Can a woman teach Scriptures through writing?
Question:
I'm a Christian woman who writes Christian fiction novels meant solely for other women. I frequently include biblical truths. Is this form of teaching okay because it's directed only to other women? Do I need to make sure I'm not too authoritative in what I say?
Thanks!
Answer:
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored" (Titus 2:3-5).
The prohibition in the Scriptures is not against women teaching but against women placing themselves in a position of authority over men in religious matters. "But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet" (I Timothy 2:12). Thus, public teaching of men is forbidden because that puts the woman as telling them what is to be done. However, private teaching is still allowed. Priscilla, along with her husband Aquilla, taught Apollos (Acts 18:24-26). The Samaritan woman told people in town that a man at the well might be the Messiah, which led to many people believing in Jesus (John 4: 28-31,39-42).
The reading of a book is a private thing and if some happen to learn more about God as a result, that is a good thing. It would be difficult to construe a novel as authoritative teaching on the religion.
Response:
Thanks so much for your quick and helpful reply!