- Mar 11, 2003
- 11,683
- 8,019
- Country
- United States
- Faith
- Eastern Orthodox
- Marital Status
- Married
Please note that this is in the Orthodox forum. I am looking for the understanding of teachings of the Orthodox church.
I tend to go to the church fathers for commentaries. I recently was reading 1 Timothy 2, and pulled up the commentary from St John Chrysostom. He says that we are naturally talkative. apt to much noise, clamor and unprofitable chatter, men are superior to us, we are the weaker and fickle sex, etc in his remarks.
This is bothersome on multiple levels. Granted, it isn’t the only thing he said in the commentary, but reading them bothers me, especially since St John is one of the Fathers who taught respect and rights of women. Many others were much more critical of women.
What troubles me even more is the Scripture in 1 Timothy 2:15 (which is troubling in and of itself) - and his related commentary about being saved through childbearing.
“You women, be not cast down, because your sex has incurred blame. God has granted you another opportunity of salvation, by the bringing up of children, so that you are saved, not only by yourselves, but by others.”
What about those of us who are infertile or unable to have children? What about those who voluntarily remain virgins for life?
I may be overthinking this - but it is on my mind recently - and I am hoping you all may have some insight.
I tend to go to the church fathers for commentaries. I recently was reading 1 Timothy 2, and pulled up the commentary from St John Chrysostom. He says that we are naturally talkative. apt to much noise, clamor and unprofitable chatter, men are superior to us, we are the weaker and fickle sex, etc in his remarks.
This is bothersome on multiple levels. Granted, it isn’t the only thing he said in the commentary, but reading them bothers me, especially since St John is one of the Fathers who taught respect and rights of women. Many others were much more critical of women.
What troubles me even more is the Scripture in 1 Timothy 2:15 (which is troubling in and of itself) - and his related commentary about being saved through childbearing.
“You women, be not cast down, because your sex has incurred blame. God has granted you another opportunity of salvation, by the bringing up of children, so that you are saved, not only by yourselves, but by others.”
What about those of us who are infertile or unable to have children? What about those who voluntarily remain virgins for life?
I may be overthinking this - but it is on my mind recently - and I am hoping you all may have some insight.