The Thinking Homemaker
I was just thinking how blessed we are to have access to so much information through the internet. Sure, 95% of it is trash...but the sheer volume of content online insures that there are some wonderful educational resources to select from as well! Between that and the library system I rarely have problems finding the information I need, whether I'm searching for new recipes, reading a finance book or expanding my knowledge of history. (And if all else fails, there's always used books from Amazon:o)
As a homemaker, I believe I have the right and the responsibility to nourish my mind. I also firmly believe that the education I pursue should be as broad and balanced as possible...not in any way limited to immediate household concerns (although I do certainly spend time learning about those too). Why? Because the mind is a muscle that needs to be fed so it won't shrivel up. And because God created me with an innate curiosity which I assume He expects me to use for his glory. Not to acquire knowledge for its own sake, but so that I can practically apply it, share it, and develop a proper understanding of eternal truths and how they play out in the world around me.
There are many types of information I'm interested in, but today I thought I'd highlight a few blogs I enjoy reading because of their intellectual curiosity and usually graciously-presented questions/arguments.
(Please note that I don't necessarily agree with or endorse everything on these sites...but I do like being challenged by good discussions and varying viewpoints! I find that the TRUE value in sites such as these comes from analyzing the viewpoints presented constantly against God's Word.)
True Womanhood - This site seeks to explore what Christian womanhood looks like...getting past cultural expectations and stereotypes and examining the heart of true womanhood according to Scripture. You'll find lots of thoughtful and challenging dialogue here.
Boundless - Yeah...I know it's a site meant for singles. But I'm a long-time reader of the original Boundless articles site--since my early college days--and continue to appreciate the wide-ranging and interesting topics they present!
Walk Slowly, Live Wildly - This site challenges my notions of what I NEED materialistically. I love Sara's passion and the thankful spirit she exhibits.
The Happy Feminist - I'm sad that Happy Feminist seems to have disappeared from the blogosphere. I'm including her here anyway, because I hope it's only a temporary absence! Though I probably disagree with HF about 90% of the time (and quite naturally...because we've built our worldviews upon polar-opposite premises), I've deciphered a lot about secular viewpoints from reading her blog. And I can't say enough about her graciousness towards disagreeing viewpoints (which unfortunately doesn't translate to some of her regular commenters...but you can't win them all;o).
I'd love to hear about your favorite "makes me think" blogs/sites! And now--because I have to balance interesting online reading with real-life responsibilities--I'm off do some housework:o)
As a homemaker, I believe I have the right and the responsibility to nourish my mind. I also firmly believe that the education I pursue should be as broad and balanced as possible...not in any way limited to immediate household concerns (although I do certainly spend time learning about those too). Why? Because the mind is a muscle that needs to be fed so it won't shrivel up. And because God created me with an innate curiosity which I assume He expects me to use for his glory. Not to acquire knowledge for its own sake, but so that I can practically apply it, share it, and develop a proper understanding of eternal truths and how they play out in the world around me.
There are many types of information I'm interested in, but today I thought I'd highlight a few blogs I enjoy reading because of their intellectual curiosity and usually graciously-presented questions/arguments.
(Please note that I don't necessarily agree with or endorse everything on these sites...but I do like being challenged by good discussions and varying viewpoints! I find that the TRUE value in sites such as these comes from analyzing the viewpoints presented constantly against God's Word.)
True Womanhood - This site seeks to explore what Christian womanhood looks like...getting past cultural expectations and stereotypes and examining the heart of true womanhood according to Scripture. You'll find lots of thoughtful and challenging dialogue here.
Boundless - Yeah...I know it's a site meant for singles. But I'm a long-time reader of the original Boundless articles site--since my early college days--and continue to appreciate the wide-ranging and interesting topics they present!
Walk Slowly, Live Wildly - This site challenges my notions of what I NEED materialistically. I love Sara's passion and the thankful spirit she exhibits.
The Happy Feminist - I'm sad that Happy Feminist seems to have disappeared from the blogosphere. I'm including her here anyway, because I hope it's only a temporary absence! Though I probably disagree with HF about 90% of the time (and quite naturally...because we've built our worldviews upon polar-opposite premises), I've deciphered a lot about secular viewpoints from reading her blog. And I can't say enough about her graciousness towards disagreeing viewpoints (which unfortunately doesn't translate to some of her regular commenters...but you can't win them all;o).
I'd love to hear about your favorite "makes me think" blogs/sites! And now--because I have to balance interesting online reading with real-life responsibilities--I'm off do some housework:o)
Labels: The Thinking Homemaker
21 Comments:
Yeah, I miss HF too! I disagreed with her most of the time but she was always so gracious and encouraged Christians to comment on her blog. And she would not abide with anyone being rude to us either. (o:
I also like to read Walk Slowly, Live Wildly occasionally too. Although I live a VERY different life than she does, I find her viewpoint fascinating. (o:
I sure am glad that you're back to posting, I missed you! I hope you don't go away for such a long time again! (o:
Hugs,
~Mrs.B
I just found True Womanhood the other day and am really enjoying their discussion on the "So Much More," book. I, also enjoy, "A Gracious Home."
I love reading the comments on the blogs. I love witnessing conversations and hearing what other people think.
I checked "Happy's" blog the other day and noticed that it had been so long since she had posted. I have always admired her "niceness" for lack of a better word (I'm tired. lol.). I loved reading your comments on that blog, as well.
Good to see you back, Erin.
-Zan
Zan,
I saw the discussion on the 'So Much More' book too and thought it was a good one. I have the book and read it last year. I thought it was a bit 'out there' but thought maybe it's because I'm not Reformed in doctrine and because my upbringing was so different from what they were talking about. I guess I'm not the only one who thought the book was a bit unrealistic.
Mrs. B, I find Sara's life fascinating as well! Have you read the latest about the tour? Wow. I can't really imagine picking up and doing something like that! But in a crazy sort of way, I admire someone who can make something like that happen!
Zan, I thought that discussion was very interesting as well. Though I haven't read "So Much More", I've been exposed to some of these same ideas over the years in the homeschool community and in the blogosphere. (Although I was never really aware of what was behind it.) It's been interesting for me to learn how the ideas stem from a broader framework of theology (the reconstructionist theory and post-millenialism and all that), and begin to make so much more sense when you put all that together. I don't think many people realize what the driving philosophies behind organizations such as Vision Forum really are...I didn't until recently!
Yah. The post-mil view of eschatology is the root of a lot of these teachings. However, it isn't just Reformed people who push for girls to stay home and not go to college. A lot of conservative Mennonite type Christians or Baptists do, too. I have been familiar with these ideas since I was a young teenager, though I haven't heard of Vision Forum until I started blogging. I did want to go hear Doug Phillips speak when he came to my area a few months ago. I was dying of curiosity, but I am way too busy to take a weekend to go to a homeschool conference. I would love to read The Botkin book.
I really stood up and took notice to what Spunky had to say. I have always had a lot of respect for her. I wish she would start blogging, again!
I have known some post-mil people at my old church, but most were a-mil. Usually, the post-mils are a lot more conservative with dress, number of children, homeschool, etc... I think the idea of ushering in a golden age is very bizarre. This is one of the reasons the Puritans came to America. Their society failed miserably, though. Now, New England is full of Unitarians. I always have, even when I was in my most ultra-reformed time, (I went through this period where I didn't believe anyone who wasn't reformed was a Christian.)thought this was an odd idea.
I think VF and LAF have some good ideas and teachings, but maybe they are going too far? It does seem odd that so many young ladies or ladies with small children are doing this teaching. My dad wanted me in college, so while I was in his house, I needed to obey my parents. My parents had had it with extra biblical teaching from our past. One of the teachers who did some conferences with Doug Phillips influenced my parents a great deal in our dress, homeschooling, and life. After seeing hypocrisy in his life (and other men they admired)and studying the scriptures, they realized that we didn't need to be in this legalism.
Anyway, I'm rambling. I think all Christians need to be very careful when they hear something that make sense, yet the scripture isn't there to back it up. I don't care how good it looks. Just be careful. Just, take it from someone who has had some pretty painful spiritual experiences because I followed man rather than God.
Sorry, the above comment was from me.
BTW, I lost a lot of respect for Jennie Chancey when she de-linked The Mommy Life blog from LAF. She did it because Barbara showed sympathy from the family who was excommunicated from Doug Phillips church. Barbara hasn't de-linked LAF from her blog, though. I haven't been back to Mommy Life for a few weeks so maybe they made peace, but that was a very unChristian thing to do.
Mrs, Chancey is right about a lot of things and I love her articles against feminist, but this makes her look like a hypocrite. Christians are supposed to "turn the other cheek" and this seems very lacking in the post-mil crowd. Well, I better stop or I will be accused of "gossiping" which is the defense these guys use to keep people from speaking about these issues.
-Zan
One more thing... if I sound kind of mean in the above post, I'm sorry. I'll blame it on my pregnancy hormones. I got my first dose of morning sickness, today. Not fun.
-Zan
Zan, I didn't realize you were pregnant again...congratulations!!!:o) I can't exactly relate to the morning sickness, but I'm sure it's not fun. Hope it eases up soon!
Can I ask you something since you seem to have some background in this? What is it that really defines REFORMED theology...is it mostly this post-mil thing? (You don't have to go into a lot of detail or anything...just in brief!)
I think VF and LAF have some good ideas and teachings, but maybe they are going too far? It does seem odd that so many young ladies or ladies with small children are doing this teaching.
Yeah, I've always agreed with many of the viewpoints on LAF and enjoy many of the articles. I think I've felt more cautious toward VF from the beginning, because I see a tendancy there (in the catalogue, website, blog, etc.) to whitewash the family and the Christian life. Since I have the experience of my perfectionistic personality, I think it's dangerous to proclaim or imply that having the "perfect" family or the "perfect" way of raising children is going to garner "perfect" results. It just doesn't work that way, and we shouldn't set ourselves up for failure IMO:op
I also DEFINITELY agree with you that we should be examining Scripture against teachings we come across, and that some of Phillips' teachings (from what I'm seeing of them) don't appear to be supported.
BTW, I lost a lot of respect for Jennie Chancey when she de-linked The Mommy Life blog from LAF. She did it because Barbara showed sympathy from the family who was excommunicated from Doug Phillips church.
I've always respected Jennie Chancey, but this is sad...how many relationships are being broken over this. I truly respect Barbara too, from what I've read of hers.
Oh...and agree about the young girls and young women doing most of the teaching! Where are the older experienced women?
Oh, boy. Define Reformed theology. It is very hard to define. There are a lot of different minor interpretations in Reformed theology (Calvinism) based off the main 5 points. Some seem to throw all Reformed people into the Calvinist group and non-Calvinists, they call Armenian. Actually, there are many other Christians who would classify themselves as half and half of both extremes. I don't have time to explain everything, but I am a huge fan of Wikipedia. Here is their article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvinism
Wikipedia had some great articles on the many views of eschatology. I read them all a few weeks, ago. I would be Amillienial.
Most Reformed people believe in infant baptism (as do I), but Reformed Baptist (like Charles Spurgeon) do not, of course. Reformed Baptist are more recent. Their confession is the Baptist Confession of 1689 (London Confession). I became reformed in Dutch Reformed and Presbyterian Churches. Doug Phillips is supposed to be reformed Baptist. I have no clue if he holds to the confession, but normally, Reformed Baptists, do. There are plenty of Independent Reformed Baptist Churches, I'm sure. The Reconstructionist Reformed Churches are few and far between. I don't think there are any in New England, but I could be wrong.
I could go on and on. The wiki article should go into Reformed theology and all of it's many branches. It can get very confusing. LOL. I have recently learned that it is very different than Lutherism which was shocking for me.
Enjoy all the reading. Make sure you check the scriptures when you are studying this stuff!!
Thanks for the congrats. I found out a few weeks ago that I was preggers. I am so tired. Actually, because of my fatigue, you should probably ask your question of some Reformed person who has all their brain with them, right now.
-Zan
Wow...thanks for taking the time to give me all that info...and I will definitely read the article! I just feel like a real ignoramus about this:op
Now, go get some rest!!! (Although, I'm sure that's easier said than done with the other little ones!)
I got an hour nap in. Amazing!
I would love to know your thoughts about Calvinism. What is your background? Not all Reformed people believe women should be staying home. My former pastor's (Orthodox Presbyterian Church)wife is my doctor. They never preached homeschooling, quiverfull, or no college. It was very gospel centered and simple. Presbyterian services are VERY simple, as are a lot of Reformed services. Some even go so far as to not have any pictures of Jesus in children's Sunday School curriculum. They just have an empty space in the center of the Apostles. I think that is silly. They are trying to become as anti-Roman Catholic as possible with no images. I like some pictures (or images). God can't be against them since the OT Temple had images everywhere.
I don't stress out about Reformed theology, now. I just try to serve Jesus and unite with all Christians. That may sound wishy-washy to some, but if we have Jesus in common, than our disagreements should be civil and we should be able to fellowship with one another.
