September 1, 2016–Devotions — Rio Olympics
Field Hockey

“I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. Let a woman learn in silence with full submission. I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent.” 1 Timothy 2:8-12

I don’t know where I have been these last 53 years of my life, but I was not aware that there is a men’s field hockey league. Of course, I seem to have missed the women’s boxing league that must be flourishing for there to be women competing in Olympic boxing. Anyway, I learned several things watching this year’s field hockey games. Not only did I learn that there is a men’s league, but I also learned that they spray the field with water so much so you can see the spray of the water when they hit the ball. It seems the water helps reduce the friction between the ball and the turf so the ball moves more quickly and smoothly on the field. Now, I realize this is a sexist comment, so please do not skewer me on the post of “Political Correctness”, but when did men begin playing field hockey? In my world, anyone should be able to play any sport, if they are called to play that sport. I recently read a post about a young girl who is playing on the local boys Pee Wee football team. Good for her. If you have the skills, you should be able to play.

Was Paul a sexist? No. These texts have been held up by many as the reason women should not be pastors, teachers, or other leaders in the church. Of course those feeling are ridiculous, in my opinion. So why would Paul have said it?

Well, there is no short way to explain it except for this:
First, Paul was writing to the church in Ephesus, which was also the home to the cult of Diana, or Artemis. This cult taught that women were superior to men, that Eve was created first, and that men were subordinate to women. These beliefs were being picked up by the church (hence Paul’s letter), and his purpose in writing it was to correct what he saw as their heresy.

Second, there is a mis-translation from the Greek. Paul’s line appears that he is suggesting that women should not teach at all. From the history we know about Paul, this is certainly not the case. In fact, as I have read and prayed, it seems this particular phrase is more about women to teach “in a way that domineers a man” – and it was addressing a particular situation in that church – not in the universal church.
Everyone has gifts – everyone should be allowed to share those gifts. We do not all have the same gifts, and therefore we need all to share their gifts, for the glory of G-d and the good of the church.
Pastor Dave