[topcat54]

Stedman says, The words "have authority over" provide us the key to understanding this passage. Women should not be permitted the role of authoritative definers of doctrine within the church. They must not be permitted to do this, even though they may mean well, for the role of authoritative interpreters is given by the Holy Spirit to the apostles and elders, who, in the New Testament, were invariably men. This is supported by Paul's references to Adam and Eve which follows.

Are you agreeing or disagreeing with the original article by Sharon Clark Pearson? Stedman seems to be disagreeing with the basic thesis.

[xzins]

Are you agreeing or disagreeing with the original article by Sharon Clark Pearson? Stedman seems to be disagreeing with the basic thesis.

My point in posting this article was NOT to agree with it, but to examine the evidence within it.

I have always tended in Stedman's direction, with the provision that there is fair evidence for deaconesses. I also think that 1 Tim 2 speaks to something very specific on Paul's mind, because of daughters who prophesy, women who pray, etc. Whatever this verse means, it does not mean ABSOLUTE silence.

However, I've not seen many of the posters engaging this lady's data. Some of her data is useful in other contexts besides this one.