I am always surprised when Christians don't know what different denominations believe. Reformed theology is a huge part of the founding of America. I saw a show on the history channel that was talking about the theology of Puritans, specifically, their view on eschatology. I think it was about the Pilgrims which were Puritans. I forget what the differences between Pilgrims and Puritans. I think it has to do with what time they settled in Massachusetts. Their theology was basically the same.
One more thing about Reformed services. They usually have simple services, but very deep preaching. You really need to keep up with the pastor or you'll be confused. LOL! Not, all are this way, though, but it is common.
I'm off to watch a movie with my boys. It's been raining all day and it is just one of those lazy days.
-Zan
Hi Zan!
I had NEVER heard of 'Reformed Theology' until I started reading blogs. I've heard of most other denoms but not that one.
Hope you're feeling better soon! (o:
Mrs. B.
I find it so surprising that so many Evangelicals aren't taught about other doctrines in the Protestant faith. I don't understand why.
It is the same as my parent's new Catholic friends. They have no idea what Protestants believe (for the most part) and are astonished when they find out that we think a lot of their doctrine is bordeline heresy. They are very shocked when they find out that a lot of Protestants wouldn't even consider them Christian. I just feel like saying, "What?" They don't study anything besides their own stuff.
There are a lot of different kinds of Reformed people out there. The blogs, I see are usually the more ultra strict. Reformed theology has a huge place in Christian history and should be taught...somewhere! lol. Being homeschooled I used the A Beka curriculum which covered the Baptist VERY WELL and I also used a History book from a Reformed perspective and I was amazed how much stuff A Beka left out. I love A Beka curriculum, but it had a huge Baptist bias. Every history book has some bias which can't be helped, I guess. Of course, the reformed history book, had bias, as well, so you have to figure out that the truth is somewhere in the middle.
I am feeling really well, today, thanks. Maybe the morning sickness won't be so bad.
-Zan
Hey Zan,
I'm so glad you're feeling better!
You know, actually I've been taught what most Evangelicals believe (IFB's don't consider themselves to be Evangelical) and what RC's believe, what Calvinists believe, what JW's believe, and what Mormons believe but I had never heard the term 'Reformed' before until blogs. So I guess I knew about Reformed Theology just not the term. However I had NEVER heard of the Reformed who are Reconstructionists before. I just learned about that belief last year.
I would love to know your thoughts about Calvinism. What is your background?
My background is non-denominational. Growing up, I went to independent Bible churches. (I think these are more common in the south than up north!) My experience with these churches has been literalist Bible preaching, with an emphasis on the Gospel. Doctrinally, the churches I've attended have probably fallen the closest to regular Baptist theology, holding to believer baptism, elder leadership, etc. They are non-charismatic (in fact, growing up we had a huge church split over this issue, when the pastor tried to take the church in that direction and was asked to step down). Eschatology has never been a huge focus in our churches, but people generally hold a pre-mil view.
Growing up we studied the Bible and some church history...we also studied other religions and worldviews quite a bit. But I guess being non-denominational, we really didn't emphasize all the ins and outs and of protestant denominational differences. It was only when I attended a Baptist University that I got a taste of denominational tenets/loyalties/politics playing out. That just wasn't on my radar before.
I'm more interested in this stuff now, because I'm having the opportunity to observe how some of these differences play out in different ways (like the reconstructionist thing). Like Mrs. B...I never even heard of reconstructionism or had more than a vague understanding of the term "reformed" before I started reading blogs!
I'll have to come back and respond to Calvinism a litte later.
You also mentioned Catholicism. My view on that illustrates how I tend to approach denominational differences: Do we share Christ as having atoned for our sins by grace alone? (I think some Catholics do, while others don't.) If so, then we share our faith. All the minor differences of biblical interpretation and worship preferences are not worth arguing over.
However, I am going to have a problem with church groups who take the emphasis off Christ and place it on secondary doctrines...or who try to twist Scripture to mean what they want it to mean. Since I take a literal approach to Scripture, I tend to think that there's only so much room for interpretive differences.
I'm coming into this discussion a little late but better late than never right? I'm not hugely up on all these terms and eschatology blows my mind so I've not studied it too much.
I grew up Baptist. Independent Baptist so a very strict version of Baptist! Anyway, I met and married a Presbyterian. In the Presbyterian church you call yourself Reformed if you hold to the tenents of Calvinism.
