I think we ought not try to make the exercise of our faith more strict than the Bible does.

Where does the question come from, "Can women pray aloud in front of men?" Is the concern that if so, then she's "leading in worship"? What is Paul regulating when he command's "silence" from the ladies? He's addressing the matter of church order, specifically public worship. Period. Leading the gathered people in worship is a function of the Ministry. The Ministry is restricted to men, as a reflection of created order.

Beyond that sphere, then, Paul's (the Spirit's) dictum does not pertain. Outside the church, there is greater liberty of expression. We govern our conduct in prayer by the general rules of Christian liberty, prudence, and "the light of nature." If the husband and wife take turns praying aloud, is this not a demonstration of entering into the other's soul? Is it not a demonstration of oneness?

Now, if it is the missus that does all the praying for the family, even when father is present, this gives evidence of imbalance. But finding "ratios", etc., in the Bible is trying to make law what isn't. Trying to press everyone into a mold doesn't work, it only creates social norms that get forced upon all--OK up to a point in voluntary societies, but appalling when (for instance) missionaries with our western norms suppress perfectly reasonable social norms in alien cultures, not because they are evil, but because they aren't famililar.

I do agree that father's should take the natural lead in worship. But his governance may differ somewhat from one house to another.

__________________
Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


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