How do I respond to my World History teacher?
Question:
In my World History class, there was a woman who was talking about how she wasn't sure if we had all the books of the Bible. After class, I went to her and tried to explain how most of the false gospels were written by gnostics, sometimes centuries later.
Anyhow, we were talking and she said that women and men were equal. I tried to say that man was the head of woman, but I don't really think she wanted to hear too much of that. I'm going to bring in some scripture next time to show her about that.
She also said that it was odd for Jews not to marry, and Jesus was probably married because that's what Jews did. She said those who didn't marry were either lame or retarded. I didn't know what to say, but I plan on bringing in scripture on Paul not having a wife and see what she says. As well as John the Baptist.
She did say that there was a group of wealthy, land-owning, women who financed Jesus' ministry. I have no clue what to say to these things, I don't ever remember reading about Jesus hanging out with upper-class ladies. Any idea what I should say to her when I see her next? I feel kind of down on myself for not remembering these things when she was talking. I don't want her to feel like I support any false doctrine. I feel like I've been a terrible light to the world lately.
Answer:
Don't feel bad, you are learning even when someone catches you off-guard. But once you figure out the right answers, it won't be so easy the next time. It is only by trying that you learn where you need to study more.
Let's take each argument. When someone says men and women are equal, the question I ask is equal in regards to what? Height? No, men genetically tend to be taller than women. Strength? No, the average man is stronger than the average woman. Bearing children? No, men are not able to do this. The fact is that there are two genders means that they are not equal in everything. The Bible teaches that men and women are equal in regards to salvation. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise" (Galatians 3:28-29). Just as a slave is not equal to a free man in everything, yet in regards to the promise of salvation they are the same, so it is with men and women.
Her statement that Jews always married is false. Paul and John the Baptist are good examples. Just because something might be uncommon, it doesn't mean it is non-existent. What the argument also leaves out is age. Married by when? Boaz in the book of Ruth is called an older man, yet he isn't married. Therefore, her argument doesn't prove Jesus was married. It only claims that being single wasn't the norm.
"Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities -- Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance" (Luke 8:1-3).
There was a group of women helping to support Jesus, whether they were wealthy or land-owning is pure supposition on her part. The Bible doesn't say, nor does it matter. Nor does the Bible's account indicate that these women were the sole source of support for Jesus.
In regards to whether we have all the books of the Bible, notice that she doesn't have evidence of missing books. She is arguing from what she doesn't know. She is saying that she isn't certain we have all the books. That isn't an argument, that is merely an uncertain opinion. See: Books "Missing" from the Bible? and How We Know We Have All the Bible, with No Books Added and No Books Lost.
