1 Corinthians 9-11
December 9, 2014

From chapter 11:  So is Paul saying that all Christian women should wear a hat when they pray?  Actually I think that's exactly what he meant.  But the command needs to be accepted in the context of the time in which Paul lived.  Culturally, men were seen as first class citizens, and women as second class.  Paul isn't trying to be cruel or short sighted here, he is simply stating a truth from his time.   Jesus clearly didn't subjugate women, they were an important part of his ministry.   In fact, it was counter cultural at the time.   Jesus' ministry was supported by important women, and several key events in the Bible were revealed to women before men.  For instance, the resurrection.

Some would say that long hair for women is still a sign of honor, and that men should have short hair.   This passage should not be used to support that personal belief.   Paul would most likely have been a staunch supporter of facial hair for men.   In his day it was embarrassing for men to have their beard shaved off.   Of course, today we realize that facial hair isn't a sign of godliness.  It's a good thing too, because I can't grow a respectable looking beard.

By the way, no one knows what Paul meant when he says "for that reason, and because of the angels..."   that remains a mystery.    Maybe it was because all of the angels were men in the Bible.  But what would that have to do with women having their head covered?

But this passage does bring up two very interesting debates:  1.  should men be viewed as the leaders, and women the followers, since Paul says men were created first, and women were created for men?   and 2. Why don't we simply accept whatever the Bible says as inflexible?   Why do we sometimes say that we don't have to do something "because it was for their time only"  or "we need to view it in context"?   Why do we sometimes believe literally, and other times we don't?

Let me comment on both rather quickly.

1.  It seems to me that God has given a "chain of command" to the earth.  humans are in charge of animals, and within humans, men are in charge of women.   There are instances where women are called and gifted by God to be in charge, and that's fine.   Where would we be today without the contributions of the myriad of godly women who have carried the Gospel?   What I am saying is that unless God specifically identifies differently, as He sometimes does, then women should allow the men to be in charge.  In fact, things would probably run more smoothly if they insisted that the men do their job, and be in charge.  Too often the ladies are forced to positions that God didn't intend for them because their husbands are too lazy or unmotivated to do what they are commanded to do.
Sorry, guys,  but it's the truth.

I am a staunch supported of women in ministry, but I don't consider myself a feminist.  God uses whoever He chooses to use, and we need to allow Him to make that decision.  If God wants men to lead, then that's His choice to make, not ours.   In most cases, I think that's what He prefers.   Again, that has nothing to do with the value or social position of women.  They are equally important, and just as valuable to the church as men.  I don't believe at all they are inferior in any way....nor do I believe that they are superior in any way.   Just different.    There's a valuable insight....men and women are different.   You should write that down.

On the second point, regarding literal vs. figurative,  it isn't quite so easy.   The student of scripture should study many different texts to see if there is a non-negotiable doctrinal point to be made.  If the text in one place seems to be saying "men first" but in another place we see Jesus saying "women first" then we have to proceed with caution.   When making these determinations,  all the passages on the subject are considered, and so is the style of writing, and the location and purpose of the letter.   When we say Jesus was speaking figuratively, it's because we know that he sometimes spoke in parable so that his teachings wouldn't be as plain.   He had His reasons....it's not for us to decide.    So today, we continue to debate things like how people dress, who's in charge, what's acceptable and what's not, etc.     We consider what the church has believed and practiced since the early days of the faith, as well as what we sense God is doing among us today.   Somewhere in the middle of all that, we humbly choose what is figurative and what is literal.    It shouldn't have anything to do with whether or not we want to obey what is written.


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