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The topic of women keeping silent in church, as mentioned in the New Testament, can be quite perplexing and is often discussed among Christians. The primary scriptures that address this are found in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12.
In 1 Corinthians 14:34-35, Paul writes,
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
Similarly, in 1 Timothy 2:11-12, Paul states,
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
To gain a full understanding of these scriptures, it’s important to consider the historical and cultural context in which Paul was writing. During Paul’s time, cultural norms were vastly different from today. In many ancient societies, women had limited rights and were not typically educated. In this context, Paul’s instructions might reflect societal norms and a desire to maintain order within the congregation.
Many theologians and scholars suggest that Paul was addressing specific issues in the Corinthian and Ephesian churches, where disruptions may have been occurring. For example, in Corinth, there could have been issues with disorderly conduct during worship services. Paul's counsel could be seen as a means to promote peace and unity within the congregation, rather than a blanket statement about women's roles in the church.
And during Timothy's epistle of Paul we can see the inequality of saints during their time and mostly women's were involved in such iniquity of Materialistic and Greed that some saints in lower status were disregarded and sometimes instead of serving, they thought they were filthy -
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Similar case also happens in the Book of Mormon Period were most people cares much of their worldly influence and Materialistic such the case of Nehor as found in Alma 1. And there were others such as the Zoramites in their worship service in Alma 31 that only people with costly apparels or should we say rich and popular in status could perform their prayers and have cost a lot of believers aloft in doing their worship.
Alma 32:3 Therefore they were not permitted to enter into their synagogues to worship God, being esteemed as filthiness; therefore they were poor; yea, they were esteemed by their brethren as dross; therefore they were poor as to things of the world; and also they were poor in heart.
Additionally, these scriptures should be read in light of other New Testament passages that highlight women’s active involvement in the early Church. For instance, Romans 16 mentions several women who played important roles in the church, such as Phoebe, a deaconess, and Priscilla, who, alongside her husband Aquila, was a respected teacher. These examples illustrate that women did, in fact, participate in teaching and leadership roles.
In Latter-day Saint teachings, the value and importance of women in the Church are emphasized. Women hold leadership positions in organizations like the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary. Talks and teachings by church leaders consistently remind us of the vital contributions women make to the Church and to society.
Modern interpretations often view Paul's teachings as highlighting the need for all church members, men and women, to contribute to church meetings in an orderly fashion. The focus is not on silencing women but on ensuring that worship is conducted in a way that edifies the congregation.
In summary, the passages about women keeping silent in church should be understood within their historical context. While Paul’s words may seem restrictive at first glance, a broader scriptural view recognizes the active and important roles women played in the early Christian church and continue to play today. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we acknowledge the divine worth of every individual and the unique spiritual gifts that everyone, regardless of gender, brings to the Church. The emphasis is on collaboration and unity rather than division, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ to love and uplift one another.
In Latter-day Saint teachings, the value and importance of women in the Church are emphasized. Women hold leadership positions in organizations like the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary. Talks and teachings by church leaders consistently remind us of the vital contributions women make to the Church and to society.
Modern interpretations often view Paul's teachings as highlighting the need for all church members, men and women, to contribute to church meetings in an orderly fashion. The focus is not on silencing women but on ensuring that worship is conducted in a way that edifies the congregation.
In summary, the passages about women keeping silent in church should be understood within their historical context. While Paul’s words may seem restrictive at first glance, a broader scriptural view recognizes the active and important roles women played in the early Christian church and continue to play today. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we acknowledge the divine worth of every individual and the unique spiritual gifts that everyone, regardless of gender, brings to the Church. The emphasis is on collaboration and unity rather than division, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ to love and uplift one another.
Thank you and Have a nice day.
Jerry N. Bustillo