Remarks by the author on the tenth anniversary of the publication of "Give Me Back the Plenty of Eden"
【Foreword】
"Give Me Back the Plenty of Eden" was published in 1997 by the Hong Kong Chinese Theological Academy. The three authors comprehensively explore the issues of women's identity and role from the perspectives of biblical exegesis, Chinese and Western churches, cultural history, and social culture. Using the biblical theological framework of creation, fall and redemption, they point out that men and women should do their best according to their calling and gifts on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and work together to serve the kingdom of heaven. The following are three authors sharing their experiences and feelings over the ten years since the book was published:
Qiu Qingping
Although a seed is small, it can grow into a big tree, and the same is true for the seeds of thoughts. Ten years ago, the three of us planted the tiny seed of this book because we heard the beating of life in it and firmly believed that one day it would blossom.
I am responsible for writing the history and Chinese church sections, learning from the past to understand the present. Especially when tracing the root causes of discrimination and oppression of women, I cannot help but sigh deeply at the weakness of human nature and the stubborn power of cultural habits. Therefore, we understand that the renewal movement is a long-distance race, and cultivating new thinking and work habits requires years of hard work.
After the book was published, I quickly met like-minded friends. Everyone wanted to have a platform for continued discussion and a fellowship for mutual support, so they gathered some sisters who served full-time and established the "Christ Abundance Fellowship." In addition to regular fellowship gatherings and annual joint retreats in southern and northern California, we also have gatherings and fellowship with sisters in the United States, eastern Canada, western Canada, and central and southern America. We sincerely hope to see Chinese churches in North America recognize the gifts of sisters and open up all-round service opportunities, including teaching, preaching and leadership.
I personally often have the opportunity to preach and teach in various churches or seminaries. I thank God for His use. I also hope to encourage sisters who are still hesitant or shrinking to stand up, rely on the Lord to overcome all obstacles, and be handed over to the Lord. Be faithful to the responsibilities entrusted to you.
Liu Xiuxian
I still remember the prayer I prayed the day I finished my exegesis: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who gives me strength, because He has considered me faithful and appointed me to serve Him.” (1 Timothy 1:12) God has given me ten years of service. It truly allowed me to experience a breakthrough in ministry and personal growth.
When I taught "The Biblical Basis of Sisters' Ministry" for the first time in the seminary, I saw my classmates questioning, arguing, and even suggesting that this course be provided to church elders. This made me realize the power of truth to change people's hearts! I have also explained several controversial passages in Genesis and Paul’s letters among Chinese and foreign people, and I am glad to see that many sisters’ hearts have been released. Although it has caused heated debates, the comfort zone of traditional Bible interpretation has finally been disturbed! In addition, he also designed Bible study materials on husband-wife relationships and women in the Bible, wrote "Sister Bible Spiritual Practice" and provided guidance to female preachers.
Personally speaking, in addition to gladly accepting the challenge of preaching and encouraging sisters to not only work behind the scenes but also lead in front of others, I also deliberately equip male and female co-workers according to their gifts, and challenge myself and serve those with wider space to give up more opportunities to those with narrow space. sister. As my awareness of sexism increases, when I face any mentality or words or deeds that intentionally or unintentionally demean women, I always make appropriate corrections to comply with the biblical teaching of respecting men and women!
I only hope that more sisters will get up to study the Bible, and through extensive use of words, words, and examples, let the churches understand the truth that God created men and women, complement each other, and expand the kingdom of God.
Wu Shuyi
Back then, I was exploring the issue of women from a social perspective. I was deeply shocked to see that women, who were originally created in the image of God, suffered serious losses after the fall of their first ancestors. The oppression and abuse suffered by women has moved my heart more and more, but at the same time I realize that God loves the abused: “I have truly seen the suffering of my people; I have seen their cry. , I also heard...and knew their suffering.” (Exodus 3:7) I was eager to lend a helping hand. At the end of 2002, I finally gave up my teaching job at the university and officially joined the “Shofar” service full-time. God actually did it. A wonderful opening that made my dreams come true.
We started organizing an orphanage in Fujian Province, China, to adopt homeless or abandoned children, especially girls. In addition, he organized the establishment of "New York Lixin" to start a ministry of caring for battered women, becoming a voice of justice in the Chinese community, breaking the tradition of silence on wife abuse, and helping victimized women regain confidence and regain treatment.
In addition, I hope to see Chinese Christians launch a ministry to combat "human trafficking" in my lifetime, rescue women and children who have been sexually trafficked and abused, cover them with God's love and gospel, and wrap them with the prosperity of Eden. What Jesus said in the parable of the sheep and goats, “I am naked and you clothe me,” awaits our response!
Editor's note: The three authors of this article have jointly won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Christian Equality Association. This magazine would like to extend warm and heartfelt congratulations to them!