by easyreader1970 22 Replies latest jw friends
The difference between preaching and teaching... that fine invisible line .
If you must manipulate things just to fulfill some scriptural obligation of what value is it ?
If for example you wear a paper napkin head-cover how great an Honor is truly shown ?
Caliber
***w06 3/1 pp.28-29 Questions From Readers***Questions
From ReadersWhat
did the apostle Paul mean when he stated that women should "keep silent in the congregations"?Paul wrote to the Christian congregation in Corinth: "As in all the congregations of the holy ones, let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak." (1 Corinthians 14:33, 34) In order for us to understand this correctly, it is helpful to consider the context of Paul’s counsel.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 14, Paul discussed matters relating to meetings of the Christian congregation. He described what should be discussed at such meetings and recommended how they should be conducted. (1 Corinthians 14:1-6, 26-34) Further, he stressed the objective of Christian meetings—"that the congregation may receive upbuilding."—1 Corinthians 14:4, 5, 12, 26.
Paul’s instruction to "keep silent" appears three times in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. Each time, it is addressed to a different group in the congregation, but in all instances, it is given for the same reason—that "all things take place decently and by arrangement."—1 Corinthians 14:40.
First, Paul said: "If someone speaks in a tongue, let it be limited to two or three at the most, and in turns; and let someone translate. But if there be no translator, let him keepsilent in the congregation and speak to himself and to God." (1 Corinthians 14:27, 28) That did not mean that such a person was never to speak at meetings but that there were times when he should be silent. After all, the objective of the meetings—to upbuild one another—would not be attained if he spoke in a language no one understood.
Second, Paul stated: "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others discern the meaning. But if there is a revelation to another one while sitting there, let the first one keepsilent." This meant, not that the first prophet was to refrain from speaking at meetings, but that he had to be silent at times. Then the one having the miraculous revelation could address the congregation, and the objective of the meeting—that "all be encouraged"—would be achieved.—1 Corinthians 14:26, 29-31.
Third, Paul addressed Christian women only, stating: "Let the women keepsilent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak, but let them be in subjection." (1 Corinthians 14:34) Why did Paul give this command to sisters? To preserve order in the congregation. He says: "If, then, they want to learn something, let them question their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in a congregation."—1 Corinthians 14:35.
Perhaps some sisters were challenging what was said in the congregation. Paul’s counsel helped sisters to shun such a disorderly spirit and humbly accept their position within Jehovah’s headship arrangement, particularly with regard to their husbands. (1 Corinthians 11:3) In addition, by keeping silent, sisters would show that they did not aspire to be teachers in the congregation. When he wrote to Timothy, Paul showed that it would be improper for a woman to assume the role of teacher: "I do not permit a woman to teach, or to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence."—1 Timothy 2:12.
Does that mean that a Christian woman must never speak during a congregation meeting? No. In Paul’s day, there were occasions when Christian women, perhaps impelled by holy spirit, prayed or prophesied in the congregation. On such occasions, they acknowledged their position by wearing a head covering. (1 Corinthians 11:5) Further, in Paul’s day and today, sisters along with brothers are urged to make a public declaration of their hope. (Hebrews 10:23-25) Besides doing this in the field ministry, sisters declare their hope and encourage others during congregation meetings by giving well-thought-out comments when invited to do so and by accepting assignments to share in demonstrations or student talks.
Hence, Christian women "keep silent" by refraining from trying to assume the role of a male and instruct the congregation. They do not raise argumentative questions that could challenge the authority of those who teach. By fulfilling their proper role in the congregation, Christian sisters greatly contribute toward an atmosphere of peace in which "all things [at congregation meetings] take place for upbuilding."—1 Corinthians 14:26, 33.
[Footnote]
In modern times, mature sisters follow that example when, because of circumstances, they have to substitute for a baptized man in a congregation setting.—See TheWatchtower, July 15, 2002, page 26.
FOOTNOTE....
w02 7/15 pp.26-27 Questions From Readers******
Questions
From ReadersIn
what situations is it appropriate for a Christian woman to wear a headcovering for spiritual reasons?"Every woman that prays or prophesies with her head uncovered shames her head," wrote the apostle Paul. Why? Because of the divine principle of headship: "The head of a woman is the man." Praying or preaching in the Christian congregation is normally the responsibility of a man. Hence, when a Christian woman cares for matters pertaining to worship that ordinarily would be performed by her husband or by a baptized man, she should wear a head covering.—1 Corinthians 11:3-10.
Situations in which a Christian woman ought to wear a head covering may arise in her marriage relationship. For example, when the family comes together for a Bible study or for a meal, the husband normally takes the lead in teaching them and in representing them in prayer to God. If he is an unbeliever, however, this responsibility may fall on his wife. Therefore, when praying aloud on behalf of herself and others or when conducting a Bible study with her children in the presence of her husband, a Christian sister rightly wears a head covering. If her husband is not present, the wife need not wear a head covering, since she is divinely authorized to teach the children.—Proverbs 1:8; 6:20.
