Posted by Yong TM (202.172.43.132) on February 19, 2003 at 13:53:48:
In Reply to: Headcovering in the Corinth church posted by ien ling on February 18, 2003 at 18:21:06:
Interesting that you should ask the question now. I am in the midst of drafting a theological paper with my Presbyterian co-workers on the role of women in church.
When the Hebrews exposition first started, there was a group of women who came, sat together, and put on a veil right before we start. They are from the brethren church. I preach at a brethren church from time to time where some of the older women wear a headscarf.
In reformed understanding, the general explanation is that Paul's comments relating to the position of women are often cultural and historical in context. Typically, the idea is that the church in Corinth (or where Timothy was) had so much women of ill-repute (e.g. prostitutes) that Paul needed to bring order to the chaotic church there. Hence the understanding is that many of such comments do not apply today.
Of course there are variations in accepting this. In the Presbyterian church for example, the stance is such that none of such things apply, so women can become church ministers. In the Bible Presbyterian church for example, women are not allowed to be Elders or ministers, but some allow women to lead worship. In the Brethren church, no women will be allowed to step up to the pulpit at all, whether to lead in songs or to preach (but there are more liberal brethren churches around)... so there are quite a lot of variations.
The fact that I preach at conservative and liberal churches means that I do not believe that this is an issue to be forced. It should be a matter of conviction and conscience before the LORD (I treat speaking in tongues in the same manner). One should go to the church of one's conviction. I have seen very godly people on both sides of the fend.
Problems arise when one insists in staying and insists in his interpretation of scripture when the church already clearly made her choice. In reformed understanding, there is freedom of conscience in matters. If one disagree with the church, one should either live with it, or reform the church, or choose to leave when reform is not accepted.