A Woman's Voice Jenny Warner Summary

Summary: Article #3

Throughout the article “A Woman’s Voice”, Jenny Warner recognizes the lack of women preachers in the church, and its harmful effects on the church congregation. While in her internship, Warner was asked to present a short reflection, along with other male preachers, at a church consisting of various denominations. As the pastors met beforehand, Warner soon discovered she was the youngest among the speakers, the only woman, and the only preacher who was not ordained. After Warner delivered her reflection, many women from the church congregation praised her, although she had only given a five-minute reflection. At this moment Warner considered the limited occasions in which she had experienced a woman preaching in the church; this contributed to the reason why so many women were impressed by her reflection.

Not only were many astonished by Warner’s spoken reflection, but also at her intent to become an ordained preacher. She recognized how rare it is to hear the voice of a woman, yet how fortunate she is to have the ability to speak in front of a congregation and to have the option of becoming an ordained pastor.

Warner stresses the benefit having not only a woman’s voice in the church, but also the voices of those who are commonly ignored. Hearing a woman’s voice does not only favor other females, but all listening in

the congregation; just as hearing voices of the unheard benefits all who listen. Warner continues as she emphasizes the significant amount of perspective which is lost in the church when only hearing men preach. Listening to women in the church can provide reconciliation for those who are hurting and feel as if they are ignored.
Although many denominations limit the preaching of women, Warner encourages the church to welcome women into an authoritative role. Women may not be considered for this role because they seem to lack experience, but this could be due to the lack of opportunity presented to them to speak in front if the church. To not embrace women pastors in the church is to lack perspective and knowledge.
Reflection: Article #3
I appreciate the merit Warner extends to the voice of women, and the recognition of the lack of it within the church. While I agree with Warner’s views of the rare occasions in which women hold a role of authority in the church, I desired for her to expand further on the benefits brought from hearing from the silenced within the church. It is important to consider the ministry needed for the oppressed.
The different perspective women can provide is a substantial argument as to why women should regularly preach within a church. Women share different experiences, and therefore have different perspectives on various topics, which can benefit other women, but also help other men who do not share these perspectives and experiences.
This article is a reminder of the importance of women in a world where they hold a lower value than men.

In Exodus, this situation is prevalent as the women save the Hebrew babies from being killed; the Princess, midwives, mothers, and sisters all contributed so save the babies, and together they did. Although these women present a great role throughout this process, the recognition of these women in Exodus and throughout the Bible is miniscule. Just as in Exodus, women in the church do and have the potential to make a huge impact, but are not acknowledged for their skills, and not presented an opportunity to display

