Women studying theology

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ubermadchen

ubermadchen

Puritanboard <strong>Outlaw</strong>
This is my first question so please be gentle. And I hope I have this in the right forum.

Someone said this to me a couple weeks ago but it's still on my mind. Is it sinful for a woman to study theology on her own?

The person reminded me of this verse:

“The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.” (1 Corinthians 14:34-35)

He said a woman doesn't need to study theology on her own because her husband or father will teach her all the things she needs to know. But my question was what if she has no husband or her father cannot or will not teach her theology, who will teach her? He replied that a kinsman redeemer needs to step up and teach her or one of the elders/pastors should take her in and teach her. None of my elders have stepped up (and apparently it's not my place to ask them to do so) so what am I supposed to do? He said that it's a product of our fallen world that things like that happen. So in effect he said "Too bad for you."

Is this true? It doesn't seem true since Jesus taught the word also to women. But if it isn't true, can someone point me to some resources that would provide some sound arguments against his ideas. I haven't found much. And if it is true, how much theology is too much for a woman to study on her own? Thanks.
 
I have to wonder why this man was teaching you this theology?

-----Added 4/21/2009 at 10:40:08 EST-----

(I ought to add that I believe the emphasis in the passage is for women to be submissive in the church and in the home: they are not to have the place of being the ruler/teacher in either sphere. I do not think this means we should not read good books, carry on good discussions, etc, in pursuit of knowing Christ. That is untenable: what was Mary doing sitting at the feet of Christ instead of at the feet of Lazarus?)
 
Paul commands all believers to study God's Word, to seek His face, and to know His character. Nowhere does he prohibit any child of God from seeking to know their Father. Now obviously men have a special obligation to study theology because they are to lead their families. But it is both ridiculous and unbiblical to claim that women should not seek to study God's Word! I would ignore this man, but if you choose to talk to him I would suggest walking him through the many passages that show the believers responsibility to study the Bible and learn about God. :2cents:
 
I've always thought the verse about not speaking in church but asking her husband has at least something to do with encouraging a lazy husband to get off his backside and start doing his job.

But to answer your question, if I could point to three hundred verses in which there is a universal command to study God's Word, I wonder what that ding dong would use to prove that they are only applicable to husbands.
 
To a mere housewife: Well it was brought up because I asked him a theological question about theonomy and instead of answering me he replied with "I don't think it's appropriate for women to study theology yadda yadda.." Other people have pointed out to me that maybe I put him in a corner and that was his best defense. Yet even after a few weeks, it still had me thinking. I have admit I think about it when I'm studying my Bible or going to Bible studies: "Am I sinning in this? Should I wait till I'm married to do these things? But I don't want to wait; I want to learn now. But am I sinning by being impatient?" It's driving me nuts.
 
It seems that the 1 Corinthians passage is in opposition to women being disruptive in the service, and it doesn't address the issue of women reading theological books at all. By this logic, would a woman also be prohibited from reading the Bible on her own, and be allowed only to have it read to her? It can't mean that they are to learn only from their husbands, since if that were true, learning from older women (as in Titus 2) would be prohibited.

But I would agree that a woman's theological studies, like any other aspect of her life, should be under someone's guidance -- not necessarily micromanaged, but her husband/father and elders should probably ask her what she has been reading to make sure it is sound material.
 
Is it "studying theology on your own" to read the Bible? Read a commentary? I don't see how you could ever *not* studying on your own.

I suppose one question is if there is no one to shepherd you, should you seek such a person out? Certainly such a guide is a good idea; if none of your elders have "stepped up," I would ask them again, and if none do, seek others in a similar church. They are supposed to serve you, after all.
 
I don't see how the verses he provided indicate that women should not study theology on their own.

1 Corinthians 14 (I believe) indicates that women should not be teaching in churches. Some would also argue that the passage indicates that women should not be asking questions in a church setting. I happen to disagree with the second interpretation, but even if one does hold to that position, I don't see how it indicates that women should not be studying theology on their own. Maybe I'm being dense, but I honestly don't see it.

I would say that it is wise for women (and men!) to seek instruction and guidance for their pastors or elders when they are studying theology. I think that fits with the Biblical principle of elders being "shepherds" to the congregation. However, in the event that you don't have elders to help you in your studies, I don't think that should stop you.
 
ubermadchen said:
To a mere housewife: Well it was brought up because I asked him a theological question about theonomy and instead of answering me he replied with "I don't think it's appropriate for women to study theology yadda yadda.." Other people have pointed out to me that maybe I put him in a corner and that was his best defense. Yet even after a few weeks, it still had me thinking. I have admit I think about it when I'm studying my Bible or going to Bible studies: "Am I sinning in this? Should I wait till I'm married to do these things? But I don't want to wait; I want to learn now. But am I sinning by being impatient?" It's driving me nuts.
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Well on a purely pragmatic level, it is inescapable that in telling you what he thinks the Bible says you ought to be doing, he was himself teaching you theology. If his argument to you is sound it is self refuting: your father did not teach you this doctrine -- some random man did, therefore, you can have nothing to do with such a teaching!
 
