Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Command His Children
It's been a while since I last shared my reading of "Getting Serious about Getting Married: Rethinking the Gift of Singleness", so I want to return to looking at it, given all its controversies.
In the fourth chapter, Debbie Maken makes the point that there is a lack of male leadership in family, schools, society and the church. Men are told to "Have fun, live for the moment, don't answer to anyone, and always leave your options open." Men are being supported in "second childhoods" and as "perennial students", with all that that lifestyle entails.
As a young successful professional woman, often I feel this success is blamed for my singleness. It is perceived as a bad thing to be female, successful and financially self-sufficient. Maken says that "in Western culture, we often equate a woman's lack of economic need to be married to a desire of not wanting to be married."
Why has this changed in little over a generation? She blames "an education system that allows and promotes indefinite leadership, a lack of leadership in the home, and a lack of leadership within the church."
I have to agree with her. But what can be done about it? The church needs to take a more active role in teaching the Biblical view of manhood, womanhood and the family. Parents need to look to Scripture for guidance and teaching on biblical roles, and then to demonstrate them in their own family and to teach them to their children. I'm not sure what can be done about the schooling system, where are certainly problems with teaching male leadership in schools, which has caused an inappropriate expression of manhood through aggression. After a conversation with a friend who plans on homeschooling his children, I am perhaps (to my surprise) moving towards that idea. This is however a subject for another day!
For I have chosen [Abraham], that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him."
Genesis 18:19
In the fourth chapter, Debbie Maken makes the point that there is a lack of male leadership in family, schools, society and the church. Men are told to "Have fun, live for the moment, don't answer to anyone, and always leave your options open." Men are being supported in "second childhoods" and as "perennial students", with all that that lifestyle entails.
As a young successful professional woman, often I feel this success is blamed for my singleness. It is perceived as a bad thing to be female, successful and financially self-sufficient. Maken says that "in Western culture, we often equate a woman's lack of economic need to be married to a desire of not wanting to be married."
Why has this changed in little over a generation? She blames "an education system that allows and promotes indefinite leadership, a lack of leadership in the home, and a lack of leadership within the church."
I have to agree with her. But what can be done about it? The church needs to take a more active role in teaching the Biblical view of manhood, womanhood and the family. Parents need to look to Scripture for guidance and teaching on biblical roles, and then to demonstrate them in their own family and to teach them to their children. I'm not sure what can be done about the schooling system, where are certainly problems with teaching male leadership in schools, which has caused an inappropriate expression of manhood through aggression. After a conversation with a friend who plans on homeschooling his children, I am perhaps (to my surprise) moving towards that idea. This is however a subject for another day!
For I have chosen [Abraham], that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him."
Genesis 18:19
Labels: biblical manhood, biblical womanhood, family, reading
5 Comments:
A topic I thought would have got more comments! Consider the old trades (plumber, mechanic etc.) are still dominated by men. But "professional" careers like doctor, lawer, have a more even gender mix. Women these days often earn more money than men, and it can scare them off. But I have known "professional" women that can get a bit picky about who they associate with. So in general, blame can go both ways.
Thanks for that, Jonny. I think you do make a valid point. A friend of mine is a doctor and is courting a farm labourer. It does not matter at all to her, but she has received some odd comments, even from people in the church about it.
I am a doctor too and it is interesting to see the different reactions I get from people, both male and female, when they find that out.
Perhaps this is something that society has forgotten in its pursuit of gender sameness? Yes, I am a doctor, but first and foremost I am a woman who is trying to fulfill God's plan and purpose in her life.
A doctor who has time to understand the bible, and write a blog... Very rare!
k--
Im a 26 yo guy, named Drew, pursuing God's leading for me in the entertainment industry in NYC...I've just begun a study on Bibilical Manhood, relationships, and leadership using some chapters from the book "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: a response to Evangelical Feminism." I wonder if youve read it, and I'd like to say, that it gives me hope to know that there ARE women my age in the world who embrace our God-given roles and long to fufill them--I was starting to get worried! anyway, God bless and I think I'll check out your blog from time to time.
Drew - thank you for the encouragement there! I'm reading through "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood" at the moment but slowly because the chapters are so rich. It's a wonderful collection of writings for some very wise men and women. Do come by any time!
Post a Comment
<< Home