Intellectuelle

I read the interview, and I wonder, can it be asked without being accused of falling into the appealing to tradition fallacy, *why* it is that the role of women has been considered almost exclusively domestic until the last hundred years?

Do you think there is truth to the idea that the "patriarchal culture" has somehow conspired to "keep women in their place"?

Also, despite the use of this word "eber" (strong helper or warrior) as the hebrew word for woman's role, the role actually fulfilled by women in the OT is a domestic one. Perhaps doing this takes more strength than many people believe? And all the NT instructions directly to women (including widows) tell them to be managing the household, etc.

In the interview, the author says:

"A wife can easily think she’s doing her part by handling meals and laundry and keeping a home running smoothly and back away from the real battles of life where she is needed most...As Christians, our mission to spread and live the Gospel in this world is an overwhelming task, and we are telling women to hold back.

I'm sure this was not the author's intention, but this passage seems to make the assumption that doing the domestic work and dealing with the myriad interpersonal and spiritual aspects of this work, that has been the domain of women for millennia, is keeping her away from the "real battles" of life. Is it only in the world of paid work, academia and theology that real battles take place?

Twice in the NT Paul indicates that if women are not fulfilling this domestic role, the word of God can be reviled or the adversary will have occasion for slander. One of these passages, 1 Timothy 5, also uses the masculine pronoun, indicating that a man should be able to care for his own household.

I am not saying that throughout time, women have never earned any income. Nor am I saying that woman should be uneducated, barefoot and pregnant. But it is certainly not a disservice to women, nor to society, for the church to encourage women, as the Scriptures do, to fulfil the highly important tasks of homemaking and hospitality.

Samatha, I haven't read the interview, but I agree with you. That quote is disturbing - to be pragmatic, somebody has to do the laundry! Is she forgetting that the occasional (often? you tell me) dullness and mindlessness of domestic work can be a big enough battle for women to fight as they struggle to support their husbands and children spiritually on top of that? It is tiring to hear people always talking about doing the extraordinary for God when God *ordinarily* works in everyday life.

Samantha and Laura,

Of course, you are right to be concerned that anyone would question the need or the value of the domestic or ordinary aspects of life or conclude that the real battles of life are only in paid work, academia and theology. My writing does neither. I would encourage you to read either of my books. I think you will be strongly affirmed in the life God has given you, challenged to know God in deeper ways and encouraged in your spiritual ministry to your husband, children, friends and other individuals God has placed in your life.

And if it reassures you at all laundry is on my list of things to do today.