SHOULD WOMEN BE GIVEN AUTHORITY IN GOD'S CONGREGATION?
YORWW Congregation Manuscript #1009
In the beginning, God created man and woman, created both them in His "image," and according to His likeness. This means, of course, Jehovah God originally endowed both man and woman with the same capabilities and qualities of His own likeness. Thus, man and woman have the same God-given abilities, gifts and attributes so as to reflect all the "fruits of the spirit" and Godly qualities in their lives, if they so desire. Both man and woman was created with the inherent capacity to yes, "imitate God." (Ephesians 5:1) Yes, both were created with these inner faculties and full capabilities so that they could both, fully please Jehovah, if they were so inclined. -- Galatians 5:22, 23; Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 John 5:3
However, many Jehovah's witnesses may be surprised to know the Watchtower Society does NOT teach or believe the above. No, but instead they teach Jehovah God actually did NOT make woman, in His Own Divine "Image." No, the Watchtower Society says, God did not. Let's notice this in the following quote from the 1972 July 15th Watchtower magazine, page 445, article entitled: Woman’s Regard for Headship—How Demonstrated?
This particular article states:
"...Woman, too, was created with these qualities. However, her position is different from that of the man. The Bible tells us: "[Man] is God’s image and glory; but the woman is man’s glory." (1 Cor. 11:7) But why does not this text say that the woman also is God’s image?"
Now, let's notice how the article continues to make the vital point:
"...It should be remembered that man was created first and for some time was alone, being in God’s image by himself. The woman was made from the man and was to be subject to the man. The woman’s position thus is one that cannot reflect God’s position of headship toward his creatures, and it is this matter of headship that is discussed in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. Jehovah God is not subject to anyone. Unlike the woman, the man does not have an earthly head over him when it comes to matters relating to his wife and children. Hence in this respect he ALONE is "God’s image." In other respects, of course, the woman shares with the man in reflecting the admirable and lovable qualities of God."
Did you notice in the above quote, the Watchtower clearly teaches the woman when created by God, herself was actually NOT to be viewed as being made in "God's Image," because of the "headship" factor, as was the first man Adam? Relative to "headship" the article states:
"...He [Adam] ALONE is God's Image."
Of course the above statement suggests, the woman would be incapable of exercising "headship" over a household in its entirety, like the man. And this would be because, although possessing some of the qualities of God, still she was not endowed by God with this special capacity to take the lead, make major decisions, as was the man himself. Did you see this?
What a sad, twisted viewpoint of women, on the Watchtower Society's part...truly sad.
But more importantly this wicked viewpoint is directly contradicted by God's Word itself when it stated for the record at Genesis 1:27, 28 the following:
"And God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God's image he created him; male and female he created them. Further, God blessed them and God said to them: 'Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth."
Therefore, we can see the above bible text is completely opposite to what the Watchtower Society teaches, as God "blessed" both of them, both man and woman, male and female, and gave both of them, an inheritance over the earth, with the animals being in complete "subjection" to both man and woman. So then, originally in the Garden of Eden, God's original earthly kingdom, Jehovah granted an equally honorable place of dignity and respect for both man and woman, before...yes before the introduction of sin. Yes, the bible really does teach this. Think about it!
To further illustrate this point, as shown in the article Was Deborah A Judge Within The Nation of Israel, under the Mosaic Law System, women were given full authority in and among God’s Name People, to lead, govern and direct within the Theocratic Arrangement at that time. Yes, the woman Deborah was both a Prophetess and Judge within the nation of Israel, a married woman herself who still had been given the grand privilege to lead the entire nation of Israel as a Judge. – See Judges 4:4, 5.
Then too, we have the excellent example of the prophetess Huldah, who served as a guiding light for both "king" and "high priest" for the nation of Israel during the days of Josiah. When Josiah heard the reading of the "the very book of the law" found by high priest Hilkiah during the temple repair work, he sent a special delegation made upon administrative staff from himself as well as the "high priest" himself to "inquire of Jehovah" thru the inspired prophetess "Huldah." (2 Kings 22:8-20; 2 Chronicles 34:14-28) Since this was the case, this real-life example thus shows again, there was no hesitation, no reticence or apprehension on the part of the king or high priest (both males in the highest positions of leadership within the nation) to seek guidance and direction from a female "seer" or "prophet" who was clearly Jehovah's official prophetic "representative" for the nation of Israel at that time. -- John 1:6; John 7:29
Therefore, for the above reasons and more, the YORWW Congregation has re-instituted this Divine Principle demonstrated in the Mosaic Law System. This means, the formation of the YORWW Congregational arrangement is more predicated and based upon the Mosaic Law System in many ways, than the Christian Law Covenant Arrangement itself. Yes, the YORWW Arrangement, as God's Kingdom upon earth today, actually finds more of its roots within the Mosaic Law Covenant Arrangement, since this Law Covenant was originally written and geared especially for an EARTHLY governmental arrangement. – See Exodus 19:5, 6; Matthew 6:10.
