if women have equal rights in the time of jesus...
By pulangpluma
@pulangpluma (334)
Philippines
December 26, 2008 7:11pm CST
What do you think? Recently there was this idea of ordaining women priest due to the shortage or weening number of men joining the vocation. The church protested that women can not be made priest because all of the disciples were men. This is true, because during those times, women have no rights at all. So the question is, if women have equal rights as we have now during those times, do you think there would be women "priestess" ordained today?
On the side note, I think women should be considered, I mean, if you look into the church, there are more women attending mass than men - in my country of course..not sure with yours, but still I am eager to hear your opinion on this. Thanks.
1 response
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
27 Dec 08
Women cannot be priests or ministers because the Bible says so in several places. The one that says it the clearest is found at 1 Timothy 2:12 "I do not permit a woman to teach, or exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence."
Also 1 Corinthians 14:34 says "let the women keep silent in the congregations, for it is not permitted for them to speak,"
This is not to say that the women did not have duties, just that she was not to lead the congregation.
@pulangpluma (334)
• Philippines
28 Dec 08
Thank you for responding, but could it be that these teachings were influenced by the their culture or traditions that women have no place in their society.
Correct me if I am wrong but isn't it even up to now, some religions disregard women. I think even in law, the woman is discriminated, again correct me if I am wrong, like if a married man seek a relationship with another woman it's concubinage but if it is a woman who is unfaithful it is Adultery and the punishment is more severe.
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
28 Dec 08
The source I quoted was God's word not man's. But no where in the Bible does Jesus advocate treating women as lessor citizens or inferior beings. There were limits as to what role they could play in the congregation but women were held generally in high esteem by anyone who was endeavoring to live by God's standards. Read Proverbs 31:10-31 for a beautiful example of how much value was placed on women in Bible times.
You do make a good point though. Today there is a double standard for women and men. In business women have to work twice as hard for half the pay of their male companions. And in morals it is always the woman that is in the wrong. In fact I questioned that very thing in another discussion today. Even in some religions women are oppressed and treated like slaves.
I would never belong to a religion that treated women that way. If the religion taught anything that contradicted the Bible which is the word of God I could not follow that religion.
@pulangpluma (334)
• Philippines
29 Dec 08
Thank you again for responding. I am not an expert of the Bible, but I hold on to what Jesus said, as I believe He was sent here to show us the true way thus changing some of the old beliefs/ teachings as they are harsh. Also since He is the initiator of the church. Is there a specific quote made by Christ that women can not be priest? This is a true ignorant question, I am not trying to be obnoxious(?) in any way. Just curious.
