Women Preach?

There is an ongoing debate about whether or not a woman should be allowed to preach to congregation. Most Christians that feel this way (usually baptists) believe this because of what it says in 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 :

34 women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to enquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Based on this scripture, it says that a woman should not speak period. So if you believed this at all, you should believe it fully. If you do not believe it fully, then you should not believe it at all. From my understanding, this scripture was written because women back in that time would disturb the message by arguing and debating over topics and embarrass the husband. Instead of all the women speaking at once and causing distraction, the rule was laid down that if a woman had a conflict or debate to discuss, she was supposed to discuss this with her husband and have him speak on their behalf, if he agreed with the debate. I dont think this literally meant that a woman is not supposed to speak in church or even preach... here's why:

In most verses where it speaks of man being a bishop or pastor, I believe this is referring to "anyone" or "mankind." For example, in 1 Timothy 2:3-4

3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."

This verse says that our "God and Savior, who wants all men to be saved..." Notice he didn't say women? Does this mean he does not want women to be saved? NO! Of course not. This is one of the situations where He uses "men" or "man" as "mankind." This kind of thing is said throughout the entire Bible.

I do not believe that God is ruling out women and being sexist here. God made men and women different physically but not spiritually. God spiritually looks at us all as equal. Lets look at scripture:

Joel 2:28 28 And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.

Notice it says "and daughters." "Prophesy" according to the KJV dictionary means "In Scripture, to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects."

Acts 2:17 17'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Again... "and daughters." Do you not believe these are the last days? How can you deny scripture?

There are more verses that say the same thing... more in Revelations. Some people tend to ignore the scripture stating that women can preach but then only half-way follow or believe in the whole "women should keep silent" scripture.

So, should women stay silent (the verse didn't clarify so this means... completely silent in the church) or should they be allowed to speak?

There are many women out there with GREAT knowledge of the Bible. What good is this knowledge if they cannot teach? What harm could come of preaching? Should they let people stray because they are supposed to keep silent? If no, then why are they allowed to preach to an unbeliever but not to a believer?

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