RE-READING ICOR.14:26-40: ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES OF MALE CHAUVINISM IN AFRICA

Abstract

Women play vital roles in human society.They could be considered indispensable given their viability and productivity in virtually every aspect of human endeavour. That notwithstanding, observations have shown that in African society where the traditional gender roles are usually hijacked by patriarchy ideology, men are seen as pre-eminent human beings and women as inferior and second class citizens. The story appears to be same even in the church (especially the mainline churches) where women are not allowed to take certain offices and some scriptural passages are cited not excluding ICor.14:34-35 in support of male dominance and female inferiority. Such claims undermine the human dignity of women. Data for this work is basically from the secondary source while redaction critical method would be employed for data analysis. It is the conclusion of this work that Paul’s injunctions in ICor.14:26-40 is geard towards maintaing order in the church and not for marketing male chauvenism as it appears to be the case in Africa. Women form the integral part of the liberation that Christ gained for the human race through His vicarious death on the cross.