Religion and Theology

Carl Hoch Jr.s The Role of Women in the Church A Survey of Current Approaches, was an explication of several Biblical passages, mostly coming from the New Testament and with emphasis given on their original Greek texts, that discussed the importance of women in the churchs apostolic era, and its implications in contemporary Western Christianity.  Most explicit in the article is his categorizing of the major approaches to the roles of women in the church, specifically those belonging to non-evangelical egalitarian, the evangelical egalitarian, and hierarchical (Hoch, 1987, p. 242).     

Likewise, although Hoch employed external researches and articles such as Gilbert Bilezikians (p. 245), Wayne Grudems (p. 249), and Gordon Fees (p. 245), it is apparent that Hoch refused to make any substantial conclusion on his treatise pertaining to the importance of women in the modern Western Christian church.  His suggestion, that every effort should be expended by those within the church to grapple with the issue in an attempt to reachbiblical place in the body of Christ (Hoch, 1987, p. 249), clearly displayed his stance of simply being a passive influence on the subject.  Moreover, his employment of questions as his closing argument instead of having a clear and defined position further justifies this claim, as exemplified by his question number eleven, which stated, What contributions can women make to theology, guidance, supervision, and organization in the church (Hoch, 1987, p. 250).

In all, Hochs technique of allowing his readers for self-inquiry as a result of his article, instead of the usual spoon-feeding of answers and arguments, resulted in a more effective manner of awakening the readers sensibilities regarding the subject matter.  It resulted in a need to further explore the intricacies surrounding the religious roles of women in the modern era, in relation to their supposed importance during the apostolic times.

Personal Views
In more recent times, the precept of male exclusivity in the hierarchy in the leadership of the church is being put into public attention.  An ever-increasing call for the equality of gender influence, this time specific on religious leadership, has been evidenced through numerous books and articles that delved on this subject for the past five years (Hoch 1987, p. 242).  Hochs article, The Role of Women in the Church A Survey of Current Approaches, although passive in nature, is another contributor to the overall consciousness of gender equality that is being propagated in various religious factions, especially in the Christian world. 

While it may be too premature to be declaring certain Christian hierarchical innovations, perhaps it is sagacity to observe that women are due of certain religious importance, especially in areas of apostleship where they had once been important instruments in the Christian movement.  As such, the women in the New Testament prayed, prophesied, engaged in benevolent works, hosted meetings of the church, and were fellow-workers with the apostle Paul (Hoch, 1987, p. 244), signifying not only their importance in the ancient Christian churches, but more importantly on their direct influential participation in the movement.

Perhaps what Hoch and other authors of the same genre espouses is for women to reclaim their original status in the church the very status that Christ himself supposedly promoted and supported during his earthly ministry.  Perhaps also, they envision a modern Christian era wherein the original hierarchical order of leadership will be re-established.  This will mean a total restructuring of the norms that have been set for generations, and will require for society to reconsider its regard on women, in general terms.  If indeed we are ready for these socio-religious innovations to occur, will only be known in the manner that the society itself will fight for these changes to be instigated.