"Football is not a matter of life and death, it is more important than that."
The Grand Design
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Owen Strachan and Gavin Peacock, Fearn, Christian Focus Publications, 2016. ISBN 978-1-78191-764-0
The basic argument of this book is that leading and teaching the people of God is the exclusive call of men: “Men are called to be leaders by very virtue of the fact that they are created male”. This means that “a husband is to sacrificially protect his wife … qualified men should lead the church”.1Timothy. 2:12 is quoted: “Do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet” and interpreted: “This principle applies in ways great and small, and does not leave room for elders to approve of women speaking to mixed adult groups, whether for a one-time event or an ongoing series”. The book states explicitly that the meaning of this verse (and the authors’ understanding of the Biblical view of the role of women) is that “women are not permitted to teach a mixed group within the church. It is not simply the office of pastor/eIder that they cannot hold”.
The implication for women in secular life includes not serving in the army on the frontline in war, or as an army sergeant for instance—barking orders and directing men or a female referee in a men’s football match or other “jobs which would at some point stretch biblical femininity to such an extent that they would be untenable for her”.
This goes as far as to question girls going to university: “Christian parents need to think carefully with their daughters about college, taking on massive debt as many families do today, and whether their girls will be able—should God allow—to become a wife, mother, and homemaker”.
This teaching also has implications for women and sport. Women are “to wear clothes that are not masculine but are modestly feminine, to welcome physical exertion but avoid manly competition.”
Having known Gavin Peacock since his days as a professional footballer, I am trilled to see how he has developed and matured in his Christian faith. However, I am a member of a church which has women elders and preachers and I am Biblically comfortable which that. I totally respect his view of manhood and womanhood but I do not agree that it is the only possible understanding of the Scriptures.