This paper contends that the determining factor in approaching and resolving questions pertaining to the role of women in the church is hermeneutics. Passages that deal with this topic are identified: 1 Timothy 2:8-15, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, 1 Corinthians 14:34-36, Ephesians 5:22-33, Colossians 3:18-19, and 1 Peter 3:1-7. Hermeneutical principles for reading these passages in a responsible manner are raised.