Hanging theology on the One Thing

Manhood. The One Thing. The only thing that counts when it comes to leadership, according to this Manhood generation.

It is not new as we will see. But I can guarantee you that 50 years ago, people would have whispered the words “manhood” much as they whispered pg for pregnancy, and tp for toilet paper.

“Greek men developed a rather curious custom. Upon meeting another man, they clasped each other’s right lower arms and touched their own testicles with their left hands. This was probably a symbol of honesty. In fact, the word testify is derived from testicle. In prebiblical times, men swore not on the Bible, but on their manhood (that is, their testicles). (from Modern Manners. Tools to take you to the top by Dorothea Johnson and Liv Tyler 2013, page 15)

It was 1947 before scientists began to understand male and female chromosomes. Before that time, all it took was one look.  That one look saw the One Thing that made men and women different, and they hung their whole theology on that One Thing.

The new Christians kept bringing up circumcision.  Paul got so tired of it he exclaimed, “I wish they would just go ahead and cut the whole thing off!”  (Galatians 5:12).

Well, frankly, Paul is more radical than I choose to be.  I have a husband and sons and would not want that to happen. But my frustration is as intense.  We are still looking at the One Thing and hanging our theology on it.

A lady wrote on our CBE Houston facebook page: “Repeatedly, I’ve dealt with counseling couples, whether together or as individuals, who believe the man is to be the sole source of provision. In some cases, it’s the extreme…the man must handle all the finances, including budgeting and the financial decisions of the family. I was asked, ‘what scriptures are there for support that a woman can provide and make financial decisions in the family.’

Well, there are not any scriptures saying that women can handle finances in their One Thing Rulebook. But those who subscribe to the One Thing rule pulls out their manhood and declare that their manhood gives them this leadership right.

The Bible gives us a rule that trumps their manhood rule.  Jesus Himself gives us this rule. “Love God with all your heart is the greatest commandment. The second is like it, love your neighbor as yourself. “ With this rule, no other One Thing is important.

Women, it is time you spoke up for your sons, as well as for your daughters. You know that within families, not all boys or men, lead with their manhood. Don’t let these religious bullies determine your sons’ futures.  Not all men were born with a financial leadership gene.  You do realize, don’t you, that mothers have often been a daughter’s worst enemy when she murders her little girl babies? Don’t be that kind of mother, that you would destroy either your sons or your daughters.