The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum More Sticky Issues of Women in the Church

Okay, here's another sticky question I'm curious for input on: do you think that having a woman sing a solo, or even sing as part of a group, in a church service, is against the Biblical mandate for her?

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The reason I sask, is that someone has asked me how this is different then, say, a women sharing a testimony in a church service, or sharing some thoughts on a Scripture passage, or something like that which would be easier to identify as being contrary to biblical teaching.

Just wanted to add, this thread wasn't started so we could have another debate on this, but rather, I just wanted to solicit the opinion of those who would hold to a fairly literal understanding of Paul's injuctions for a women to remain silent, to see what they thought.

I don't get it... are you saying you think it is okay, or that it isn't, or that bringing this up period is a no-no? (I know, inflammatory issue #17)

I don't have a problem with a woman singing or sharing her testimony. This is glorifying God, IMO, which is what everyone should be doing in Church (and elsewhere too).

She may not sing solo during the church service but she may sing as part of a group that includes at least one adult male. However, she may sing before or after the service.

That's interesting, Speratus. Would that be the official or standard Lutheran take on the issue?

You said (is against the Biblical mandate for her?)
Pilgrim said (no)

Henry,



The official Lutheran take is, "Of Ecclesiastical Order they teach that no one should publicly teach in the Church or administer the Sacraments unless he be regularly called." Augsburg Confession, Art. XIV. So a woman can not sing a solo in a public church service because the purpose of all hymns is to teach.

Many congregations deviate from the Augsburg Confession and allow women to give solos, read the scripture lessons, distribute the Sacrament, etc. These practices are only standard among apostate Lutherans.

Aside from your sarcasm concerning this topic being off-topic and/or somehow inviolation of the Forum Guidelines, I simply answered your question, which I even incuded. Here it is again:

I answered with an unmistakable

By way of interpretation, that means, "No, I do not think the situations you mentioned are against the biblical mandate for her." If you were to include in your short list, "could she be a worship leader", then I my answer would have been different. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

In His Grace,

Henry,

Next time your desire is to simply solicit a simple answer(s) to a question(s), you might want to try creating a Poll for that purpose. It's really easy to do.... just follow the prompts after checking the option which is located beneath the text box. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Ponder.gif" alt="" />

I know you will eventually tire of my asking, but, Scripture please?


God bless,

william

As you think through your position on this matter let me add this question. Since some are trying to impose silence on women based on their interpretation on I Cor. 14, is it right for the congregaion to sing songs written by women? If they are not permitted in some churches to speak audibly can their words be spoken by others?

What say ye?


Wes

Wes,

The actual author is irrelevant. Whether penned by a woman, a heretic, or a pagan, the pastor is responsible for every word of every song sung by his congregation. If non-biblical songs are used, their sole purpose is to hold "fast the faithful word." Titus 1: 9. Women may not speak independently of the pastor as in a solo but may join in congregational singing lead by the pastor. 1 Tim. 2:11, 12

I didn't see Titus 1:9 applying to song or those who sing them. Maybe you could quit proof texting? Using the 2Timothy passage requires women not to sing, period. Is this your stance?


God bless,

william