We have looked at Paul’s credentials. What exactly do these credentials mean for 21st century people trying to understand the teachings of the man with those credentials at the time Yeshua lived? If we do not see Paul for who and what he was, we will not be able to grasp even the most obvious of his words, let alone those which are filled with Hebraisms and come from a mindset foreign to all we know. The words have been translated into English, but must be seen through the eyes of those to whom they were originally written. Are you able to take off your Greek western glasses and “see” with the eyes of a Jew? Because then and only then can you begin to put Paul’s writings into context - to translate what he was saying to “them” into what it means to “us.”
These postings are primarily concerned with texts that have been used to promote theology and doctrine that has been used to legitimize the domination and degradation of women by men, particularly within the walls of the “church.”
In Paul’s letters, he deals with issues he has been made aware of and which need to be corrected. Let’s look at Paul’s letters with some specifics in mind. Checking the Greek and digging a bit helped put Paul’s letters in context and settled some very real problems with how the church has traditionally viewed women by not regarding context.
First, Paul’s letters are whole letters, not separate chapters and verses. This means that the entirety of what is covered must be seen, not just a sentence here and there lifted out of context to prove a point that isn’t supported within the rest of the letter (or Torah, for that matter, as Paul would never deliberately go against Torah).
Second, we only have Paul’s answer letters, not the letters that contain the questions that he is answering. Remember that Paul begins his letters with salutations and greetings and uses language that presumes to address issues that have been presented to him for adjudication.
Third, some of Paul’s writing is applicable for us, while some is written only for a specific situation happening at that time. Can we still profit from it? Absolutely, but only when we understand the reason for the instruction. When we say that women cannot teach men or that they must keep silent in church settings, we have disregarded other text clearly stating that EACH one is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the good of ALL, ALL can prophesy, and ALL must submit to one another.
The traditional view, which lifts passages out of context, contradicts others making confusion rampant and requires volumes to explain away the discrepancies. How much better it would be to examine the specific bits that do not seem to fit instead of making them an awkward foundation that nothing else can stand on.
These postings are primarily concerned with texts that have been used to promote theology and doctrine that has been used to legitimize the domination and degradation of women by men, particularly within the walls of the “church.”
In Paul’s letters, he deals with issues he has been made aware of and which need to be corrected. Let’s look at Paul’s letters with some specifics in mind. Checking the Greek and digging a bit helped put Paul’s letters in context and settled some very real problems with how the church has traditionally viewed women by not regarding context.
First, Paul’s letters are whole letters, not separate chapters and verses. This means that the entirety of what is covered must be seen, not just a sentence here and there lifted out of context to prove a point that isn’t supported within the rest of the letter (or Torah, for that matter, as Paul would never deliberately go against Torah).
Second, we only have Paul’s answer letters, not the letters that contain the questions that he is answering. Remember that Paul begins his letters with salutations and greetings and uses language that presumes to address issues that have been presented to him for adjudication.
Third, some of Paul’s writing is applicable for us, while some is written only for a specific situation happening at that time. Can we still profit from it? Absolutely, but only when we understand the reason for the instruction. When we say that women cannot teach men or that they must keep silent in church settings, we have disregarded other text clearly stating that EACH one is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the good of ALL, ALL can prophesy, and ALL must submit to one another.
The traditional view, which lifts passages out of context, contradicts others making confusion rampant and requires volumes to explain away the discrepancies. How much better it would be to examine the specific bits that do not seem to fit instead of making them an awkward foundation that nothing else can stand on.
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