them.
I question how the dynamics of the church would change if women and those who are ignored were presented with the opportunity to speak in front of the church more often. I believe this would result in more empathetic and insightful Christians. Because of this lack of perspective, I believe the congregation is deprived of insightful knowledge and examples, and I wonder how are thoughts and actions would differ as Christians if we were preached at with these different positions. Obtaining a woman as a pastor sets an example for the value of women in and outside of the church, as well as gives the church a new perspective of the Bible.
Summary: Article #4
“Exodus in the African-American Experience” follows the formation of the “invisible church”, derived from the history of African-Americans; it also shows the resemblance of the African-American experience to the book of Exodus. The “invisible church” came into existence during the time of slavery, when slaves needed a purpose to continue on living after white masters attempted to strip the slaves of their identity.
When comparing Exodus to the time of slavery in the US, the Israelites appear to be equivalent to African-Americans and the Egyptians equal white slaveholders. Their life fell in line with those of the Israelites: they too were the chosen people who would eventually reach the promised land. In both situations, in Exodus and in the time of slavery, these two groups fall to oppression, yet God is stronger and prevails, ultimately liberating them.
Hymns were sung by African-Americans to create a safe space, one of hope. This presented slaves with the ability to dissociate themselves form their slaveholders and search for God. From reading Exodus, they determined the God who rescued the Israelites out of Egypt has not changed, and will also rescue African-Americans out of slavery.
Due to oppression, many whites who were in poverty and were struggling attempted to compare themselves to slaves. Although they did endure hardships, their identity was not denied by others. Because of the trials of slavery, the of African-Americans differs from the spirituality of others.
Preachers played an enormous role throughout the time of slavery. Because preachers were often illiterate, the Christianity of slaves became an oral religion. The biblical texts which were shared were delivered orally and were reenacted. The preachers worked to deliver their messages through conceptuality, confrontation, and consolation. These three qualities allowed a message to be presented to display their knowledge of the cruel situation, present the idea confrontationally to the congregation and to white slave masters, to explain to the slave masters all humans are created equally, and to comfort slaves throughout the grueling time.
Reflection: Article #4
This article illustrated the lack of humanity which was presented to slaves, and the impact this had in evolving their Christianity into the “invisible religion”. This helped my understanding of the time of slavery, along with the time in which the Israelites were in a similar position. The comparison of the two situations aided in my understanding of both, due to their similarity, even though they occurred in different times.
The slavery of African-Americans and the holding of Israelites by the Egyptians have very similar situations. Both groups were oppressed and had no power, yet God delivered for them after a time of waiting. The way in which the slaves used the story of the Israelites for hope, was useful for them as a tool in order for them to push through their misery and see to the end: the Promise Land.
It is important to learn the difference in spirituality for African-American slaves compared to those who were not enslaved, because of the history of slavery, and how the “invisible church” became a reality for slaves. The songs and even sermons presented different meanings to them due to their situation, which those who were not enslaved would not be able to understand. It is also critical to acknowledge the difference between the oppression of African-Americans, and those of whites who feel oppressed. While anyone can endure pain and hardships, the experiences of slaves greatly differ as their identity was torn from them, and they received no recognition as human beings.
I will always question why God allowed suffering for so long; why God waited to deliver Israelites to the Promise Land and why God waited to let the slaves out of suffering, but it is important to consider these are not the sins of God, but the sins of others. Although both situations were full of pain and suffering, the enduring situation of the Israelites assisted in the spirituality of the African-Americans as they endured slavery.
Summary: Article #1
“An Asian Feminist Perspective: The Exodus Story”, presents a skit written by women, about the women in Exodus. While the Israelites are in an abusive situation from the Egyptians, both women and men are mistreated by the Egyptains.
Pharaoh, the leader of the Egyptians, orders the midwives to kill any male newborn Hebrew babies, out of fear the men will grow strong and then revolt against him. He does not fear newborn females, for their purpose is to be concubines and servants, and they would not have the power to overtake him. Instead of putting the newborns into the Nile as they were instructed, the midwives claim the Hebrew women have great strength, and the babies are born before they are able to arrive to help them to deliver. The midwives are then threatened after Pharaoh discovers the midwives are not killing the newborns.
A woman named Jochebed is due to give birth and fears for her child’s life, especially after the midwives were threatened. Once her baby is born, the women gather together with a plan. The Princess, daughter of the Pharaoh, differs from her father cruelty. In order for the Princess to find the baby and save him, Jochebed and the women place the baby in a basket and float him along the Nile River on the day the Princess bathes in the river. While she was bathing at the Nile, the Princess hears a cry from the baby in the basket, and although she recognizes he is a Hebrew male, she decides to keep him.
As Pharaoh discovers his daughter has kept the Hebrew baby, not following his decree, he summons the Princess. She pleads for the baby’s life and explains to him the baby can grow up and worship their gods in order to anger the Israelite God; this is appealing to Pharaoh because he does not like the Israelite God. Pharaoh permits the Princess to keep the baby. As the Princess found the baby, she sees the power and influence of the Israelite God.
Reflection: Article #1
The article accentuates the role of the women throughout the Egyptian control over the Israelites, and brings a sense of importance to them as they saved all newborn Hebrew babies. The Israelite women worked together, and accomplished the task without the help of any men. These women are heroes throughout the book of Exodus due to their endurance and devotion to God, and ironically saving the next generation of Hebrew men. Through ought each trial they look to God.
It is interesting how the lives of the women revolve around men in different aspects throughout this story in Exodus. In the beginning of the story, Susannah is concerned because Judah is injured from the Egyptian foreman, but has little concern for herself; she tends to Judah and his injuries. Jochebed shows great worry for her husband Aaron, and all of the woman empathize with her. Hannah is concerned as she is taken advantage of by her mistress, and now worries no men will take her. Jochebed is pregnant with a boy, and the women are concerned for Jochebed and all other newborn boys; they are even willing to risk their lives for them. All of these women also have to tend to Pharaohs decrees. Every worry the women present are for men who are a part of their lives. They are being controlled by a man, and at the same time are trying to save the next generation of Hebrew men, while worrying about their husbands, with little consideration for themselves.
Throughout this story and many others, it is alarming of the significant role women play, yet the little recognition they receive. I believe this to be true in today’s world, but it is displayed in different ways. Women can perform the same job, yet be paid less; this is an example of a lesser recognition shown in a different way. Women played a significant role in the Bible, especially in Exodus.