why must one be a sexist to obey the new testament?

Question

Is sexism a by-product of christianity and the bible? Do you believe
The BIBLE when it says:
(1 Corinthians 14:33-38).
"As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silence in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. If there is anything they desire to know, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. What! Did the word of God originate with you, or are you the only ones it has reached? If any one thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that what I am writing to you is a command of the Lord. If any one does not recognize this, he is not recognized" (1 Corinthians 14:33-38).

The Greek word here for 'remain silent' is SIGATOOSAN, the present, imperative form of SIGAOO. What do Greek lexicons say? Analytical: 'To be silent, keep silence'; Thayer: 'To keep silence, hold one's peace'; Arndt & Gingrich: 'Be silent, keep still ... in the senses: a. say nothing, keep silent ... b. stop speaking, become silent ... c. hold one's tongue, keep something (a) secret.' A.&G. classify 1 Corinthians 14:34 under meaning a. 'say nothing, keep silent'.

The Greek word for 'speak' ("For they are not permitted to speak," "For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church") is LALEIN, infinitive of LALEOO. Anyone who has studied even a little Greek, knows that this is the common word for 'speaking'. It does not have the special meaning of 'speaking noisily'.

The Greek word for 'church', EKKLEESIA, means 'assembly' both in the actual sense and in the definitive sense. Someone who speaks in an unknown language must "keep silence in church" unless there is a translator (1 Corinthians 14:28). This refers to the actual assembly. That "the women should keep silence in the churches" (1 Corinthians 14:34) and that "it is shameful for a women to speak in church" (1 Corinthians 14:35) also refer to the actual assemblies. In 1 Corinthians 14:33 we also find the difinitive sense ("As in all the churches of the saints") followed by the actual sense in verse 34 ("the women should keep silence in the churches"). Thus, "all the churches of the saints"

A spiritual person will acknowledge that what Paul writes here is a command of the Lord, and anyone who does not recognize this, is not recognized in the churches of the saints.

Answer 1

If the Bible is a sacred, God-inspired text, then there are really only two viable options:

1) Today's Christians are picking and choosing the verses they like.

2) Women should be subservient, the handicapped are going to hell, and peace-loving Buddhists, honest Muslims and all Hindus will be sharing a special room o'fire in Hades with Hitler.

Answer 2

Not at all, as most should know it is well beleived Paul was speaking to a specific problem that the Church at Corinth was having. There was a group of women who were acting and dressing like men and they were distruping the service, not to try to help but to cause problems.

In other places in the New Testement we even see women who were church leaders.

But God is also clear that men and women are created differently, even some of thier glands are different for specific reasons. Men and women compliment each other, each having traits and tallents the other does not have.

This may sound sexist to the worldly opinion of today, but it is a scientific fact which can not be denied.

In a household God has ordained a specific order to things, and to men and women things equal but different.

Answer 3

Women have roles in society and church as commanded by the Lord and so do men. One should obey the commands that pertain to them by the Lord. If God says go right, then you don't go left.

I as a woman can say, yes women should maintain their role in the church, which from the new testament can be derived as nothing more than a helper in the church (i.e. deaconness or office personnel).

God chose men to be the ones to forgive sins and do the sacraments. He is infinitely wise and holy. In no way did God mean, women can't (that is are unable) to do the roles of men in the church, he simply commanded not to. He also said don't steal. One still can, but that doesn't mean they should.

Answer 4

I don't see it as sexist. It's keeping the roles straight.

God made men responsible for spiritual leadership in the church and in the family. Men who fail to do so, (and in the way He commanded it to be done, which is with love and respect for women) will have to answer for that.

As a woman, I have a supportive role in the church. It's not a lesser role, but a different role. And frankly I think it's sexist to insinuate that if I cannot take the man's role, I am somehow lesser. One of the things absent in our society is respect for women as mothers, nurturers, comforters, and helpers.

Being a helper is not a lesser position. David referred to God as his Helper. (Psalm 54:4)

Answer 5

If you obey the entire bible, then, yes, you must be sexist (against women, specifically). Why? Because that's what some parts of the bible teaches.

Of course, most sensible christians put those in their context - those were the practices of primitive cultures thousands of years ago, and have little bearing on modern life.

Answer 6

1 Timothy 2:13, 14 - For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and came to be in transgression.

Answer 7

Are you Church of Christ 1908..and then say your the original Church?

Answer 8

U again? i bet you have a score of -45 points

Answer 9

Not an anser but what translation were you reading out of ( NASB, NIV, NKJV etc)

Answer 10

I agree with fr chuck.