As many of us grew up, our parents bombarded us with countless adages, one namely being “respect your elders.” However, as college students we sometimes forget that tidbit of wisdom and try to find fault with anything an aged person says.

For example, in Friday’s issue of The Optimist, a 1959 alum responded to a column concerning women’s role in Chapel by saying that the ACU administration should follow the Biblical standards of not allowing women to lead worship, and that if
women want to be Christians, they should accept those standards. Several people, including students, fired off e-mails and comments on the Optimist’s Web site, voicing their utter disapproval of the alum’s letter.

But I believe we can learn from the letter. And at the risk of losing all chances at ever getting a girlfriend at ACU, I will
attempt to make the argument for why women should not have leadership roles in Chapel.

First of all, the Bible does mention the role of women in the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:34, Paul writes that “women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.” Obviously, Paul never heard of sexism or else he would have chickened out and wrote something a little more politically correct.

Fortunately, he didn’t. And a reasonable number of ACU students wholeheartedly agree with what he wrote. In a Chapel survey conducted last fall, a total of 19 percent of students answered that they would have contention with women leading. Simply put, one out of every five students wants women to sit down and shut up during Chapel, which clearly follows Biblical teaching.

Naysayers would point out that the Bible features many female spiritual leaders, such as Deborah, the only female Judge of Israel; Esther, a queen and prophetess; and Anna, who prophesied about Jesus when he was born.

They would also cite Galatians 3:28, which says that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

But those examples do not apply to this argument. Why are they irrelevant, you ask? Because I said so (another commonly used parental proverb.)

While the fairer sex may find my answer to be unfair, let me say that such progressive and commonsensical thoughts have no place in Abilene. Senior citizens have already determined that anything that does not resemble Mayberry, N.C. should not be
in the “Friendly Frontier”.

For instance, “Girls Gone Wild,” a touring franchise that produces videos of young women who agree to expose their bodies on camera, planned on visiting a local bar last Friday. But the group canceled because of public protest, perfectly documented by the 200 comments posted on the Abilene Reporter-News’ online stories.

Another instance occurred Nov. 7, 2006 when more than 15,000 Abilene voters – most were senior citizens – voted in favor of a public smoking ban. The ban prohibits smoking in places like bars, waiting rooms and some outdoor facilities. Many voters believe the strict ban will protect the public from the hazards of secondhand smoke.

Although many college students possess the maturity and judgment to make their own decisions, some seniors find
it necessary to subdue such tempting dangers.

However, when I think about it, I cannot see women leading worship anywhere near as dangerous as the previous two examples. I personally cannot agree with the argument for women’s suppressed role in Chapel.

So my ultimate conclusion is that everyone is entitled to an opinion. If nothing else, that simple truth is what we can learn from the alum’s letter.

And that the elders in our community provide vital insight into church traditions, practices and spirituality. As students, we need to be open to learning from our elders. And instead of fighting with them when we disagree, we should respectfully work with them to reach an agreement that is also in accordance with Scripture. Remember that Jesus commanded us to make peace with each other.

Oh, and also remember to eat all your vegetables.

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu