Palin, Conservatives, and Women's Roles

Bob Allen in an Ethics Daily post suggests that Christian conservatives are not of one mind on the issue of Sarah Palin's candidacy. I had earlier asked the question whether conservative evangelical enthusiasm for Palin's candidacy would translate in changes in conservative views of women's roles. Allen suggests that people like Al Mohler separate church and state. That is, a woman can be a politician but not a church leader or leader of the house, because these are essentially two different kingdoms.

But not everyone agrees. Some are quite uncomfortable with a woman politician -- though some are so intent on making sure Obama doesn't win that they'll abandon theology at this point. But as Allen points out many conservative leaders speak disparagingly of women working outside the home. It's funny that Republicans are accusing Democrats of sexism for questioning Palin's experience and ability to be President, suggesting that they (we) are raising questions because she's a woman. The GOP sexism that led to the cynical choice of Palin is disregarded.

But consider this quote from John MacArthur that Allen records in his column:

God's standard is for the wife and mother to work inside the home and not outside," MacArthur explained. "For a mother to get a job outside the home in order to send her children even to a Christian school is to misunderstand her husband's role as a provider, as well as her own duty to the family."


So, my question is this: has Palin's candidacy changed the dynamic?

Comments

Anonymous said…
I think you ask a compelling question here. The absolute moral and ethical higher ground (should such a thing be humanly possible) is, it seems to me, often the first casualty of partisan politics.

The result appears to often be a collective monologue where we talk at each other (or worse yet, past each other) and reduce what appears to be dialogue to the verbal regurgitation of ideology. I think this applies to both the left and the right.

Ah, the elusive pursuit of integrity--sounds like one of the cornerstones of scary, risky, radical discipleship.

I'm not sure if this contributes, but it's what came to mind after reading the post.

Thanks for the question!
Anonymous said…
The absolute moral and ethical higher ground (should such a thing be humanly possible) is, it seems to me, often the first casualty of partisan politics..

AMEN.. this is so true on BOTH sides!! I firmly believe that this is why Jesus did not become an earthly king, why God reluctantly gave Israel a king.

Popular Posts