Reconstructionism started through a few guys by the names of Gary North & Rushdoony (can't remember his first name) but if you google Rushdoony you'll find his website around. He's dead now but someone or other keeps his teachings up and alive. My husband is Reformed and I would say that I'm Reformed in that I hold to Calvin's TULIP beliefs. However, Reconstructionism is something we're on the fence about. A lot of ungraciousness has been displayed by the teachers of Reconstructionism. The thing my DH& I find frustrating is that in Sydney, Australia their is a HUGE HUGE group of evangelicals who have the Gospel down pat. They preach it and teach it really really well. (www.mathiasmedia.com) HOWEVER, they have really lost touch with reality in that they have all but come out and said that if you're not in full-time Christian ministry then you're a half-baked Christian. Which is not Biblical either? We are called to be in and a part of all society. If all Christians suddenly upped and left the workplace we would have noone in their with the "normal" secular people to witness to them. But also beyond that we are told in the Bible to care for our world. And just preaching and teaching the Bible doesn't do that. KWIM? So, we're kinda on the fence. In one sense yes reconstructionism and ushering in a golden age is extreme but to take it to the point that oh this whole world is going to the pack and we should all just become preachers and missionaries and don't worry about the world let the heathens take care of it...that's not right either! There has to be a balance. As with all things balance is the key. I think. :)
However, I am going to have a problem with church groups who take the emphasis off Christ and place it on secondary doctrines...or who try to twist Scripture to mean what they want it to mean. Since I take a literal approach to Scripture, I tend to think that there's only so much room for interpretive differences.
Just wanted to add to this, that of course I'm also going to have a problem with church groups who promote extra-biblical teachings!
...they have really lost touch with reality in that they have all but come out and said that if you're not in full-time Christian ministry then you're a half-baked Christian.
Rachel, I completely agree with you that this view is imbalanced, and also impractical! I don't remember anywhere in the Bible where it says that ALL Christians have to be employed only as full-time ministers and missionaries! If this were the case, who would pay their salaries so they could eat? Secular athiests?
Also, Jesus was a tradesman for most of His life until he began his 3-year public ministry. Was He outside of His Father's will during that time?
I think there's also a Scriptural model for missionaries to attempt to be self-supporting in a non-ministry field if possible, like Paul.
You're SO right about balance. Each of us is gifted differently, and are meant to use those gifts for the glory of God. If we're looking to Him, He's certainly big enough to provide us with opportunities to shine forth His light in whatever our income-producing vocation. And that's going to look different for each one of us. We're not cookie cutters (ie, ALL good at street witnessing, teaching or leading worship services!)
I guess my problem with reconstructionism is that--according to my understanding of Scripture--it is unrealistic. I think the Bible supports the idea that the world IS just going to get worse until God intervenes. I don't believe that a man-facilitated utopia is possible in a sinful world. So, our main job here is to fulfill the Great Commission, not recreate society. And this means that we will engage the world at all different levels, in a variety of fields, govt. positions, etc...whatever our gifts or callings seem to dictate.
Eeh...hope that didn't sound like a sermon. I work things out in my mind by writing them out:o)
I guess my problem with reconstructionism is that--according to my understanding of Scripture--it is unrealistic. I think the Bible supports the idea that the world IS just going to get worse until God intervenes. I don't believe that a man-facilitated utopia is possible in a sinful world. So, our main job here is to fulfill the Great Commission, not recreate society.
I agree! (o:
Thanks for your response Erin.
I think Reconstructionists take some scripture out of contxt, like the dominion mandate in Genesis 1:26. If you read it in context, it doesn't say that man should conquer man. It is talking about taking over the wildlife of the earth...populating the earth. He is giving this mandate to mankind, not the Church.
I think, maybe, sometimes, you can take the Bible too literally.
Rushdooney wasn't the first guy to come up with post-mil ideas, though he might be the guy to term it reconstructionism. The Puritans believed this, as well. THey came to America to escape religious persecution, but they, also came to set up their own theocracy. This is why they banished people like Roger Williams and Anne Hutchinson. (Anne's family was killed by Indians, btw) Not a very Christ-like thing to do. I don't see Christ telling the Church to kill "heretics."
I am going to a General Baptist church, but there are some Reformed Baptists in there. We have quite the mix of people. When we sing some choruses, there are even a handful of people with their hand in the air. ;-)
Take Care
-Zan
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