by Mary Laclair

Created on: July 14, 2008

Position of Women in Christian Culture

Conversing with a Pastor, I offered to speak in his church on the principle of tithing. I was told I could speak only to the ladies Bible study; but I would not be invited to speak to the church as a whole. That particular church interpreted 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 "Let women remain silent and ask their husbands when they get home" (my paraphrase) as actually saying women were not to speak in church at all which Scripture will prove a mis-interpretation.

Scripture says it this way:
1 Cor 14:34 35
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. (from New International Version)

1 Cor 14:34 35
34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. NKJV

No matter which version is used; verse 35 explains verse 34. It means, "don't interrupt a service or a teaching to ask a question". It specifically addresses women asking questions during a service. Speaking and interrupting are two different things.

Every once in awhile I get serious about dogging God until He explains a particular Scripture to me. I feel I have some insight as to how and why that Scripture came about, and I got my answer from secular television. Yes, it's true! And it's not the first time God directed me to TV for an answer. One time He told me I'd find my answer on that night's weather forecast! And I did! That's another article.

Additionally a lot of our TV sit-coms feature loud over-bearing women with a Brooklyn accent.

The fictional characters of the Seinfeld and Costanza mothers on the famous sit-com, are not portrayals of a general quiet female character.

I can just hear a Fran Dresher-type woman at an Old Testament prayer meeting call out to her husband, speaking without permission "Hey, Sam, what does that mean..... ?", followed by laughter. While I'm not picking on anyone here, TV does admit this type of woman exists, else where would be the relational comedy?

In addition, some Mediterranean people groups are known for their large outgoing Mamas' who don't mind either being loud; or, feigning ignorance for the sake of the male. Hmmmm....so

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