What, though, if a young son in the family is a dedicated, baptized servant of Jehovah God? Since the son is a member of the Christian congregation, he should receive instruction from its male members. (1 Timothy 2:12) If his father is a believer, the son should be taught by him. However, if the father is absent, then the mother should wear a head covering if she conducts a Bible study with the young baptized son and the other children. Whether she calls on the baptized son to pray at such a study or at mealtime is left to her discretion. She may feel that he is not yet sufficiently capable and may choose to offer prayer herself. If she chooses to pray on such an occasion, she should wear a head covering.
While sharing in certain congregation activities, Christian women may need to wear a head covering. At a midweek meeting for field service, for example, there may only be Christian sisters present, no baptized males. There may be other occasions when no baptized males are present at a congregation meeting. If a sister has to handle duties usually performed by a brother at a congregationally arranged meeting or meeting for field service, she should wear a head covering.
Must Christian women wear a head covering when giving oral or sign-language translation of Bible discourses or when publicly reading the paragraphs from a Bible study aid that is being used at a congregation meeting? No. Sisters handling these duties are not presiding or teaching. Similarly, no head covering is required for sisters taking part in demonstrations, relating experiences, or handling student talks in the Theocratic Ministry School.
While teaching within the congregation is to be done by baptized men, both men and women have the responsibility of preaching and teaching outside the congregation. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) So when a Christian woman is speaking to outsiders about God’s Word in the presence of a male Witness of Jehovah, she would not need to wear a head covering.
However, the situation is different when a regular, scheduled Bible study is being conducted in a home and a dedicated, baptized male is present. This is a prearranged session of teaching where the one conducting the study actually presides. Under these circumstances, a study becomes an extension of the congregation. If a baptized female Witness conducts such a study with a baptized male Witness present, she would rightly wear a head covering. However, the dedicated brother should offer prayer. A sister would not pray in the presence of a dedicated brother unless there were some exceptional reason, such as the brother’s having lost the physical power of speech.
A Christian sister may on occasion be accompanied on a Bible study by an unbaptized male Kingdom publisher. If she wishes, she may ask him to conduct the study. But since he could not properly represent the baptized sister in prayer to Jehovah, it would be proper for her to pray at the study. When conducting the study and when praying under these circumstances, the sister should cover her head. Even though the male publisher is not yet baptized, outsiders identify him with the congregation because of his preaching activity.
"The woman ought to have a sign of authority upon her head because of the angels," wrote the apostle Paul. Yes, Christian sisters have the privilege of being good examples to the millions of angels who loyally continue to subject themselves to Jehovah. How appropriate that godly women give due consideration to wearing a head covering when the occasion calls for it!
or at least so says Gene.....
[/thread]
Paul also said: "Marry only in the Lord".
I've always wondered why marrying "out of the truth" wasn't a DF offense?
om
LOL @
She may feel that [her young baptized son] is not yet sufficiently capable and may choose to offer prayer herself.
If he's "not yet sufficiently capable" in the opinion of his mother, why on earth would he have been allowed to be Baptized™?
She may feel that [her young baptized son] is not yet sufficiently capable and may choose to offer prayer herself.If he's "not yet sufficiently capable" in the opinion of his mother, why on earth would he have been allowed to be Baptized™?
Excellent point. A child is sufficiently mature to make such an important decision
about his future, yet he is not yet sufficiently capable of saying a meaningful prayer?
Talk about the ability to hold two conflicting thoughts.
Kind of like saying that women cannot teach in the congregation, but they can
preach and teach in the field and comment at the meetings while still remaining silent.
The apostle Paul said that women should be silent in congregation meetings and not flap their traps. If they need to talk about something, they can talk about it with their husband when they get home.
So why does the WBTS pick and choose which verses they apply and which they do not? Women are supposed to wear head coverings (which always seemed stupid to me, even as a child). But they are not supposed to be speaking in meetings. They are allowed to give talks (with partners) and speak in the meetings.
I used this example several times. I took the verse in 1Cor 14 referred to above, then I skipped about the rest of the book, and said "why don't we do this?" on numerous verses just plucked out randomly. If you are going to make an argument for one verse plucked out of context, why not say each verse stands alone and must be followed without exception?
My point, if as a religion you want to make that rule and use the verse as your backup, fine. But don't say to me one single verse over another single verse is god's rule from his mouth to your ears on how he wants "his" church to be run today. Ridiculous.
So the micophone boy can stare down their blouses when he hands her the micophone?
This is an interesting topic and yknot's info is correct with WT ruling I remember (lol old fogey i am ^^) when bookstudies with no men have had to be conducted by women and the older sister usually had a scarf handy, anyone else remember?
I think the wt are right after reading the scriptures myself Paul is clearly reinforcing the headship principle but since we know women then were given the gift of holy spirit too go and preach and talk it wasn't the coverall that we can mistake it for, certainly most older christian faiths took it to heart lol lightning might strike from heaven than pope let a woman talk in church (although times are changing)
Watchtower were letting woman talk and do the teaching door experiences well before the modern upsurge for women and gay priests came along now a woman speaking in men's position in church without head covering is no surprise.
But.....this is a bible teaching! so is the bible right here? or is this something we should consider outdated and something modern christianity should rewrite because we know better than bible writers?
Like we could ever get them to shut up
