Some time ago I read on my friend's blog about how Southwestern Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX was introducing a homemaker's degree.
At first it seemed harmless enough. I have respect for homemaker's...I can't do HALF of the things they do so well...and if a woman chooses to be a homemaker, more power to her.
However, as I kept doing more research on this topic I grew to dislike the whole idea.
This is what it says in the school's course guide, "Preparing women to model the characteristics of a Godly woman as outlined in Scripture." Umm...I don't know but, is it necessary for a woman to drop between $40 and $60K to find out how to be a godly woman??? If I don't know how to cook or sew does that mean I'm not a godly woman? Aren't these things women could learn from their grandmothers or mentors or older women in their church? Is it necessary to spend SO much money to learn these "home" skills? Can't you read a few self-help books or something? And again, if I'm not a homemaker am I ungodly? I just don't and CAN'T believe that the biblical role of a woman is to be a homemaker. God equips us all with different gifts...and I'm sorry, no matter HOW much I try I am NOT gifted in the area of "homemaking." I really have no desire to be a homemaker. Again, I'm not taking away the importance or the skill of being a house wife. It is very important and it is a great skill...but it's just not for me.
Also, I can't help but think that Southwestern is making a not so subtle statement on where a woman "belongs." Does anyone recall the whole Sherri Klouda situation? If you don't know the story click here to get the gist of it. I was more than shocked to hear that this woman was no longer welcome as a professor at Southwestern....why? Because she would have men in her classes??? Give me a break!
Allow me to clarify, I do believe that a woman should have homemaking skills (and men should too, for that matter!), but why shouldn't she have other skills? What if, God forbid, her husband dies and she's left all alone with three kids and a homemaking degree? If you're going to spend $40K and four years earning a degree, why not earn a degree that could prove to useful in just such an unfortunate situation?
And another thing, what about stay at home dads? I've read many interesting articles about dads who are choosing to stay at home with the kids while the wife goes off to work. Sometimes it just makes more sense for their family situation. Maybe the woman has a job that makes more money, but they still want someone to stay at home with the baby...why shouldn't she keep her job while dad stays at home? Maybe he WANTS to stay at home...what's the big deal? Yet, this degree is ONLY for women. I don't see why men should be excluded if they wish to learn how to maintain a home as well.
Does anyone "out there" have any opinions on the matter? I'd love to hear what you all think...maybe you could shed some light for me if you disagree.
5 comments:
I totally agree w/ you there. And another thing to add, The bible is the then and there, we are in the here and now. I learned just today in Bible class when paul wrote to the church of Corinthians that he said that woman should stay quite in the church, not speak, it's not that paul was against woman or anything, it's just that woman were not educated. In today's world it's different, woman are educated and we can have a job and speak in the church. Southwestern hasn't seen that yet and once they do, i hope they change their mind about their statement in the school course guide.
Hi Kristel,
It sounds like a real issue concerning sensitivity. ??? But why? While I agree that spending thousands of dollars for this type of education may seem excessive, truth is there may be a need for this type of curriculum -- at least from the university's perspective. Many people may feel as you do, that this type of higher-learning (and its cost) is not correlative to one's position as a "godly woman",to which we can both agree. Nevertheless,the issue is perhaps closely related to another sensitive issue that crops up from time-to-time,which would be where women are called to obey/submit to their husbands. What? Obey my husband? Am I some kind of robot or slave? Of course not. If the (your)man is following Christ ,then you should have little if any issue with following him. Likewise, maybe today's modern woman is(AT TIMES)hyper-sensitive to things that seem traditional and yet challenge her new post-modern way of thinking. You know, if there are women that want to choose to do this and be more capable in their homes,that's great. Women are NOT simply to be the "homemakers" in the home,instead they are to govern the affars of her household,AND ALSO WHATEVER ELSE SHE DOES...AND DOES WELL! This is so she will be blessed by what she does; That all in her household may be blessed; And because of HER, her husband may be blessed and highly regarded because of what SHE DOES and the kind of woman that SHE IS. Maybe southwestern didn't present it properly or correctly as it should've been...or maybe they are stuck in the Dark Ages? Today,women are highly educated and free to pursue their dreams..and are able to teach men. I think that we can agree that there are certain instances where a man would be a better teacher for men on certain topics and issues, and situations where a woman could better instruct women in such matters as well...So, I applaud your opinion and efforts, and even your shiny new diploma :O) CONGRATS AGAIN, BTW!!!
Perhaps my wife could be a better example? Jescel is highly educated, has traveled extensively, and is a "godly woman". Yet,in light of this, she feels that her highest calling is to serve God by serving her family first. She is an excellent homemaker and takes care of our home by making sure I have what I need to be more effective at my job, whatever that may require. When the time comes and we have children,or other matters demand our attention her priorities shift to make sure things get done. Of course, I am involved but its a blessing to know that I can find her capable and trustworthy to take care of what needs to be done. If I don't pull my weight, she's the first one to tell me,anyways...LOL. Maybe you should write Southwestern and ask them to clarify for you their position? Thanks for reading, Kristel.
C'mon Kristel, isn't it obvious that part of your spiritual walk is to learn to do laundry? I mean it's not like your paying to learn to wipe babies butts... What's that you say?...the Bible DOESN'T anything about sweeping the floor?... not the Bible we print in Texas...What was that, say that again?... Yes, if you don't take these classes your are clearly being disobedient to God's word and therefore being an ungodly woman. So when's dinner?
I completely agree with you. It angers me to think that in this day and age, despite all the advancements women have made, it seems there is still great "hating" on women and their capabilities to be anything other than mother/wife. I applaud any woman that freely decides to be a homemaker, but that's the catch.... to freely decide. This class should be given to both sexes, and maybe it should be a requisite for men so they can learn to help out around the house! lol.
Or maybe Borat is right, and women really do have smaller brains... and all they are good for is sexy time.
not!
all I can say is that Proverbs 31 describes the ideal wife (and how a good wife can affect the husband).. the Lord must have a pretty good reason why this is so and not the other way around, eh???
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