Sad Developments in the C.R.C. (1)

Of the nations is written that they are like the waves of the sea, because there is always movement in the sea. The same must be said of the churches. When we look back in history, it is evident that there were very difficult times as a consequence of persecutions, but there were also times when errors of doctrine came into the foreground. This brought much strife and confusion among them. And it is especially toward the end of the world that we must expect an increase in the attacks against God’s Word, as Satan will then be let loose.

Last month the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church met in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the issue of the ordination of women was again on the agenda. After years of discussions, reports, decisions, and protests by orthodox Classes, this issue now seems to be settled, as the Synod gave permission for women to be installed in the offices. We call it a sad development, although it was clear that this would happen sooner or later.

We have seen this development take place in the Netherlands more than thirty years ago. In imitation of the Reformed Synod there, also the C.R.C. decided in 1968 to allow women in the church offices. This question also came up in the Free Reformed Church, but to date has not resulted in the same consequences. According to one of their ministers, Rev. Slagboom, it would be the first step upon a wrong path.

In these developments it is to be seen that the danger is also close to our doors. We should not elevate ourselves above them, because, without the protecting hand of the Lord, we are in danger of going in the same way. In these days, with so little spiritual experience and much head knowledge, such modern doctrines can easily penetrate, clothed in the cloak of reformed renewal. We should continually pray that the Lord keep us from all those dangers.

How are these developments possible while God’s Word is so clear about them? It is not my intention to give a full scriptural explanation, but I will only mention a few texts which make it clear that women should not be permitted in the offices of the church. We read in 1 Corinthians 14:34, “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak.” In verse 35 we read, “For it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” Paul stated emphatically that in all churches the women should remain silent. His language is not wavering, but firm; it is a command to be silent. Paul writes, inspired by the Holy Ghost.

When Calvin wrote about this, he acknowledged the great service of God-fearing women in the church, but he made it clear that it does not apply to the office. He wrote, “But the office of teacher is a superiority in the church and is consequently inconsistent with subjection. She cannot therefore have authority to teach in public.” We find similar expressions in 1 Timothy 2:9-12.

Does this mean that women are completely excluded from church life? No, not when you read the epistles of the apostle Paul. We find in Romans 16:1 that he called Phebe a servant of the church. In the Greek it is the word diakonos. And in 1 Timothy 5:9-10 the apostle mentions a few requirements for women to become such a diakonos or servant of the church.

In the Bible the word servant usually comes from one of two words. Diakonos is, generally speaking, to be distinguished from bond-servant or slave (doulos). Diakonos views a servant in relationship to his work, while doulos views her in relationship to her master. These women of whom are spoken can be compared with nurses, who took care of the sick in the congregation, but they did not have an office in the church. They were often older widows, who also gave assistance to the needy and to Christians, as much as was possible, who for the Name and sake of the Lord were cast into prison.

Later these women formed orders of diakonos, which afterward became the nuns. In the time of the Reformation some tried to revive this again, but it was rejected by the Synod of Middelburg in 1581. However, it was recommended that in time of plagues or other contagious diseases women perform work of mercy, work which was not as readily done by the deacons. This has been the common persuasion in the churches of the Reformation of the past, but which has been changed more recently by modern theologians.

We called this a sad development. It is a sign of the time that man is going in his own way, no longer asking the will of God as recorded in His Word. It is certain that many do not agree with the decisions made. May the Lord remember them! However, it is also a warning for us that views of men can change so quickly when God’s Word is not the guide in our lives. May the Lord keep us also in these matters and give prayer in our midst that He not withdraw Himself from us and our children.

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