Hmmm, what do you think about vs 34? I agree with Matthew Henry that families should come together for the purpose of spiritual enlightenment. I just don't know about women keeping silent in church. I do think that no Christian should appear to be a know-it-all among other believers, whether male or female. And we should each listen to one another, and measure what is said against the truth of God's word. What are your thoughts? 34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If 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. 36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. 39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.
(the following is from Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary -- www.christnotes.org)
That's a toughie. I tend to think that we need to keep the culture of the time this passage was written in mind. Our current church structure may also be quite different from what was happening when that was written. In our church, it would be considered odd to comment during the service--we pray, sing, listen to the sermon, etc.--it's not really a time for conversation or debate. Small groups and Sunday School are a different matter and I participate actively in them--trying, as you mentioned, to be thoughtful of others when I do so and not monopolize the conversation or be dogmatic in my thoughts--but I don't know if this is considered "being silent in church". And then you get into the role of leadership by women in church and you REALLY get into a lot of controversy ...
ReplyDeleteI also agree that family time together discussing the Bible is supremely important. Plus, we really know our family members--the good and the bad--sincere faith can't be faked in that setting, whereas it can be in a church setting (at least for a while!)--it's a great time to see faith put into action.