John, I don't know why you're speaking of "women's issues," this is about the Word of God, which is all of our issue, and that seems to be making the debate something other than about the Word of God.

I believe God inspired the writings of Paul, but some things appear to be only to the people of his time, and need to be viewed discerningly. Some of Paul's writings also show that he was capable of speaking in a limited manner on some things, while applying significant words of judgment, which could not be said to be complete and true in all settings. You seem to be in disagreement with this, but it is hard to tell because you declined to touch on answering the questions. (Your statement about the absence of a reference to Jesus' words on the subject is purely an opinion, and God governed how His Word was established.) It is still a fact that Paul was a mere man, though anointed by God for the work of his calling, and my accountability is much more to the words of Jesus Christ, about whom God said: "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased...listen to Him! My accountability is also for what is written on my heart. It is easy for you to say that the words of Paul have the same authority as Jesus to the church today, but I don't see this belief practiced in Christianity, so it would fall into the category of "You honor Me with your lips and not your hearts." (Matt. 15:7-9)

If I believe something is a commandment of God, which is God-breathed and is for all time, it is His will for my life. This is how our consciences work in our accountability to God. I am honest about liberty in my life. If the mainstream church doesn't want to admit to having applied "reason" to some of these statements of Paul, and that they are "discerning" the meanings of things, and the true essence of righteousness and the will of God in their understanding, and that Paul may have spoken on some occasions from his experience and knowledge of his culture...there is an inconsistency between what they say and what they do, and we all know what that means. And they maintain their claim, to the condemnation of good people who love the Lord.

This is simply an honest and reasonable approach to understanding God's Word and His will for our lives (though it is easier to simply agree upon a claim and not live by it). The greater principles of Scripture speak much more to His will for my life, and I won't have any part of lip service to God.

Maybe the church has fallen short in not teaching all that Paul taught as the commands of Christ today, based on the blanket authority you believe Paul was given by God, which your beliefs suggest is to be carried out regardless of our understanding or any other facts for consideration...but for some inexplicable reason, this hasn't been done.

I accept the teachings of Paul as God-breathed, and there are many treasures of wisdom and knowledge...but what appear to be culturally-based instructions, or acceptable based on the cultural beliefs of his time, or something that is heavily steeped in an explicit context (or lightly), I believe is subject to question and discernment, plain and simple. I live by what I claim to believe. Thanks John.

Lynn