http://www.christianitymagazine.co.uk/features/men%20women%20and%20god.aspx

“What is the difference between men and women? …….. While campaigns for equality in the 60s and 70s stressed the equivalence of men and women, in recent years there has been a swing back to exploring and trying to define the differences between the sexes. Much of that has been helpful, leading to better communication and increased understanding between men and women. But is it all good? Or is there a danger that rigid definitions of difference, particularly ones with a Christian veneer, can actually perpetuate stereotypes, stifle diversity and drive us further apart?”

I very much enjoyed Jenny’s article, but have to say am perplexed by the news in this magazine that some churches are going to quite some lengths to try to establish a more equal male/female ratio.  Another article talked about setting up a men’s camp in the wilds of Suffolk, whilst it sounded great fun, it’s also sounded painfully self conscious - do men really need this kind of ’special treatment’?

I feel blessed, having read this to find I belong to Christian groups where the male/female ratio isn’t very obvious, but I can’t help wondering if this debate isn’t a deflection from the real issue, that is, that church services are often excruciating, over long, irrelevant and weird? (- not that that says much about women, are we being too tolerant?)

anyway, Jenny’s article is worth a read, and it would be good to hear your views - should we make church more like a football event?

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