The Bible says women are to remain silent and keep the heads covered when they are in church right (1 Cor 13:34)? Then how come I asked my wife to speak on my behalf while I am on sabbatical? This won't be the first time she has spoken before the GPC family. I respectfully know a few people, who it has been a bit of a rub for them to have a woman, such as Lori, speak to men in church on Sunday. So since Lori is speaking for me tomorrow (Feb 8th), I will share my views on the 1 Corinthian passage as well as my thoughts on women teaching men. The following is a email conversation that I had with someone once on the very subject. So what you will read next, will be the content of my response to a geninue question on this subject.
I understand your concern and it warrants a clear and thorough review. The observation is made that women are to be silent, not talk and should cover their heads (11:2-16). The prohibition for women to speak is given in the same letter with the command for women to keep their heads covered. To do one and not the other is disingenuous; to demand that women be silent because the Bible says to, but not cover our heads when the Bible says to do so is duplicitous. So how does one interpret this passage?
If we take this passage at face value, then women speaking in the church is wrong. Then also, we at GPC violate this passage anytime a woman speaks or we allow them into the church with their head uncovered. Under the strictest interpretation women would be forbidden to even ask questions (v.35). I certainly don’t adhere to this strict of interpretation.
One principle of interpretation, when you hold to such a high view of Scripture as I do, is that the Scripture will help interpret Scripture. In short, Scripture won't compromise itself. It will be consistent. The interpreter must work for a harmony of the whole Bible.
I see women speaking throughout the Bible to men. Deborah was one of the great judges in Scripture (Judges). Mary, the mother of Jesus, practically TOLD Jesus to turn the water into wine. Mary Magdalene “preached” the first resurrection message in the Bible to Peter and John. In Acts 2:4 all those in the upper room, men and women, were filled with the spirit and all were proclaiming (preaching). Phillip, had 4 daughters who were prophetesses (Acts 21:9) Even Paul in 1 Cor 11:5, the very book that “prohibits” women from speaking, is clearly implying that women will “pray” and “prophecy” in the church.
My CONCLUSION: women are permitted to speak truth to men formally or informally, but there are deeper more local issues in Corinth that Paul is dealing with in this passage.
So why the prohibition in 1 Corinthians? It is likely due to the decision and issues within the Corinthian church (drunkenness at the Lord’s Supper, abuse of spiritual gifts, maybe women being dominant in the church). They had a whole lot of issues going on. The context of the book seems to deal more with a church in trouble theologically, practically, and possibly culturally. Paul gave instructions and rebukes throughout both 1 and 2 Corinthians seeking to bring order to their worship (1 Cor 14:40). There were clearly modesty and cultural issues playing into the church. Thus, Paul told them to cover their head and not to talk. The question must be asked, was there some cultural faux pas going on in their culture where maybe the women were using their new found faith to buck the cultural ways? Paul brings them back to a culturally relevant conduct so as not to hinder the message? Were the women being assertive and immodest and that is why Paul brings them back to submission? A lot of questions are left unanswered.
A contemporary example of cultural faux pas, would be when we go to Mali, all women must wear dresses and men pants. It’s not a biblical requirement to wear dresses or pants as much as it would be a cultural thing if when we were in Mali I were to wear shorts. If I am delievering a important message, but the Malians can't hear me because I am wearing shorts, my message is corrupt in their minds before I ever open my mouth.
My conclusion: Since women are speakers of truth throughout the Bible, I interpret this as more order and focused point of application specific to the church at Corinth due to their confused and disorderly ways. I can only take this liberty of interpretation because I am trying to keep the entire Bible congruent and harmonized. To say that women can’t speak truth to men in gatherings, leaves me with more explaining to do in MANY other before mentioned scenarios such as Deborah, Phillip's four daughters, etc.
My prayer for Lori tonight as she prepares is: "Preach the Word" from the overflow of God's Holy Spirit in you. Do it boldly, humbly, and authentically. Though I won't be with you, I will be praying for you and know that God will use you."
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2 comments:
I have gotten more out of the times that Lori has spoken than from a lot of pastors over the years. I find myself quoting things I learned from her frequently. I look forward to the next time she shares.
On behalf of me and my family, thank you Lori for sharing with us.
I am in total agreement with having women speak in the church. Lori did an OUTSTANDING job ! It was a timely word that I personally needed to hear. I have dealt with this issue in my family in that my sister is an ordained minister in the Methodist church. I have personally witnessed God's calling on her life and the impact her ministry has on her congregations. That she is God called to that ministry, I have no doubt. I would also like to note that Beth Moore is considered one of the best. She is not ordained and some would play word games between teacher and preacher labels. I have to tell you when I have listened to Beth Moore OR Lori McDaniel, they spoke God's word to my spirit and that is fact.
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