Observations From Without
You know how you gain perspective on your own culture, after you have lived for a time somewhere else?
(For those who do not know–I was not always reformed in my faith. I grew up in an anabaptist denomination [COB] and was relatively active in my church. I associated more with mennonites than with cobbers, but aside from government and mode of baptism, the two denominations are very similar and both belong to the anabaptist heritage. Six years ago, however, I encountered the doctrines of grace and came to embrace reformed theology. Consequently I do not engage so much in the anabaptist community like I had for so long in the past.)
This past weekend was really the first time in six years that I was again immersed totally in anabaptist fellowship.
Things I observed FROM WITHIN the anabaptist culture:
- They like to eat, they’ll give any reason for a pot-luck. (Little wonder, they are after all, masterful cooks.)
- They (worship?) diversity and community.
- They wish they were ethnic, particularly third-world.
- They are green.
- They like to wear sandals a lot, if not run barefoot.
- They are very compassionate towards the poor and outcast.
- Some of them like to look poor and outcast. : )
- All of the above.
- The women are dominant.
The women were CONFIDENT and OUTSPOKEN. Many of them wore loud colors or over-sized jewelry. They were noticed. They had style. Some (of the more “hippyish” sort) were less fashionable, but no less dominant. They had CONTROL.
The men on the other hand, were meek and soft-spoken. They wore very basic street clothes. Nothing bold or attention-getting. Many of them silent. If they spoke at all, you had to strain to hear them. They were whipped.
Made me glad for the man I married. A real MAN. Someone who is full of God’s grace, who loves the Word of God and understands his ordained responsibility (RESPONSIBILITY!) to be the head of his household.
I love my anabaptist friends dearly. I hope my above observations do not offend anyone. Please forgive me. I only found it remarkably interesting.
23 July 2008 at 3:36 am
This is indeed offensive and prettty absurd. And your theology of headship is medieval.
23 July 2008 at 8:30 pm
Insult their husbands and then say, “I hope no one’s offended”. Ahh I love the Reformed way!
23 July 2008 at 11:15 pm
I am fully aware that I am a “dinosaur” when it comes to male headship, and I realize I was stepping on egg shells when I posted this. I am not here to flatter anyone. These are just honest observations. I love my anabaptist friends and family members very much, and though we (since my departure) no longer agree in doctrine like we once had, I still appreciate and even miss their fellowship. They truly are enjoyable people.
I fear, however, that I am often misunderstood about my beliefs. Maybe it is time I write about WHY I left the anabaptist tradition and WHY I endorse male headship. (Both decisions involved a change of mind, but are completely unrelated to each other.) I’ll try to post on these topics in the fall.
Equa Yona, I am sorry I offended you. Please accept my apology. Thank you for your response and your patience.
24 July 2008 at 1:40 pm
Your red/orange font is really hard to read.
3 August 2008 at 3:02 am
I see Andy (and WPC) have done their job
Dominant women are a horror. Both Ashley and myself detest this kind of woman. Not to say woman cannot be strong… they are and God intended that, but they are to submit. Yona says your thinking is outdated, but to bad the text of scripture hasn’t changed. Just because the world wants to screw up the roles of men and women and emasculate men and the reversal of that for woman, doesn’t mean we bend our thoughts in the same direction.
We are called to live a life that is against the grain. fitting in with the bra burning liberal movement of the 60s which has resulted in the further defilement of women in actual lessening of what God made woman to be would be disaster for the people of God. In some cases, it already is.
Be gentle on them anyway. I’m not sure those who long ago started the anabaptist movement would be pleased with much of what they are like today.
-g-
3 August 2008 at 5:26 pm
Actually I would like to take this moment and point out that I’ve been fairly passive in Heidi’s studies on Biblical gender roll (intentionally…and perhaps ironically…). Lest the Social Gospel Anabaptist crowd think her husband indoctrinated her with this thought for his own personal gain. I will honestly declare Heidi has formed her views on this through solid Biblical study and no influence of mine!
3 August 2008 at 6:34 pm
Andy’s right. He had little to no influence in solidifying my position on Biblical gender roles. WPC had very little influence as well. My views were heavily influenced from two books, one of which a feminist/egalitarian friend recommended I read. (the irony). But that’s another story for another blog.