Anna1111 wrote:
The segregated Bible studies I have been to have degenerated into a group therapy session all too often. I'm a little wary when people say, "We can discuss things with other women that we can't discuss with men" - because to me that usually means people have gotten off the topic of Scripture.
Bashing isn't the only danger, as I see it - so are narcissism, private interpretation, and an elevation of emotion over the truths of Scripture.
If a woman is intimidated by men in the room, the Bible says to simply ask your husband at home - it's an easy fix : ) I'm not too inclined to be intimidated, but there are many times that I do ask my husband at home if I feel like the entire group would not find my question useful, - like if it is a "rabbit trail".
Also - if my whole family isn't welcome somewhere, I generally don't go. We've never hired a babysitter for an "adults only event" and likewise, I only go to events where my DH is welcome and loved. The Bible says the "two become one" and just as I wouldn't exclude my arm, I don't care for excluding my husband. I DO go to a weekday morning study that is MOSTLY women, but men are welcome, and a few do come. And, of course, the Priest is a male! : )
You said it perfectly! Especially the first two paragraphs. THANK YOU! I feel like those types of things should be discussed privately, not in a group setting that's supposed to be Christ focused.
Our Bible study is technically called Sunday School, which can be different from Bible study at some churches, but at our church, it IS the Bible study. So, my kids go to their own room/study, even though people of all ages are allowed in with the adults and one man does bring his older sons with him. We don't talk about anything that is not suitable for all ears, male or female, young or old. We just read Bible passages, sometimes watch a video with teaching from a trusted source and then discuss it, discuss doctrines, try to understand Biblical truths and more about Christ, the Holy Spirit, etc. and try to grow spiritually with God's word. I just don't see any need for segregation when you are coming together to understand more about God and His word. If you have a female only issue, that can be discussed separately with someone you trust, right? That's what I do, anyways. In person, through email, IM, etc. And of course, I have you guys, who probably hear far more than you care to about my problems.
I will admit, I don't do much talking anymore during Bible study. I used to talk a lot and blurt out whatever came to mind and I just loved to hear myself talk. I have two modes, silent or blabbering. I finally got sick of hearing myself and wanted to start listening. Lets just say something happened and God shut me up. The people in the room don't need to know every little struggle in my life, we need to know more about the Bible. They don't need to hear how a certain passage makes me *feel*, we need to hear what God says. I now speak up only if I truly feel like I have something valuable to add, so as not to make it all about me, but about God.