Re: The female identity in the bible.
So reading On the Wings of Shekinah last night, I came across this paragraph:
Brackets mine. This happened in 1988. So maybe that thinking has been entrenched for thousands of years and it's not too far out to believe that this is where Paul's opinion on women's conduct in church stems from:
1 Cor 14:34 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. 35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.
There's been a lot of speculation about those verses, that Paul didn't really mean for women to be quiet in church, he just meant they should only speak when the time is right. It's an explanation I can't swallow taking into consideration his other views. Romans was written a few years after 1 Corinthians, so maybe over time his views changed as he began to commend the likes of Phoebe who is mentioned as a deacon in Romans.
On a positive note, there was a gorgeous prayer right at the start of On the Wings of Shekinah that I want to share with you all:
So reading On the Wings of Shekinah last night, I came across this paragraph:
'...Jewish women who came to pray at the women's side of the wall during the new moon (the new moon is when the seven promises of the covenants are remembered). Because the women wore traditional prayer shawls and read from the Torah, they were attacked physically by very Orthodox worshippers who regarded the voice of women in prayer as a violation of tradition.' Pg3
1 Cor 14:34 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. 35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church.
There's been a lot of speculation about those verses, that Paul didn't really mean for women to be quiet in church, he just meant they should only speak when the time is right. It's an explanation I can't swallow taking into consideration his other views. Romans was written a few years after 1 Corinthians, so maybe over time his views changed as he began to commend the likes of Phoebe who is mentioned as a deacon in Romans.
On a positive note, there was a gorgeous prayer right at the start of On the Wings of Shekinah that I want to share with you all:
Appeal to the Matriarchs
We call upon Sarah the priestess, co-founder of Judaism, who gave us the candle-lighting ceremony.
Beautiful and holy princess, she celebrated in sacred groves and a simple tent, bringing the light of the Shekinah where ever she traveled.
Laughing mother of ageless beauty, bless our way.
We call upon Rebekah, who traveled courageously while still a teenager, leaving the shelter of her family to journey toward a new life.
Guided to the spiritual path begun by Sarah, she too merited the presence of the clouds of glory and insights into the future of her children.
Courageous mother of difficult choices, bless our way.
We call upon Rachel, whose poignant memory is cherished as the advocate of Israel.
Her short life on earth has become a permanent vigil. Forever young, she is always present on the road to exile, watching over her children like the winged Shekinah.
Romantic and beautiful mother, bless our way.
We call upon Leah, visionary mother of many tribes, progenitor of priests and kings.
Like the primal mother of creation, she was blessed with fertility, giving life, giving names, giving nurturance. Great Lady, Mother Binah, Ha'G'veret Elyonah.
Mother of creativity, who sees the future, bless our way.
As we acknowledge the revered Hebrew Matriarchs, we also call to our mothers Bilhah and Ziilpah, co-parents of the emergent Jewish family.
We honour your contributions to our spiritual life and include you in our ancestral prayers.
Tribal mothers, bless our way.
We call upon Hagar, mother of the desert life, to whom God's angel spoke directly and who was blessed with the promise of greatness at the Well of the Divine Seeking.
We ask you to help us heal the wounds between the children of Abraham and mend the torn garment of our interwoven destinies.
Wandering mother, bless our way.
Beautiful and holy princess, she celebrated in sacred groves and a simple tent, bringing the light of the Shekinah where ever she traveled.
Laughing mother of ageless beauty, bless our way.
We call upon Rebekah, who traveled courageously while still a teenager, leaving the shelter of her family to journey toward a new life.
Guided to the spiritual path begun by Sarah, she too merited the presence of the clouds of glory and insights into the future of her children.
Courageous mother of difficult choices, bless our way.
We call upon Rachel, whose poignant memory is cherished as the advocate of Israel.
Her short life on earth has become a permanent vigil. Forever young, she is always present on the road to exile, watching over her children like the winged Shekinah.
Romantic and beautiful mother, bless our way.
We call upon Leah, visionary mother of many tribes, progenitor of priests and kings.
Like the primal mother of creation, she was blessed with fertility, giving life, giving names, giving nurturance. Great Lady, Mother Binah, Ha'G'veret Elyonah.
Mother of creativity, who sees the future, bless our way.
As we acknowledge the revered Hebrew Matriarchs, we also call to our mothers Bilhah and Ziilpah, co-parents of the emergent Jewish family.
We honour your contributions to our spiritual life and include you in our ancestral prayers.
Tribal mothers, bless our way.
We call upon Hagar, mother of the desert life, to whom God's angel spoke directly and who was blessed with the promise of greatness at the Well of the Divine Seeking.
We ask you to help us heal the wounds between the children of Abraham and mend the torn garment of our interwoven destinies.
Wandering mother, bless our way.
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