THE "SONG OF MOSES" – WHAT IS IT?
The advent and rise of the YORWW Congregation and its new, unique and astute approach to bible principles and how these principles relate to the establishment of a Special Law (Scapegoat Law) for this particular congregational arrangement, yes, has been prophesied about, even in the book of Revelation.
For instance, Revelation 15:3, 4 where it says,
“And they are singing the song of Moses the slave of God and the song of the Lamb, saying: Great and wonderful are your works, Jehovah God, the Almighty. Righteous and true are your ways, King of eternity. Who will not really fear you Jehovah, and glorify your name, because you alone are loyal? For all the nations will come and worship before you, because your righteous decrees have been made manifest.”
Did you notice, the “righteous decrees” of Jehovah, are to be made “manifest” within the fulfillment of the events of the prophecy of Revelation? Yes, we will come to know the “righteous decrees” of God, the righteous laws of God, within these difficult times of ours, in our day and time. And whats more, these “righteous decrees” are being made “manifest” by way of the special “song” mentioned, yes, the “Song of Moses” -- manifest thru the appearance of the YORWW Congregational Arrangement itself.
No doubt, most Jehovah’s witnesses have wondered about that particular phrase mentioned in Revelation 15:3…namely the “Song of Moses,” – what does it mean?
Well, simply put, to the YORWW Congregation, the “Song of Moses” means a re-incorporation of many of the principles and laws themselves from the Law of Moses, fully incorporated within the New Scapegoat Law, which is itself based upon Leviticus 16th chapter. Yes, the actual Scapegoat Law itself, is rightfully taken from the Mosaic Law System to govern God's People on earth. And in fact, we can say, the Scapegoat Law system is actually born from the Mosaic Law System. And this is rightfully so because the Scapegoat Law Arrangement itself, is a law created especially as a government, that will ultimately rule all the peoples upon earth. (Rev. 12:5) Yes and indeed, the Scapegoat Law is very much like the Mosaic Law since, its laws are all set up and geared for the governing of life upon earth, where God’s Kingdom was “set up” originally speaking on earth, in the Garden of Eden. – Exodus 19:5, 6; Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:10
Therefore, the “mustard grain” kingdom arrangement, the “tiniest” one even, that Jesus compared God’s Kingdom to, then turns out to be a small congregational grouping called the YORWW, that one day becomes great in growth. Yes, tremendous growth is experienced by the YORWW Arrangement, yes upon earth, till it actually consumes the entire earth. (Daniel 2:34, 35, 44, 45) Yes, the Kingdom of God, becomes like a tiny seed, that fully grows up to heaven-high status for the whole earth to see. But, it becomes a government or kingdom upon earth, an earthly government for the peoples. – Genesis 22:18; Ezekiel 17:22-24; Mark 4:31, 32; Revelation 12:5
THE YORWW CONGREGATION HAS "ENTERED INTO GOD'S REST" -- WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? -- Hebrews 4:10
Leadership within the YORWW Congregation, is actually handled differently, than under the Christian Law Covenant Arrangement, since of course it is a different covenant in itself. For example, under the Christian Covenant Arrangement, women were not permitted to occupy roles of leadership nor could they "exercise authority" over males within the congregational arrangement. Paul wrote,
“Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach, or to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and came to be in transgression.” – 1 Timothy 2:11-14
You will note above, that Paul ties in the transgression of Eve in the Garden of Eden, to the fact that a woman is not permitted to “exercise authority over a man,” nor to “teach” males within in the Christian Congregation. This counsel is very appropriate since under the new Christian Law Covenant, Israel, spiritual Israel did not possess a specific “land,” like ancient Israel which would necessitate a Law System to be governed by. No, but first century Christians were told that they were to be “temporary alien residents” within this world we live in, awaiting their final reward which would be presented to them in heaven, a heavenly inheritance and not an earthly one. -- 1 Peter 2:11; Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, since members of the Christian Law Covenant, first century Christians were to be viewed as “temporary alien residents” upon earth, under the Law of Christ, then certain mandates of the previous Law Covenant, the Mosaic Law, were not enforced. Among these mandates would include the Mosaic Law’s strict prohibition for Israelites to NOT MARRY non-Israelites – a requirement under the Mosaic Law. Nevertheless, we see overall consistency in both Law Systems of God, since even the Christian Law did issue the command to all spiritual adherents, “marry only in the Lord,” and “do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.” So these 2 Law Systems still matched and showed harmony and consistency, as they continued to reflect God’s Righteous Standards, His “Righteous Decrees,” manifest through both Law Systems. – See 1 Corinthians 7:39; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Revelation 15:4
The YORWW Congregation recognizes these facts mentioned above, and thus strives to advance and promote a more enlightened approach to the question of whether female leadership within itself, should be permitted scripturally-speaking. (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16) Thru much bible study and prayer, we have come to realize that under the Mosaic Law System, Jehovah God actually offered a reprieve, or a "release" from the condemnations issued upon disobedient man and woman (and their condemned offspring) in the Garden of Eden. Yes, the curse or condemnation issued upon both man and woman, that falls upon mankind today. -- Genesis 3:16-19
Thinking back, we remember in the original Garden or Paradisaic Scene, the woman actually had an honorable position within the family circle. No, the man did not “dominate” her, as his personal “slave.” Also we remember the man, Adam, had a bright future too. Yes, the first man could look forward to work, good work, where he could perform his duties, or daily tasks within the Garden with reasonable effort, work that would not be considered “laborious” or straining in any way. Yes, Adam could express a natural, God-given genuine “propensity” and “affinity” for all tasks at hand, for all the work assigned to himself. No, the man did not have to work “by the sweat of his brow,” and till the earth expecting little or no results for his hard efforts, where only “thorns and thistles” would grow for him naturally it seemed. Yes, life was very good for the first man, very rewarding, very productive. So different from the way life turned out for him, AFTER, after God pronounced a curse upon him for his deliberate act of disobedience and put him OUT of the first earthly Kingdom of God, namely the Garden of Eden. -- See Genesis 3:16-19.
Then, the same could be said for the first woman too. Under original earthly kingdom conditions, neither would the woman experience an abnormal “craving” for her husband, during those days. No, she did not experience this abnormality to the point that she would allow him to ruthlessly “dominate” her and yes, lead her as a slave, as demanded by God's Curse upon her for disobedience. Yes, treat her as mere dirt, yes, less than dirt, as it were. Neither, would Eve, the first woman, expect her pangs of pregnancy, the pains of childbirth to be so excruciating, life threatening even, while being a part of God’s Righteous Arrangement, God’s Kingdom Upon Earth, in the Garden of Eden., where Jehovah truly ruled as king. Think about it. – See Genesis 3:16-19.
So again, the YORWW Congregation recognizes all of these facts. We also recognize that when God gave the Mosaic Law, for the first time, since His creation of the Garden of Eden, He was again, re-establishing the Kingdom of God…ON EARTH. Yes, that is what Jehovah doing, when He gave the Mosaic Law to the nation of Israel. Yes, Jehovah was re-establishing the Kingdom of God upon earth. And with this new establishment of the Kingdom of God upon earth, with the giving of the Mosaic Law, God Almighty was providing “rest” for his people. He was allowing the nation of Israel to “enter into his rest” or His “promise land,” shall we say. Paul mentioned this as well as shows that there is another Sabbath “Rest” that awaits God servants of our day, at Hebrews 4th chapter when he said,
“Since, therefore, it remains for some to enter into it, and those to whom the good news was first declared did not enter in because of disobedience, he again marks off a certain day by saying after so long a time in David’s psalm Today; just as it has been said above: today if you people listen to his own voice, do not harden your hearts. For if Joshua had led them into a place of rest, God would not afterward have spoken of another day. So there remains a sabbath resting for the people of God. For the man that has entered into God'’ rest has also himself rested from his own works, just as God did from his own."”-–Hebrews 4:6-10
So, Paul shows that even in our day, Jehovah had long ago purposed to bring about another “rest” period, another “rest” day for His People, thru His Anointed "Seed" thru Abraham. A time, when the “curses” and maledictions of God, can be "released" upon His People. -- Genesis 17:7, 8; Isaiah 61:1, Luke 4:18
God's Prophetic Word shows us that simultaneous with the magnificent "release" of God's people, would come the full reign of God's Rulership over His People. In fact, this is the true meaning of the expression "good news" since it depicts the full "release" of God's People from Babylonish Capitivity and the re-establishment of God's Rulership over His Own Name People. -- See Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 41:27; Isaiah 52:7.
