by Elisha Ann Wahlquist, Sept. 28, 2008
It is amazing to see the fervor created by Republican nominee McCain's Vice-Presidential pick. When Obama chose Biden to be his running-mate, a few blogs mentioned the fact, and newspapers dutifully recorded it. It was a safe, time-tested choice, and as one blogger (<http://www.flynnfiles.com/archives/politics2008/bidenobama.html>) put it, "One senses that Joe Biden will not violate the first and only rule of running mates: do no harm." Democrats were beginning to glory in an easy victory over an aging, dubiously "conservative" McCain.
But then McCain dropped a bombshell of brilliance. He chose a pretty, winning, conservative power-woman to be his VP. Instantly, the bloggosphere was afire. Conservatives and their leaders-even those who before had said they could never vote for McCain-fell over each other in trying to voice their enthusiastic approval. They viewed Palin as their salvation-their trump card over Obama. Liberals (who usually are rah-rah at any sign of feminist triumph) began sounding almost like the conservative anti-feminists as they questioned, "Can a woman really 'do it all'-be a VP and really properly invest in her family as a wife and mother?" "How can those who say women shouldn't be in leadership in the church think it's great to have a woman ruling the country?" The conservatives sounded like liberals when they answered, "She can do it all-she can be a full-time VP and give her best to her family." Entering this interesting argument, an increasing number of Christians (see here and here) (<http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/2008/09/4312.aspx>) (<http://www.visionforum.com/hottopics/blogs/dwp/2008/09/4326.aspx>) have spoken up, voicing their concerns about the Palin pick. They point out to their Evangelical brethren that we are selling our birthright-all we have fought for-for a mess of pottage. How much do you think Palin will be able to do as the Vice-President? As McCain's Vice-Presidential pick, she is supporting McCain, and will follow his less conservative goals.
Words have flown back and forth, rebuttals and counters-rebuttals have been posted. How do we know which side is right? How do we judge this issue, and how should we vote?
God has given us a Book filled with guidance and instruction for our everyday life. The whole Bible is "…given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Tim. 3:16,17 emphasis mine). In the Word of God, we can find principles to guide us in even political issues.
There is a certain passage of Scripture that ends, "…that the word of God be not blasphemed. (Titus 2:5b, emphasis mine). The Rock that God has given us, the quick and powerful sword of the Spirit, is reproached when Christians are inconsistent and/or do not follow the guidelines He has given. What are those principles, those guidelines? The section before that strong statement says,
"That they [older women] may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (Titus 2:4,5)
The Bible is blasphemed (that's a strong word to use!) when women do not follow the commands listed above. The instructions in the Bible regarding the roles of women and men are not there to be repressive or deny privileges to some. They are in the Bible "for the purpose of honoring God and preventing the reproach which they [Christians] will otherwise bring upon His cause." (Family Bible Notes, emphasis mine). Jesus said, "…blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:28)
Do Evangelicals really think that, as VP, Governor Palin will be following Titus 2:4-5? Will she really be able to be a "keeper at home" and obedient to her husband? The cares and time that must be invested to be a Vice-President will not leave much time to be a good mom and wife, let alone a "keeper at home." "Keepers at home" may actually be translated "guardians of the house." How shameful would it be if you hired someone to guard your house, or got a Doberman as a guard-dog for your house, and found that they only were there for a few minutes every so often? Palin is being given the charge by Evangelical voters to be the pit bull for their cause in Washington. This is not God's charge for Sarah Palin. Dare we trump God's directive for His servant? Barnes' Commentary on the phrase "keepers at home" deserves a close, thoughtful reading:
"This ["keepers at home"]does not mean, of course, that they are never to go abroad, but they are not to neglect their domestic affairs; they are not to be better known abroad than at home; they are not to omit their own duties …[W]hatever may be done abroad,… or whatever call there may be for the labours of Christians there, or however much good may be actually done abroad, religion has gained nothing, on the whole, if, in order to secure these things, the duties of a wife and mother at home have been disregarded. Our first duty is at home, and all other duties will be well performed just in proportion as that is."
Even if you say that Mrs. Palin qualifies as an "older woman" (at 44 she's not in any way old!), her job would not be to run the nation. Titus 2, remember, said that the older women should teach the younger women to be "discreet, chaste, keepers at home," etc. The whole Bible shows an exciting, fulfilling role for women: one where each woman delights in being at home, pouring her amazing, creative talents and gifts into producing godly, fantastic, gifted children and, as a enthusiastic unit, taking their father's (her husband's) goals and vision much farther than he could do on his own. But, through her example, as VP Palin would be teaching something quite the opposite. Should we place a woman in power, if that undermines all of what the Bible says about the roles of women and men?
One blogger (www.persevero.blogspot.com <http://www.persevero.blogspot.com>) has observed, (<http://persevero.blogspot.com/2008/09/in-america-more-women-wear-pants-in.html>) "A civil leader is a role model for the people he leads." He mentions the Biblical example of Queen Vashti, and how King Ahasuarus' advisors wisely told him, after the queen refused to obey his command; "Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus. For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes…" (Esther 1:16,17)
There is also a very interesting note to make about the Proverbs 31 women, and what her example says to this issue. The passage is filled with descriptions of how she increases the productivity, wealth, happiness, and influence of her household. "The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her," (Pr. 31:11a) -she manages the home and home-interests so well that her husband can accomplish great things outside of the home, because he knows that the home-fires are well tended, and are the bulwark standing behind him. Because of his ruby of a wife, the Proverbs 31 man has a position of great influence. Verse 23 says, "Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land." This was a position of great power and influence in the Hebrew times. The elders, those who sat in the gates, would judge matters, witness transactions, and lead the city. What is very interesting is that the Bible does not say, "She takes care of everything at home admirably, and also sits in the gates with the elders." That is markedly left out, and instead there is a special mention that her husband does that. Every word in the Bible is important, and this is an important omission and inclusion.
"As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths." (Isa. 3:12)
It is a sign of curses upon a nation if children and women rule. Why are we excited about voting for a woman to rule over us? How can we place the sign of approval-our vote-upon a woman candidate? The Family Bible Notes have a chilling comment on the last half of this verse:
"They which lead thee--destroy the way of thy paths; place in it, as it were, stumbling-blocks and pitfalls; that is, hinder the people from walking in the right way, and thus destroy them." (Family Bible Notes)
If we vote in an attractive, fascinating woman to rule in the second-highest position in our nation, it will become a stumbling block to the young women of the nation, luring them away from the Biblical plan, and destroying them-and the nation-with the siren songs of feminism.
Our nation does not need more power-women, breaking the "glass ceiling."
Our nation does not need women who spend their days in an office, serving some boss.
Our nation needs mothers who will stay home, look their loved ones in the eyes, and invest their whole lives in making the best statesmen and homemakers in the world. Only when America's homes are solid will America's nation be blessed. Do we feel inadequate for this high task? Let us turn to the One who said, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (II Cor. 12:9) Lord Jesus, fill us with Your grace!
Let us do what is right in the voting box, and let the chips fall where they may.
