Understanding the Stance on Women Speaking in Church
In this discussion, I want to delve into a specific passage of Scripture found in 1 Corinthians 14, which has sparked much debate and interpretation over time. For the purpose of clarity, I'll refer to the passage as it appears in the English Standard Version (ESV), a widely accepted translation.
The Passage
The passage states:
"As in all the churches of the saints, 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. 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."
This excerpt is taken from 1 Corinthians 14:34-35.
Context and Interpretation
Paul wrote this instruction to the believers in Corinth, and the question arises: Was he serious? Did he truly mean what he said? I would suggest that he did. It was likely due to the culture of the time and the various pressures on the early church, including maintaining order amidst disorder, particularly concerning speaking in tongues.
Modern Analysis
Today's challenge is understanding how we are to interpret this passage. We recently discussed this topic in one of our meetings and highlighted three general approaches to consider:
1. The Uber-Conservative Stance
This approach, which we'll place on the far right, is known as the "No Exception Stance." It insists that the church, as set by the apostles, should remain unchanged until Jesus returns. Adherents of this view believe that everything written in the Bible must be observed exactly as it is. This stance is often associated with an Orthodox Sola Scriptura perspective, where the Bible is seen as the immutable Word of God.
However, while many churches claim to follow this stance, their practices often don't align with it. It's rare to see this strictly adhered to outside of certain Orthodox or communities like the Amish.
2. The Middle Stance
When the uber-conservative stance becomes impractical, many people shift to a middle ground. This view recognizes that we don't need to follow every New Testament instruction since times and contexts have changed. Paul was addressing a different audience with specific instructions relevant to their situation.
This middle approach, however, has led to numerous divisions and even conflicts throughout church history. Disagreements over interpretation have resulted in wars and bloodshed, something I don't believe was ever intended.
In conclusion, the interpretation of passages like 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 remains complex and multifaceted. Each stance brings its own challenges and implications, making it crucial for us to rethink how we apply these teachings today while striving for unity and understanding among believers.
Understanding Different Approaches to Scripture
In the context of understanding scripture, there's an approach that few people embrace, and it leads to a path I want you to consider.
The Liberal Stance
The far-left approach, often mischaracterized, might be referred to as a liberal stance. However, this is not "liberal" in the political sense, but in the sense of liberation. It suggests that this is how God intended it, according to his word given to the apostles. He instructed them to keep the church united, to say and do what was necessary until his return within a generation to save his bride from destruction.
He fulfilled this promise, returned, and the apostolic letters to that bride remain relevant today. We read them for inspiration and guidance on spiritual matters, for drawing closer to the Lord. But the church is now guided by the Spirit, not by the direct words, which were not explicitly written or applied to us. These apostolic instructions form part of the historical material of the church, which we appreciate and learn from, but when it comes to application, it's seen as having been fulfilled.
The Foundation and Its Significance
Imagine these apostolic words as the foundation of a tall building. When building, the foundation is crucial — it's laid, understood, and built upon. However, once the building is completed, few people dwelling in it think about the foundation it rests upon. Similarly, those words were significant then; they set the groundwork, but now, the building — the church — is what we interact with.
The Building and Its Components
The walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows of this metaphorical building symbolize aspects of the scripture that are applicable and important — like John the Baptist preparing the way for the Lord. These components are part of the church's structure that we engage with regularly.
What Truly Matters Today
Beyond the structural elements, what matters are the essentials — akin to water, air, electricity, heating, and lighting in a building. These elements represent the core messages of the scripture. For instance, the idea that Jesus died for the sins of the world is a fundamental part of the scripture's living essence rather than just a structural or foundational component. While foundational, these messages are central to the gospel's framework and our spiritual existence.
Reflecting on Your Stance
When reading scripture, consider your stance. Do you take a rigidly conservative view, applying every single word to today? This approach might not be practical, as few churches adhere strictly to every scriptural word, like making widows pass a seven-stage test to confirm their status.
Alternatively, do you interpret it in your own way, or are you open to acknowledging its fulfillment? Once fulfilled, we walk spiritually with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, guided by the spirit of the teachings rather than rigid adherence to historical instructions.
