Patriarchy, defined as a system of society or government in which the father or eldest male is head of the family and descent is traced through the male line.
Sexism, it’s a new term, but one significant part of its definition is it imposes limits on what men and boys can and should do and what women and girls can and should do.
This may offend you.
That is not my intent.
We have had one unrelenting, constant narrative, and I believe many have chosen to be silent out of respect or fear of being misunderstood.
Truth, by its very nature, is offensive.
However, Truth must be our goal no matter who it may offend.
Historical precedence or simply accepting what leaders declare in the face of the actual scriptural declarations should not be what guides us.
Was Paul struck by an infection of sexism and a preference for the patriarchy?
If God’s Word is actually inspired, is this a reflection that God himself is sexist and suffering from a patriarchal defect?
Shame.
Paul says God’s word declares. It’s a shame for a woman to cut or trim her hair.
The same Greek word is used in the next setting.
Paul also states it’s a shame for a woman to speak in a church’s public setting.
Edification and encouragement are not usurpations; however, teaching that deals with correction and reproof is the point of the statement.
“But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” 1 Timothy 2:12
Over the past few years, we have seen a push of adopting an approach to scripture to advocate for a gender-neutral approach to words.
We have heard that man does not mean man, a husband does not mean husband.
Headline.
God created the patriarchy.
God created man first.
God created the order in creation and nature.
What does the Word of God mean by shame?
Who is wrong?
Paul?
God himself?
Or could it be that those who are ever learning potentially have talked themselves into an error using faulty pre-determined conclusions?
Is Historocity a valid juxtaposition to scripture to the point of invalidating or silencing scripture that is counter to our experiences?
Could it be that some are trying to take the anomalies in scripture, paradoxes to the actual patterns and principles that are intended to be the rule?
I believe and have seen women’s value and virtue and their unmistakable divine purpose reflected in my life.
However, I have witnessed when women felt the need to correct, rebuke, and contend with men.
There is an evident proclivity of flesh. Men often take a passive role in a natural setting when the word commands them to lead by being seen and heard in the kingdom.
Women often take an active role in a natural setting when the word commands them to serve in a supportive, submitted role in the kingdom.
To be encouraging and used in the role of edification is not violated.
One only needs to assess the results of women’s growing role in leadership in every part of our culture.
Institutions and Organizations that have become more and more influenced in being led by women, the result is not righteousness.
This is not a deficit in gender; it is simply the revealing of wisdom found in the Word of God. God did not equip or call women to lead men. Leadership without correction and rebuke in the toolbox is not leadership. One cannot correct or rebuke without taking authority.
The Word of God states women should not operate in this role.
Have there been examples of exceptions?
Yes.
However, in most situations, a woman often is praying and eager for a man to step in and fill the void that necessity required a stretch for a season.
The scripture is replete with examples of the normative role of women in the home, family, and the larger group.
Male leadership is not just his preference most of the time. There is not one example of ultimate leadership resting on the shoulders of a woman. This push to normalize roles is contrary to everything the scripture puts forth.
It is a real complexity that I have a hard time understanding.
No doubt we have our history. However, history should not be used to silence or disqualify the New Testament Doctrine of gender roles.
Women are of unspeakable value, importance, vital and glorify God as he created them to be so.
Women should be respected, valued and honored.
Women should be given every opportunity and role that is ordained by scripture and not explicitly forbidden.
However, let us not be deluded to think that the scripture is somehow flawed and we must change our views on the Word of God because it is so counter to what our current culture is demanding.
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
αἰσχρός
- filthy, baseness, dishonour
14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.
αἰσχρός
- filthy, baseness, dishonour