Neighbor as the relationship operating system. 

1 John 4:20  If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.

The Believer Meta-Narrative 

Social change does not come through legalism, but through new creation believers and the church inspiring and welcoming others to be part of the Kingdom of God. 

Romans 14:17  For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 

Prescription not description

Proclaim the truth of the new life and the meta-narrative that gives the new life understanding – the Bible informs us.

Walk in the grace journey to the truth of the new life – the Holy Spirit guides us.

Reproduce the lifestyle of the new life – habits, and values in our connections.

Minister to others.

Transformed-Life Social Gospel

New lives in the church and kingdom transform individuals and families. 

Church members are living in this reality.

Now Christians relate to those who do not share their meta-narrative. 

Colossians 4:5  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 

Those in Darkness Look for Light

Christians live their meta-narrative.

They invite people to hear Christ’s core message.

The Holy Spirit works in their lives.

A new life leaves despair. 

Transformed Lives Bring A New Society

Example of Women’s rights

Women:  Christian Meta-Narrative

Galatians 3:28  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 

Practice 1 Timothy 2:11   A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. 

Women in that Day

Elite women were educated as children for the male-oriented world.

Masses of women were not encouraged to learn as full participants with men. Christianity changed much of that! 

The Education of Women was the Launching of Women’s Rights

Literacy and Education, not Social Justice, in the Roman empire, turned the world upside down for women.