FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 WOMEN

 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 WOMEN

Okay, I'm going to be in trouble mentally. I am going to violate a commandment here on my blog.

OUCH

2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 

This is the verse that I am violating. "All Scripture". I am suggesting (as a layperson) that not all scripture is "given by inspiration of Go.". Today, I will examine two areas written by Paul (or St. Paul).  

(First - a joke(?). Why do Christians in Minnesota like their capital city more than Christians in Texas like their capital city? Because "St. Paul" wrote many epistles, and there isn't a "St. Austin" - so no epistles!!!)

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And, a bad analogy.

I want to buy a Chevy and hear its great features. So, I go to a Toyota dealer to learn about all the great features of Chevrolets!! (Huh????)  No, you would go to a Chevy dealership if you wanted to know about Chevys.

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We are in the 21st Century. Our culture is way different than that of the First Century.  

First verse:

1 Timothy 2: Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting holy hands without anger or disputing. I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

A woman[a] should learn in quietness and complete submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet, for Adam was formed first, followed by Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.

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Time out - women will be saved through childbearing - IF various criteria are met. What about nuns - who never marry? Do they need to have children? Is that the only way for women to be saved?  

That is scripture, and God inspires all of it. So, therefore it must be true!!!  

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Second example:

1 Corinthians 14: 34-35: "Women should remain silent in the churches. As the law says, they are not allowed to speak but must be in submission. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Now, culturally, many churches do have women pastors; even those (like Catholics and Evangelicals) allow women to speak in their services.  

Paul says, "As the law says." When Paul talks about "the law," he usually refers to the Old Testament law, the Torah. However, the Torah does not contain a law that says women should keep silent and ask their husbands questions at home. However, Roman laws did. Could Paul be talking about a contemporary law? In this case, it isn't Jewish law but Roman law (or Roman customs).  

1 Corinthians 11:2-16 "...Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman…" Ephesians 5:21-33 "Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife…"

Again, these are cultural conventions - and NOT laws.  

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By the way (Karen adds). Generally, Christians need to take the Old Testament Laws more seriously. Hey - we eat bacon (the Old Testament gives a list of good/bad foods), we get tattoos, and we don't have to be circumcised (males). If Paul says, "The law says "this or that", Jesus didn't make any laws - other than Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and Love your neighbor as yourself". 

In Acts 10, Peter has a trance where he is told to kill and eat the animals - generally considered that the law is no longer in effect (or at least the dietary laws weren't in effect).

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I like (and quote) St. Paul frequently, like in 1 Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter, but I seriously believe that sometimes Paul writes from his cultural heritage and not because God 'inspired' him.  

SO NOT:

 2 Timothy 3:16-17: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 

There are cultural mistakes that just don't fly in 2024!!

Some day (Karen's prediction), there will be women Catholic Priests (as well as married priests).  

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, November 22, 2024