Question:

People say that the New Testament teaching (especially those of Paul in Corinthians) are not applicable to today’s social order – for instance that of the role of women in church. What is the position of the Plain Truth Ministries on these issues?

Mick

Answer: Dear Mick,

This issue is open to a wide variety of interpretations. Some believe, as you note below, that Paul’s statements are not absolute, that they are culturally conditioned and must be interpreted accordingly. Among those who accept such a view are those who believe that women should be ordained and should pastor.

Others take a view which would be the polar opposite, that women should do or not do exactly what these passages would appear to mean if taken literally. In such a view, women could not talk during church (perhaps allowed to whisper to their husbands or fathers), women must wear a head covering, etc.

In between those two are a number of other views – some who would "allow" women to direct and teach children’s church, and to direct children’s choirs, others would go beyond that and see women as able to direct choirs of all ages and genders, as able to teach all kinds of Bible classes and Sunday school. Even beyond that some churches see women as able to give public prayers in worship, and to give Scripture readings. And finally, just short of women being ordained as full/senior pastors, some churches would allow women to give sermons, but not as a pastor over a congregation.

Plain Truth Ministries takes a middle view – recognizing that this is a subject about which we may differ, and that we need not divide simply because we have different traditions. We would not endorse either of the first two positions at the two extremes, but hope that Christians would see wisdom and biblical support for some position in between.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht