S2 Ep1136: Rethinking 1 Corinthians 11:2-16: Dr. Lucy Peppiatt
Dec 11, 2023
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Dr. Lucy Peppiatt, Principal at Westminster Theological Centre, discusses her reading of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, revealing how Paul is quoting and engaging with Corinthians' own beliefs. The podcast covers interpreting and understanding the challenging passage, exploring headship and God's authority, unraveling the meanings behind hair lengths and head coverings, gaining new perspective, and different interpretations of women's equality. A fascinating discussion on a complex biblical passage.
The Corinthians adhere to hierarchical gender roles and maintain order in worship through specific practices such as head coverings and uncovered heads for men and women.
Paul challenges the Corinthians' hierarchical view by emphasizing equality, mutuality, and the interdependence of men and women in the divine order.
Paul employs reductio ad absurdum to confront the logical consequences of the Corinthians' beliefs and encourages them to reevaluate their views.
Deep dives
Headship and Hierarchy in the Corinthians' Theology and Practice
The Corinthians have a hierarchical view of men and women, believing that the head of every husband is Christ and the head of every woman is her husband. They adhere to the practice of men praying and prophesying with their heads uncovered, while women are required to cover their heads. The Corinthians see this as a way to maintain order and honor in the assembly. However, Paul challenges their perspective and highlights the absurdity of their reasoning. He suggests that if the Corinthians think a woman dishonors herself by not covering her head, then shaving her head would be the logical consequence. The Corinthians also appeal to the authority of angels, believing that their behavior in the assembly affects the heavenly realm. Overall, the Corinthians' theology and practice revolve around hierarchical gender roles and maintaining order in the worship context.
Challenging the Corinthians' Theology: Equality and Mutuality
Paul counters the Corinthians' hierarchical view by emphasizing equality and mutuality. He reminds them that while the husband may be the head of the wife, Christ is the head of every husband. Thus, the hierarchy is not absolute. Furthermore, Paul points out that both men and women are dependent on each other. Man came from woman, and everything ultimately comes from God. This challenges the Corinthians' notion that the woman is solely for the man's glory or existed solely for the man's sake. Paul brings a theological perspective that emphasizes the equal value and interdependence of men and women in the divine order.
Identifying the Influence of the Corinthians' Slogans
Paul addresses and interacts with the Corinthians' own slogans and sayings throughout the passage. He uses reductio ad absurdum to expose the problematic nature of their beliefs. The Corinthians assert that men praying with covered heads and women praying with uncovered heads bring dishonor. Paul challenges this by questioning the severity of their claims. He also highlights their belief that women not covered are equivalent to prostitutes, revealing the extreme consequences of their view. Paul's response forces the Corinthians to confront the logical conclusions of their own perspectives and encourages them to reevaluate their beliefs.
Challenging traditional interpretations
In this podcast episode, Lucy Peppiatt discusses her alternative interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, challenging traditional understandings of the passage. Peppiatt introduces the idea that certain portions of the passage may actually be quoting the Corinthians themselves, rather than reflecting the views of the apostle Paul. This hypothesis opens up the possibility of a subordinationist interpretation, acknowledging the presence of subordinationist ideas within the text itself and recognizing the incoherence and problematic aspects of a straightforward egalitarian reading. Peppiatt highlights the need for a careful examination of the cultural milieu and the reception of the text throughout history as part of the interpretive process.
Unpacking the complexities of the passage
Peppiatt delves into the intricate details of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, exploring various key verses and aspects of the text. She addresses the issue of head coverings, their cultural significance, and the potential quotation of Corinthian slogans within the passage. Peppiatt emphasizes the problematic nature of a purely egalitarian interpretation, pointing out the difficulties in smoothly reconciling the text with that perspective. She also highlights Michael Lake's subordinationist reading and Judith Gundry-Volf's views, engaging with diverse scholarly interpretations. Peppiatt invites readers to grapple with the passage's complexities, encouraging a more honest and nuanced approach to understanding its message.
In this podcast conversation, Lucy walks us through her reading of 1 Cor. 11:2-16, where she argues that Paul is quoting and interacting with various ideas that the Corinthians themselves believe.
Dr. Peppiatt has been Principal at Westminster Theological Centre (WTC) since 2013. She teaches courses in Christian doctrine and in spiritual formation. Lucy holds bachelor’s degrees in both English and Theology, and completed an MA in Systematic Theology at King’s College, London, and a PhD through the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Her research interests are Christ and the Spirit, Charismatic theology, theological anthropology, discipleship, 1 Corinthians, and women in the Bible. Lucy is part of Crossnet Anglican Church in Bristol, which is led by her husband, Nick Crawley. Together, they have four sons and four daughters-in-law.