In fact, back in Jesus' day and in ours too, Isaiah 61:1 speaks of a spiritual "release" for God's Name People, Israel, by saying,
"The spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, for the reason that Jehovah has anointed me to tell good news to the meek ones. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty [or release; manumission of slaves NWT Large Print Ref. Bib. fnt] to those taken captive and the wide opening of the eys even to the prisoners." -- See also Luke 4:18
Therefore, the true meaning of the expression "good news" then helps us appreciate it to be a grand time of spiritual "release" from spiritual captivity and spiritual slavery, previously imposed upon God's Name People. A spiritual release from spiritual tyranny.
Therefore, at Israel's full "release," then this naturally becomes a time of great joy that can be had by all, if they wish to re-enter God’s Kingdom again, in full obedience to His Grand Law, yes they re-enter another paradise of God, a place of peace and tranquility itself...ON EARTH. (Hebrews 4:10) Yes, this becomes a place where Jehovah God’s Law, prevails eternally, showing "Jehovah God has become King," yes, over his Name People. Praise Jah! -- Isaiah 40:9, 10; Isaiah 52:7
Therefore, based upon the above, we can say with complete confidence, yes announce again, that JEHOVAH HAS BECOME KING again...over His People...Yes God's Kingdom Rules! Yes, we can say again with complete confidence the YORWW Congregation, yes, is that very place today where God Almighty again Reigns as King fully, this place that is being offered as a Sanctuary and resting place for all obedient Israelites of our day and time. In this regard, Leviticus 26:11, 12 says,
"And I shall certainly put my tabernacle in the midst of you, and my soul will not abhor you. And I shall indeed walk in the midst of you and prove myself your God, and you, on your part, will prove yourselves my people." -- See Ezekiel 37:26, 27 & Revelation 21:3.
Yes, finally a congregation of Jehovah's witnesses that will actually "prove themselves" to be...God's People, by their faith and conduct, as ones who are truly "seeking first the kingdom and God's righteousness. (Matt. 6:33) These individuals would prove to be members of the YORWW Congregation, all of them genuine individuals of faith, as God’s Name People, Jehovah’s Witnesses of our time. All of these deserving ones, would be permitted to have a share in this special place...a place where all obedient Jehovah's witnesses can finally find Godly "rest" and "refreshment for their souls." Think about it. -- See Joshua 1:13; Matthew 11:28, 29; Hebrews 4:10; Revelation 14:13.
THE DESIGNATION "OVERSEER" VERSUS "VISITOR"
Therefore, within the “Restful” Congregation of the YORWW, our leadership, both male and female, are given a new name, a new designation. 1 Timothy 3:1 makes this statement:
“If any man is reaching out for an office of overseer [Greek: episkopes] he is desirous of a fine work.”
The Greek word episkospes has been rendered “overseer” within the New World Translation. However, according the Vines Expositiory of New Testament Words, the word can actually mean: “A visitation in mercy or in judgment.” Yes, this word can mean: VISITATION or VISITOR.
For instance, in the publication Insight On The Scriptures Volume II page 564, this comment is made concerning this particular Greek word and the related Hebrew word itself that has been translated “overseer.” It states:
“The Hebrew word for overseer, pa-qidh, is drawn from the verb pa-qadh, meaning “turn attention to” (Gen. 21:1), “visit” (Jg 15:1), “appoint” (Gen. 39:5) or “commission” (Ezr 1:2). Similary, the Greek word for overseer, episkopos, is related to the verb episkopeo, meaning “watch carefully” (Heb. 12:15), and to the noun episkope, meaning “inspection” (Lu 19:44; 1 pe 2:12), “office of overseer” (1 Ti 3:1)…Therefore, the overseer was one who gave attention certain matters of persons, VISITING, inspecting, and appointing. Protective supervision is a basic idea inherent in the Greek term.”
Therefore it is very clear, the word we know as “overseer” the Greek word, episkopos, basically means: VISITOR.
