We’re honored to learn from Dr. William G. Witt about his book “Icons of Christ: A Biblical and Systematic Theology for Women’s Ordination” from Baylor Press, where he provides an analysis of the various arguments used by Protestants and Catholics against woman’s ordination as well as the biblical and theological cases for women’s ordination to the offices of both word and sacrament.
In this podcast, Dr. Witt discusses how those on both sides of the debate embrace new theological positions in response to cultural changes and outlines positive ecumenical arguments for the ordination of women and the importance of women in leadership roles in churches.
His arguments in support of women’s ordination stem from a biblical, historical, systematic and liturgical theology. He also reminds us that all Christians bear the image of God and are called to serve as icons of Christ in service of the gospel.
There is — of course — a lot of debate on this issue and I hope this conversation helps you grow in empathy for the reasons why many churches affirm women’s ordination and ways that we can support more women in their ministry work.
Dr. William G. Witt is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics at Trinity School for Ministry and earned his PhD from the University of Notre Dame and M.A. from St. Thomas Seminary.
You can subscribe or download this show on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe to the video series on YouTube.
Here is an overview of our conversation:
EP14: Biblical & Systematic Theology for Women’s Ordination
In this episode, Dr. Witt shares with us why it was important for him to write a systematic theology in favor of women’s ordination, the challenges women face in earning ordinations and finding employment within many denominations, why Protestants and Catholics approach this topic differently, and why some strict evangelical communities won’t even allow women to teach men in college seminary courses. Dr Witt also breaks down the primary arguments used to oppose woman’s ordination in Ephesians 5 and 1 Corinthians 10 and reveals why there are many other ways to understand Paul’s view of headship, submission and head coverings.
Listen or download the podcast here:
Video conversation:
William Witt, PhD
Dr. Witt is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics at Trinity School for Ministry and earned his PhD from the University of Notre Dame and M.A. from St. Thomas Seminary. He enjoys discussing Thomas Aquinas, Karl Barth, C.S. Lewis, Julian of Norwich, women’s ordination and systematic theology.
