I'll have to be brief in my response since the kids are home (so forgive typos and any incoherency!), but here goes....

First of all thanks for your two comments today, they stick to the issues and I appreciate that. Second, I hope you don't think I was in anyway taken aback by your passion for accuracy in handling Scripture. I certainly see that as a virtue and would encourage you to continue studying. I'll use the numbers from your previous comment in my comments/responses below:

1) and 2): You and I may just have to agree to disagree on the authoress comment. I do feel however that since you posted it under your name, it's your responsibility though it didn't originate with you (you could have edited it out and we are holding Heather accountable for an idea she posted even though it originated with someone else). The phrase about knowing little Greek is an insult and an undue one at that. Even if we agree that her translation is off, one mistake does not make that statement true. We all make mistakes every now and then when dealing with a 2000 year old text written in another language. And since authoress is not the conventional way of referring to a female author (at least not in scholarly literature, nor have I seen it used anywhere in popular lit before your comment) can you see how, coupled with the following statement, it might be seem condescending in some sense?

3) I still think we're talking past one another when we use the word "culture" or "cultural." See my comment above. 

 4)Thanks, I share your frustration and I am sincere in saying we are happy to have disagreements and dissenting opinions here as long as the conversation remains respectful as it has today.

5) and 6): If I understand you correctly you seem to be concerned about the qualifications of us (as a group, I think?) in dealing with the Greek text of the NT. (I'm getting this from your statements about "chatter on a text without someone qualified" and proposing things "without even knowing about the Greek"). In response to this I would like to refer you to the author's page (see the side bar under "Most Popular") where you can read about each of our authors. Most, if not all, have gradute degrees in some area of Theology, many have a ThM (which requires extensive study in the original languages), some are seasoned Women's Ministers, and some have DMin degrees. I personally have a ThM in NT studies and am in the midst of my Phd studies in NT. Of course, none of this means that any of us are infallible in our interpretations of Scripture, but I do think that, as a group, we are qualified to speak on a wide range of issues and that, as a group we can interact with, sharpen, and correct one another (one good reason for a group blog like this). And I do think that means that we deserve the benefit of the doubt-both with regards to our qualifications and our intentions. We are all committed to understanding and living in obedience to the Lord and helping other women (and men) to do the same. 

Thanks again for your comments today. It's homework time at my household, so I'm off!

Terri