A Theology of Interconnectedness Within the Male/Female Relationship as Shown in the Letter to the Church at Corinth: 1 Corinthians 11:7-11

Seminary S215

In 1 Corinthians 11:7–11, Paul deals with how the Christian church should understand the freedom that we have in Christ in terms of our gender and the proper use of that freedom within the corporate context of the church. Paul expounds that we together, both male and female, are made in the image of God and as we complement each other we are more reflecting the glory of God. He illustrates that even creation itself shows us that God has created both male and female to be who we are called to be in God and that we are interconnected together in our relationship with God. Then, based upon the inequality of Hellenistic culture, Paul seems to endeavor to lift women’s status in society by admonishing women to live a respectable life by taking glory away from herself and giving glory to God, which would enable her to be more powerful in a society where she normally would have no power. Finally, Paul concludes this passage by explaining to the church at Corinth that although male and female are separate beings with different functions, both are interdependent upon each other in the Lord. David