xxloveyourself__: I have been consistent in reading the bible but what put me off right now are all those verses about women not being allowed to speak out in the church or having to ask their husbands about any questions they have, etc. I find those verses problematic because if close minded people would come across this it can easily be taken as permission for men to suppress women. Is there anyone who has a clear understanding of what the bible is trying to say in those parts?
Daniel: Yes. It means exactly what it says. Women are to be silent in church, and they are to be submissive in general. The Bible is sexist, but if you don't believe in it God will destroy you forever in the lake of fire. Don't go to hell like the rest of the world!
mega_trex: So your argument is being sexist is moral? Or that you should follow an immoral God to avoid hell.
Daniel: Yes, sexism is moral. God's ways are not the world's ways. Romans 12:
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Wiredpyro: If an all powerful God is the sole moral authority than anything it does is moral.
ygolonac: Might makes Right.
Wiredpyro: In the Christian view morality is objective and from God so any action he does is objectively moral. I obviously don't think that's true.
TetrisKetris: Err...no. I haven’t come across a lot of “fire and brimstone” fundamentalism in a while, but to say this is flawed would be to say the ocean is wet. Nowhere in the Bible does it say women are spiritually weaker, nor that women are required forever to live under their father’s roof. In fact, Jesus even commended a woman to learn at his feet rather than tend to homemaking. And the woman in Proverbs 31 i was a businesswoman. And that’s not even getting into the many women who made the church grow, both in the Bible and out of it. Hermeneutics exist for a reason.
Daniel: I did not say it is wrong for a woman to buy and sell things, or to have a business. Also, the word "businessman" is gender neutral.
- Proverbs 31:
10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.