Women's Role in the Church

According to biblical Christianity, what role are women supposed to fulfill in the church? After examining the Scriptures, it seems to me that women are not supposed to teach in church at all. I am well aware that some might find that offensive, but I think that is literally what the NT teaches.

"As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church." 1 Cor. 14:33b-35 (ESV)

The notion that Paul is quoting one of his adversaries here is fashionable, but is refuted by the following passage:

"11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor." 1 Tim. 2:11-14 (ESV)

That seems to be quite straightforward. A woman is not to teach in the church. I believe that is what Paul is also saying in 1 Cor. 14.

It is interesting to note that Christ chose 12 men to be apostles, though he could have chosen some women (he had women followers). God is referred to as the Father, Christ is referred to as the Son, the Bible was written by men, and you will rarely find a woman prophetess mentioned in the Bible. There is, for example, Miriam, and Deborah (Judg. 4), and Huldah (2 Ki. 22:14), but they are clearly few and far between.

In the NT, there is of course Priscilla (wife of Aquila), Phoebe, Lydia, Philip's daughters who were prophetesses, etc. It is obvious that the disciples associated with women quite a bit, but from what I can tell it is not supposed to be the function of a woman to teach in the church.

I entirely agree with you on this matter, although there are many here at CF who disagree. I think scripture is quite clear on the matter.

It's because women are to serve different purposes than men. It does not make them any less equal, it's just a different job functions and eligibility.

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Justification and Sanctification is by Grace through Faith with Charity. This is taught by the Sacred Magisterium, the Sacred Tradition, and the Sacred Scriptures of the Church which our Lord Christ Jesus himself established through his Apostles and Disciples, and spoken by the Prophets before them.

Hey man
While I totally disagree with you, I find it refreshing that your interpretation of the scripture is consistent. I guess I don’t know you, am I right about you?

I’m assuming you are basing your opinion on Paul’s teachings in the NT.

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”go ahead and call the cops… you don’t meet nice girls in coffee shops"

Originally Posted by cleanelvis

Hey man
While I totally disagree with you, I find it refreshing that your interpretation of the scripture is consistent. I guess I don’t know you, am I right about you?

I’m assuming you are basing your opinion on Paul’s teachings in the NT.

You talking to me?

__________________
Justification and Sanctification is by Grace through Faith with Charity. This is taught by the Sacred Magisterium, the Sacred Tradition, and the Sacred Scriptures of the Church which our Lord Christ Jesus himself established through his Apostles and Disciples, and spoken by the Prophets before them.

I guess I’m talking to all 3 of you. In my experience: most people who categorize something as a “sin”, based on a scripture, tend to ignore this section of the bible.

__________________
”go ahead and call the cops… you don’t meet nice girls in coffee shops"

There's the example of Jesus; he chose twelve men to be his apostles. And there's the example of the apostles; they chose men to be elders and bishops. And there's the example of the early christians; they chose men to be elders and bishops. Sometimes actions do speak louder than words.

Paul did write a few things about women in church, what you make of his comments would be interesting to hear, cleanelvis.

Originally Posted by cleanelvis

I guess I’m talking to all 3 of you. In my experience: most people who categorize something as a “sin”, based on a scripture, tend to ignore this section of the bible.

I'm kind of confused on what you're saying regarding "sin" so you may need to elaborate.

Regarding womens' role in the Church, what do you find disagreeable?

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Justification and Sanctification is by Grace through Faith with Charity. This is taught by the Sacred Magisterium, the Sacred Tradition, and the Sacred Scriptures of the Church which our Lord Christ Jesus himself established through his Apostles and Disciples, and spoken by the Prophets before them.

Paul's statements, as well as other passages (and implications) of Scripture as well.

For example, did you ever wonder why Christ chose twelve men as his apostles? He could have chosen women, but it seems they were in a more supportive role. Also, Paul is basing his argument off of the OT creation of Eve, how she was originally created as a help for Adam. It seems that was God's original intention, and Paul wants this reflected in the church.

Well, you can pick the sin. Most sunday school teachers will tell you homosexuality is a sin. Even if they’re female. Even if it’s a youth pastor who’s wearing his baseball hat or the guy working the merchandise table during worship.

All I’m saying is… It’s cool that you’re reading the WHOLE bible and not just picking a verse or two. Unless you guys are womanizers…

And the reason I disagree: I am probably the least deserving of salvation of all the earthlings. There are so many instructions in the NT alone, that if I could do them all I wouldn’t need Jesus. I think the new covenant is written on our hearts, and the greatest command, (love) is impossible. If God truly wanted a woman to be quiet and submit… then he would’ve chosen someone else. That ain’t my style

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”go ahead and call the cops… you don’t meet nice girls in coffee shops"