*silent scream*

These are the people that believe women should be dumb, breeding cattle. The one thing I teach my children, applies to women as well: you have to OWN YOUR FAITH. You can't just say, "I'm this, because my parents/husband is this" or "well my parents/husband say that we believe this because" or "I don't know why I believe this, let me ask my parents/husband". Our job as parents is to teach our children, to challenge them to study for themselves and to be able to give answer for themselves. The challenge is much the same for the wives...we must be able to own our faith, to study and KNOW for ourselves, and to be able to give answer for ourselves. It's not faith or belief or even basic knowledge if it's just "because my husband said so" (and yes, I've been in these conversations, particularly with one sister in law...because her husband said so, Scripture must say it also...and they are in a heretical sect).
 
I do share with my elders and pastors what I'm studying, like what books I'm reading. They recommend books to me to read if I have questions. But he was implying a closer shepherding situation like being invited to family Bible studies and whatnot.
 
I do share with my elders and pastors what I'm studying, like what books I'm reading. They recommend books to me to read if I have questions. But he was implying a closer shepherding situation like being invited to family Bible studies and whatnot.
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Then you're so much more advanced than the average church going woman that you have nothing to worry about.
 
LadyFlynt said:
*silent scream*

These are the people that believe women should be dumb, breeding cattle. The one thing I teach my children, applies to women as well: you have to OWN YOUR FAITH. You can't just say, "I'm this, because my parents/husband is this" or "well my parents/husband say that we believe this because" or "I don't know why I believe this, let me ask my parents/husband". Our job as parents is to teach our children, to challenge them to study for themselves and to be able to give answer for themselves. The challenge is much the same for the wives...we must be able to own our faith, to study and KNOW for ourselves, and to be able to give answer for ourselves. It's not faith or belief or even basic knowledge if it's just "because my husband said so" (and yes, I've been in these conversations, particularly with one sister in law...because her husband said so, Scripture must say it also...and they are in a heretical sect).
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I appear to be out of thanks, but I needed to thank you anyway!

I absolutely agree. The only way to "own" and be secure in one's faith is to investigate it for oneself. Most of my friends who have left the faith have done so because they blindly believed what they were taught by their toparents and their church without building a real foundation. If you asked them, "Why do you believe this?" their answer would be, "Oh, well that's the way I was raised." Most of them didn't last 5 minutes after leaving high school. You are so very wise in teaching your children to build their own understanding of Christian doctrines and theology. :up:
 
I haven't figured out how to thank yet but I'll just issue a blanket thank you to everyone in this thread. It's really helpful and helped calm the tension in my brain regarding his arguments
 
If this man is right, I'm in a whole lot of trouble. I am always studying. :book2::coffee::book2:

There are no prohibitions in scripture against women studying the scriptures on their own - just speaking in church or teaching men in the Church.

That being said, it's good to let others know what we are studying so they can give us scriptural guidance and counsel. A woman's husband should be aware of what his wife is studying so he can give her counsel and guidance. If a woman is still at home, then her father should fill that role. If a single woman is on her own, or if she is a widow, her church elders should be aware of what she's learning for the same reasons as above. We are a body, and it's good to be sharpened by one another and to sharpen.
 
Patricia, ask him, why is he quoting you this verse, as by doing that he is teaching you theology, and by his own reasoning, sinning against the very verse he is quoting...
 
Patricia, this man is most likely an insecure, controlling, and arrogant man. He may not look like it on the surface. The only men I've ever known that held to that position were exactly as I described. In short, there is not Biblical reason for his position. It is stupid.
 
Yeah what LadyFlynt said!!! That little situation would have been a side spliter for me! :lol:
 
Patricia,

If this man is a part of your church, and you suspect that he has a habit of saying things like that, it may be wise to let your elders know what is going on. He shouldn't be allowed to propagate unbiblical advice that could harm someone's spiritual walk.
 
Oops! My wife has four theological degrees. She must be in REAL trouble! BTW, she is NOT ordained and rolls her eyes at feminist egalitarianism. "Paul was right" she mutters every time she listens to another "woman in ministry" opine.
 
ubermadchen said:
I haven't figured out how to thank yet but I'll just issue a blanket thank you to everyone in this thread. It's really helpful and helped calm the tension in my brain regarding his arguments
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After 25 posts (I think), you'll see a button next to Edit in each post.
 
DMcFadden said:
Oops! My wife has four theological degrees. She must be in REAL trouble! BTW, she is NOT ordained and rolls her eyes at feminist egalitarianism. "Paul was right" she mutters every time she listens to another "woman in ministry" opine.
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I would add that Mr. McFadden's wife is so remarkably kind and gracious, and does not push her learning or herself at all forward, that she is just the sort of godly woman you hope you turn out to be.
 
I'm with all these theologically trained women who see the importance of knowing the Scriptures. I tell my girls "God gave you a good brain--USE IT!" We should all be like the Berean Christians who searched the Scriptures daily to see if the things they were being taught were true or not.
 
JBaldwin said:
I'm with all these theologically trained women who see the importance of knowing the Scriptures. I tell my girls "God gave you a good brain--USE IT!" We should all be like the Berean Christians who searched the Scriptures daily to see if the things they were being taught were true or not.
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You radical! ;)
 
JBaldwin said:
I'm with all these theologically trained women who see the importance of knowing the Scriptures. I tell my girls "God gave you a good brain--USE IT!" We should all be like the Berean Christians who searched the Scriptures daily to see if the things they were being taught were true or not.
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Absolutely. If I remember correctly it was Tyndale who said to the King of Wales, 'Someday the plowboy and the milkmaid will read and understand the Bible better than you'.

The whole purpose of the reformation was to put the Bible in the hands of ordinary people - God's sons and daughters.
 
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