Misunderstanding the Priesthood

 

Dr. Alice C. Linsley

Recent posts and videos by Anglican evangelicals such as Allison Barr have presented flawed arguments for the ordination of women to the priesthood. Their views represent a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the priesthood. The priesthood is and always has been about the Blood. 

Blood is essential for life. Blood bonds are the strongest of all kinship bonds. Blood purifies. It is the basis of all biblical covenants. It redeems. In other words, the priesthood speaks of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as no other sacred or secular office can.

Anthropologists have noted that almost universally blood is gendered. That is, the blood work of males and the blood work of females is distinct. The blood work of males pertains to war, hunting and execution. The blood work of females pertains to the monthly cycle and childbirth. The two can never be in the same space. They are never to be confused or mixed. Men were never allowed in the birthing chambers and women were never allowed in the place of animal sacrifice.

God wants us to think clearly about life and death. "Choose this day life or death" (Deut. 30:19) is a powerful exhortation to think about the distinction between life and death. That is why the people were commanded never to boil a baby goat in its mother's sustaining milk (Ex. 23:19, Ex. 34:26, and Deut. 14:21). This action blurs the distinction between life and death.

The priesthood is uniquely about the Blood of Jesus Messiah. No wonder it is constantly under attack.