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NASB | 1 Corinthians 14:34 ¶ The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 14:34 ¶ the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not authorized to speak, but are to take a subordinate place, as the Law says. |
Bible Question: Do denominations that permit women to speak in church, or even to become pastors, follow the Bible? How shall we interpret this verse, if not literally? |
Bible Answer: Friend, to answer your short question, YES!, they do. More seriously, I have been to churches where women are literally not allowed to say anything at all in the sanctuary. I thought this was unnnatural, and a bit legalistic. (As I recall, women made up for it elsewhere :-) I believe that Paul was addressing a specific situation in the Church at Corinth, not a general doctrine for every church for all time. I think you are asking whether or not women should be allowed to preach or teach or hold office. As for preaching and teaching, I think that all Christians are called to proclaim their faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As to 'office' and the pulpit, I admit I am moderately chauvinistic. Moderate because my church has female deacons, and they (and the elder's wives) preach at times during our evening services, which are usually a bit more informal than Sunday morning worship. Chauvinistic (to some) because I generally believe that the pastor and elders should be men, ideally with (a) wife and family. I think this is the pattern we have been given, and that there is balance in it. However, this said, I would not say, "Never." I am open to other ideas from the Bible. In Christ Jesus. |