between brothers and sisters...

[countrymouse]

We have fairly clear instructions about what women may and may not do in an assembly (church), or in relationship to her husband or perhaps men in general. We read, for instance, in 1 Corinthians:

+ 1 Cor 14:34, (NKJV), Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.

+ 1 Cor 14:35, (NKJV), And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.

and in 1 Timothy:

+ 1 Tim 2:11, (ASV), Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection.

+ 1 Tim 2:12, (ASV), But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.

We also read:

+ Phil 4:3, (NKJV), And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

+ 1 Cor 11:5, (NKJV), But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.

We also know the story of Priscilla and her husband Aquilla who took Apollos aside to give him fuller instruction in the gospel (Acts 18), as well as Philip's daughters who were prophetesses.

Just for a little bit of historical and cultural information, not that Paul's primary reasons for his instructions were cultural, but perhaps for the sake of clarity: In those days in the civilized world respectable women did not publicly participate in debate or matters of government.

Perhaps we will have to first iron out what this meant then. My specific question is this: how do all these things apply now, in this setting? Is it proper for Christian women to debate theology with their brothers on public forums such as these?

Brothers, please don't hesitate to speak your minds! I know that we ladies can be opinionated, but I really want to know what you think and what your reasons are. I'm not trolling for a fight; this is not a rhetorical question for which I already have an answer. I do think this is important.

with appreciation,
cm

[Troll]

CountryMouse,

Good question! But AS this is the 'Net who can tell what , much less who, you are?

That makes everyone on an equal footing. It comes down to what you have to say.

You could be a typing retard like me!

Life happens and then you get a computer!

Troll

[bgamall]

Well Acts speaks about chief women. So I think women had power in certain places. I think Paul is saying that women can teach and share the gospel everywhere. I think Paul is also saying that in a large congregation there needs to be order and that the men should hold the office of teachers. Beyond that we were not there so it is difficult.

I don't buy the fact that Paul's statements are based on a cultural bias because he says Eve was deceived in the fall. That seems to be a direct revelation from God regarding the differences between men and women. Paul is appealing to the Genesis account when setting down his rules.

[Eileen]

Hi cm,

A great and valid question. For me personally, as a woman, I would never "debate" here on this forum but I have found a means whereby I can "ask" a question and be blessed by so many responses. Could that be considered learning in quietness???

I cannot fulfill the scripture.. to ask my husband at home.. because he is spiritually blinded at this time in his life (certainly by God's providence). So this forum provides a measure of learning that I would otherwise not have.

Not scriptual answers for sure, just some in-put. I am curious as to what others do have to say on this issue and you are right...I am one of those opinionated ladies myself!!!!

Eileen

[tomas1]

Speaking as a man and a radical biblicist I think those directives from Paul are still valid but total silence is not what is called for. We know women were allowed even encouraged to pray and prophecy in the assembly they were just forbidden to teach, judge prophecy or have a place of authority over men. In these forums no one has a place of authority (with the possible exception of the moderators) and no one is teaching per say though we all learn.
By the way I think the reason for the commands is not any shortcoming on women’s part but because of men’s fragile egos. I am in awe of women who voluntarily yield to men who are less spiritually mature. This to me is a great example of what it means to be Christ like.