Therefore to prove this point, the scholarly bible entitled: The Bible In Living English, which liberally uses the name “Jehovah” thru-out, and which was fully endorsed by the Watchtower Society for many years, written by Steven T. Byington, renders 1 Timothy 3:1, 2 this way,
“The saying is a trustworthy one, If one has an inclination to a VISITOR’S PLACE, he is desiring a good work. So the CHURCH VISITOR must be unimpeachable, …” – 1 Timothy 3:1, 2
Yes, the word rendered “overseer” could have been properly also rendered as “Visitor” also, as shown by this particular translation of the bible.
Therefore within the YORWW Congregation, we recognize the appropriate designation as “Visitor” for the various positions of responsibilities that Jehovah’s witnesses understand to be held by “overseers” or “elders” within the congregational arrangement. For example, in YORWW, we would have designations like: “Intimate Group Visitor,” “Circuit Visitor,” “District Visitor,” “Branch Visitor,” “Division Visitor,” “Zone Visitor” and so on. Then, the expression is quite appropriate for all of these positions to be called: Servants too…Such as Modern Day Servant, Zone Servant, Division Servant, Branch Servant and so on. All of these are scriptural designations that we feel can be utilized within the congregational structure of the YORWW Congregation Arrangement, under the new Scapegoat Covenant Law. Therefore, we believe that all positions of authority within the congregation, can be filled with either qualified male or female members of YORWW Arrangement, because of the YORWW Congregation entering into God’s “Rest” Period of blessings. (Rev. 14:13) And in so doing, we are entitled to enjoy the powerful, miraculous Paradisaic Umbrella effect over the entire nation of Israel itself, a miraculous overhead "Canopy" of God’s Protection over an obedient, redeemed people, similar to the one that could have been enjoyed by the nation of Israel under Moses' leadership, as well as Adam and Eve and their offspring in the Garden of Eden, had they been simply obedient. -- See Exodus 19:5, 6; Leviticus 26:3-13; Deuteronomy 7:6, 12-16.
yorww LWF Admin ["Chieftain" Ezekiel 44:3]
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Review Questions For The Article: Should Women Be Given Authority In God's Congregation?
1. When God created man and woman, what qualities did He endow both of them with?
2. Was Adam given any dominance over Eve according to Genesis 1:27, 28?
3. What unusual situation existed in Israel under the Mosaic Law Covenant concerning women? Give two examples.
4. Why does the YORWW arrangement find its roots more deeply entrenched in the Mosaic Law Covenant rather than in the Christian Covenant?
5. What is the ‘song of Moses’ that is mentioned in Revelation 15:3, 4? What does the singing of the ‘Song of Moses’ mean?
6. How can it be said that the Scapegoat Law System is ‘born from the Mosaic Law System?’
7. What is the modern-day fulfillment of Jesus’ parable concerning the mustard seed in Mark 4:30-32?
8. In what area will there be a major difference between the Scapegoat Law and the Christian Law?
9. What is the reason given by Paul for the above prohibition against women being given positions of responsibility in the congregation as shown at 1 Timothy 2:11-14?
10. Explain why the Christian Law did not contain as many detailed laws as did the Mosaic Law?
11. What fact concerning the Mosaic Law System has the YORWW come to the realization of, one that is virtually unknown to most Bible students?
12. While living under God’s kingdom established in the Garden of Eden, what demeaning conditions would Adam and Eve not experience?
13. When Jehovah gave the nation of Israel the Mosaic Law, what was He re-establishing on earth, enabling His people to have the opportunity to experience what happy situation?
14. According to Hebrews 4:6-10, there is yet to be another ‘day of rest’ that God’s people will have opportunity to enter. Under what arrangement will this occur?
15. What is the true meaning of the _expression ‘good news’ at Isaiah 61:1?
16. Based on the above, what can we say with complete confidence concerning the YORWW Congregation?
17. The Greek word, ‘episkopes,’ used at 1Timothy 3:1, 2 has been rendered as ‘overseer’ in the NWT. According to "Vines Expository of New Testament Words," what is the actual meaning of this Greek word?
18. In harmony with the above meaning, how does the "Bible in Living English" translate ‘episkopes’ at 1 Timothy 3:1, 2?
19. Accordingly, what designations will the YORWW use for those in positions of leadership?
20. Why is it now appropriate that either qualified male or female members can fill positions of authority in the YORWW Congregation?
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