1 Corinthians 14:34-35

[slashreborn06]

So in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 it says...

34women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

How are we supposed to take this passage? If we really are to take the Bible for truth, should women really not talk in church? It seems to me that the message is pretty straight forward. Now I believe that it is the place of a man to be set in charge of the church (as pastors) but I find it hard to believe that God dose not want woman to speak in church.

[slashreborn06]

I'm not asking about women in positions of authority. I don't think women should be pastors or church board members, etc. I'm talking about women of a congregation. Does your church (if you belong to one) make women stay silent at all times in church?

Where I worship, women are silent during the worship assembly except for during congregational singing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16).

So they stay silent the entire time? If they dont understand something, they wouldn't even lean over and whisper a question to their friend? They would stay silent until they "get home and ask their husband"?

[McCulloch]

So they stay silent the entire time? If they dont understand something, they wouldn't even lean over and whisper a question to their friend? They would stay silent until they "get home and ask their husband"?

No. Not if they if they continue in faith with self-restraint. Because that is what the Bible very plainly teaches them to do. And if they believe that the Bible is from God, that is what they will do. If, on the other hand, they don't really believe that the Bible is from God, they are under no obligation to exercise such self-restraint.

[slashreborn06]

So they stay silent the entire time? If they dont understand something, they wouldn't even lean over and whisper a question to their friend? They would stay silent until they "get home and ask their husband"?

No. Not if they if they continue in faith with self-restraint. Because that is what the Bible very plainly teaches them to do. And if they believe that the Bible is from God, that is what they will do. If, on the other hand, they don't really believe that the Bible is from God, they are under no obligation to exercise such self-restraint.

Dang man, I have to say that's pretty wild. So you don't have any feminists in your church then? So if I were to ask any of the women in your church, the Majority of them would tell me that they shouldn't be allowed to speak in church, or sing solos, or what not. They would tell me they wait until they leave church to speak?

[McCulloch]

So you don't have any feminists in your church then?

I think that maybe you're starting to get the point. The philosophies of feminism are contrary to the teachings of the Bible as the literal Word of God. The various attempts to reconcile feminism and Biblical literalism end up compromising one or the other. Feminists do not believe that the Bible was literally inspired by God. Bible believing Christians are not feminists.

[slashreborn06]

McCulloch, Your feedback is much appreciated, you make very good points. But I see by your profile that you are an Atheist. Do you still go to church?

But I would also like to hear from someone, who like me goes to Church. Do your women speak in your church? (Please remember we are not speaking about positions of authority here, but as part of the congregation)

[McCulloch]

McCulloch, Your feedback is much appreciated, you make very good points.

Thanks. Now the but.

But I see by your profile that you are an Atheist. Do you still go to church?

Yes, I am. No, I do not.

I never did merely go to church. Church is something that one is a part of, not just some periodic event that one goes to. Because I was a part of a church, I went to the public meetings of the church; I went to the homes of other church members and I spent time with other church members because that is what church is.

But I would also like to hear from someone, who like me goes to Church. Do your women speak in your church?

So would I. So, I'll shut up now. Christians, do your churches believe and practice what the New Testament teaches about the role of women? Yes or no?

[slashreborn06]

I never did merely go to church. Church is something that one is a part of, not just some periodic event that one goes to. Because I was a part of a church, I went to the public meetings of the church; I went to the homes of other church members and I spent time with other church members because that is what church is.

Although I think It is important for one to go to Church on Sundays (as in organized church), you are absolutely correct and make a good point. If we take Church to mean the Body of Christ, then this verse would just mean that women should not talk at bible studies either, or any christian gatherings.

That being said, It seems to me that Paul is referring to an organized meeting of church, as he also in other passages speaks of leadership in the church. But the argument still of course can be made.

[Flail]

So in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 it says...

34women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says.35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

How are we supposed to take this passage? If we really are to take the Bible for truth, should women really not talk in church? It seems to me that the message is pretty straight forward. Now I believe that it is the place of a man to be set in charge of the church (as pastors) but I find it hard to believe that God dose not want woman to speak in church.

sounds like the words of a man who really loved men.

[whirlwind]

Thank you, I appreciate your points. I would however like to hear an explaination of these verses from someone who, like I believe that the Bible is divinely inspired. Anyone?

I believe....

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

So where Paul writes....

1 Corinthians 14:34-36 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. WHAT? CAME THE WORD OF GOD OUT FROM YOU? OR CAME IT UNTO YOU ONLY?

We see that Paul was writing in irony to the men of Corinth telling women to be silent. God's Word is given to all...not just to the husbands at home.

14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Brethren is inclusive of ALL believers, male or female, so all should want to teach His Holy Word....

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

[Flail]

Thank you, I appreciate your points. I would however like to hear an explaination of these verses from someone who, like I believe that the Bible is divinely inspired. Anyone?

I believe....

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

So where Paul writes....

1 Corinthians 14:34-36 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. WHAT? CAME THE WORD OF GOD OUT FROM YOU? OR CAME IT UNTO YOU ONLY?

We see that Paul was writing in irony to the men of Corinth telling women to be silent. God's Word is given to all...not just to the husbands at home.

14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

Brethren is inclusive of ALL believers, male or female, so all should want to teach His Holy Word....

Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Paul was a man in a man's world where women had few rights beyond child birthing and nesting. Paul's letters are simply the opinion of a flawed and arrogant man bent on building a religion. His teachings and those of the Christianity he founded are inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus. They were promulgagted in the Bible some 400 years after the fact for the same purpose...church building.