Articulations from the Extroverted Introvert

Something that I continually question is a woman’s role, particularly in the church. In I Corinthians 14 and also in 1 Timothy 2 there are verses that say women should remain silent and are not allowed to speak in church. Various churches approach this very differently. I suppose it all comes down to how literally you approach and interpret the Bible.

1 Timothy 2:11-12 says, “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.” Some churches think this means that women are not to have roles over men in the most literal sense, therefore cannot teach any male over the age of 18, including Sunday school. Seriously? Is this what this verse is supposed to mean? Alright then, let’s backtrack a bit. 1 Timothy 2:9 says, ” I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes” Is this then to be enforced literally? Because if you go into a church it will be almost rare to see a woman without one of those. Why should one verse be emphasized so greatly above the one that is directly before it?

Then there are other churches that really value what women have to say and think it is extremely important to have a different perspective. There are then women leaders and deacons and elders and pastors. Seriously? Does that mean we are going to forgo that verse altogether? Some will argue that the time period in which that was taught women were uneducated and actually sat on a different side than the men. This means that when they had questions they were shouting across the room and being disruptive. These verses were put in Paul and Timothy’s letters to allow the message to be uninterrupted.

Regardless of what the deal is, I would just like to state that I thoroughly appreciate male leadership among the church. For example, the bible study I am in is co-ed (also, it’s through a completely student-led organization=super cool), and it is just so uplifting to see my brothers in Christ taking the initiative to see that there is spiritual growth among the group. In my opinion, there is room for both. Yes, I think women have valuable things to say and should be heard, but I strongly believe that the church needs male leadership. I’ve seen certain men really slack off and leave others to pick up the pieces, while I’ve also seen some of the most amazing men go above and beyond. For this, I am so grateful and will never forget what those men have done for me in times of need. It can set an incredible example and is something I highly value. It makes me feel protected, cared for, and loved. Thank you.

Lyrics from We Belong Together (Tarzan and Jane) by Steven Curtis Chapman.