In a message dated 98-09-02 10:11:43 EDT, you write:
you say that it is not constructive to sit and bitch about men.
>>
Hi!
I will contend that not only is sitting and bitching about men not
constructive but is it unholy not making us feel whole! Because our bitching
will never change them or us- actually helps us feel better to commesurate but
does NOTHING to make the situation better. I will also contend that not only
is it not constructive but also unholy. We need to be whole again - men and
women together working together - wholistic relationships - we can still have
our spaces - I agree, a space with just the girls but in an ecofem discussion
list should not the place for it - it should be a space for reconstructing
true whole relationships men and women and women and men . . . based on mutual
understanding and respect.
I respect your need for space and sisterhood - but if you promote reverse
discrimination on the list - that is unconstructive - creating more of a
problem will not solve the previous problem. But go ahead fill your needs -
but don't blame all men for the indecencies of some! If these men are on the
list - that means they care - they are our allies not our enemies - Because
that could also apply to women!
There is a lot of misunderstanding going on - I would like to discuss this
misunderstanding about what obedience means in spiritual terms. Anyone
interested?
Here is the statement about obedience in Christian spirituality that has
caused so much misunderstanding:
St Peter says: Wives should be OBEDIENT to their husbands." He also adds,
however, that "husbands must treat their wives with consideration in their
life together, respecting a woman as one who, though she may be the WEAKER
partner, is EQUALLY an heir to the life of grace."
How do you feel about this statement? Does it scream sexists to you?
My opinion:
Obedience is a good thing - a form of discipline - what makes us different
from other animals who act on instinct our ability to think through things and
act with discipline.
Weaker - I think back in history when this statement was made - women WERE
weaker in many ways - now women are stronger - weaker still does not mean not
as sacred.
Equally an heir - He makes no qualms about that - equally as divine and heir
to the life of grace - .
The biggest problem is the misundertanding of the word Obedience. Some people
hear that word and cringe - they think it means lose your freedom and become a
subservient slave to anothers whim. I disagree - Obedience is a way to
express love - you are offering something non-material to the person or entity
you love - you are offering a bit of your freedom you become obedient to
another in true love and will not just your freewill. Although I will always
contend that you have free-will - but that obedience/discipline is about not
misusing that will. When we serve each other we are expressing love (without
the use of material things) we are not subordinate in any respect just
humbling ourselves to each other as tolerant, loving creations.
Love,
Angela
