Hi Brian ( @obrian-of-the-surface-world ),
While it was interesting to read your opinion, I still disagree. This is probably because we have different viewpoints on women’s subordination to men. I for one, see men and women created as equals and believe they should be treated as such. Accordingly, I have issues with the majority of what you said. I could back my belief with biblical references, but instead I am going to move on so I can respond to your main point about a “strong man” being needed in a family.
The principle that Jesus stated still stands and is logical. Each household should naturally be physically protected by a strong man. How can you argue otherwise?
God has put males in the role of spiritual headship in a home.
Scripture also soundly condemns males who fail to provide for their households.
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. [1 Timothy 5:8 KJV]Failure in that equates such a worthless fool as an apostate.
Males need a “male-role model”. A woman cannot do it and anyone thinking otherwise is an imbecile and a fool.
Simply put, not every household has a “strong man”. Some households have men who are ill or disabled. Some households have single mothers. But, I believe the ill and disabled men still love their families just as much as any other man. I believe the single mothers still love their children just as much as any other mother. To say that ill and disabled men (who may have gotten sick or injured through no fault of their own) have failed as the protectors of the family is extremely insensitive. Even more insensitive is implying that single women are incapable of raising children. I have a male friend who was raised by a single mother. He is intelligent, kind, respectful, and passionate about the Lord. His single mother (who is neither an imbecile nor a fool) raised him better than many young men who were raised by both a man and woman.
Some sidenotes:
The skeletal design of a woman accommodates caring a child in their womb and their pelvic bones cradle a child during the childbearing months until term. Because a child must be protected by the physical design of a woman, there are also external threats that must be protected by someone who does not bear the child and can meet anyone or anything on the perimeter of a household with physical violence if necessary to ensure that both mother and child within the household do not have to contend with that threat and risk to life of the woman and the child she carries.
For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. [1 Timothy 2:13-15 KJV]
By correlation, any “male” that thinks he can fully explain what being a “girl” is to a female, is a candidate for a nuthouse and I don’t mean the local Planters peanut factory.
Right, thank you for explaining my womanhood and anatomy. That was needed.
Scriptures talk about the deceivers that come with a “form of godliness” and how appearances can deceive “silly women”.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [2 Timothy 3:5-7 KJV]
This whole thing is uncalled for. Men can be led astray just as women can. There is no need to base your argument on the fact that “silly women” exist.
Please do not take bad examples of males to be characteristic of all of us. If a piano player plays a concerto of Beethoven poorly, it is not Beethoven who should be blamed for the performance, but the player. In the same way, God should not get blamed for poor representations of men.
If you will read my first post again, you will see that not once did I blame God for anything. I do not understand where you are getting this idea. Please read my first post more carefully.
If you have a problem with masculinity in general, it could be that either you misunderstand it, or that it has been poorly represented to you. Our enemy does so enjoy division and he often effects it by causing misunderstanding or hurt feelings.
Indeed I do have problems with some forms of masculinity. I guarantee that you yourself have come across some of them.
Cheers.
