-
Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.
Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:- Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
- Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
- Access to private conversations with other members.
We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!
The Man as spiritual head of the family
- Thread starter Mr Spinkles
- Start date
Engyo
Prince of Dorkness!
That calls for an Instant Rimshot!
I firmly believe men ought to be the spiritual head of the family because only men can sign their names in the snow. I have always regarded the times I've signed my name in the snow as among the most deeply meaningful of my life. Surely, we can all agree that, if the gods had wanted women to be the equal of men, they would have bestowed upon them the same amazing powers of signature as they bestowed upon men.
DallasApple
Depends Upon My Mood..
God felt sorry for the man..(serioulsy)...
Because women have bettter handwriting..she can write with her hand..and the man ...well...its chicken scratch..so he gave the man a yellow stream..to compensate for his lacking..
See...we are equal..but different...
Love
Dallas
madcap
Eternal Optimist
I'm so confused by the two tigers arguing with each other.
This is a decision best left up to individual households I suppose, but I can't seen any justification for abdicating spiritual responsibility to one gender over the other. In the context of my own life, I'm not even sure what it would mean. I certainly reject the idea that God is male (or female), so that's not a compelling reason to me.
I don't know if gender has spiritual ramifications in humans, or if exists strictly for reproduction. We know that gender identity isn't a simple thing, and maybe it's true that men have a different role to play spiritually than women do -- after all, giving birth must be one of the most spiritual things a person can do. But whatever those differences are, I'm inclined to think they are equal, and that neither sex has claim to a leadership position.
This is a decision best left up to individual households I suppose, but I can't seen any justification for abdicating spiritual responsibility to one gender over the other. In the context of my own life, I'm not even sure what it would mean. I certainly reject the idea that God is male (or female), so that's not a compelling reason to me.
I don't know if gender has spiritual ramifications in humans, or if exists strictly for reproduction. We know that gender identity isn't a simple thing, and maybe it's true that men have a different role to play spiritually than women do -- after all, giving birth must be one of the most spiritual things a person can do. But whatever those differences are, I'm inclined to think they are equal, and that neither sex has claim to a leadership position.
Troublemane
Well-Known Member
Could it be that traditionally speaking the male parent is supposed to be the disciplinarian? So it goes along with the "Spoil the rod, spare the child" (or vice versa) philosophy? And so the reason for the male parent being the "spiritual head" is because God is supposedly 'male', and God is also a disciplinarian who punishes us for sinning? Therefore men=god.
I think the idea that the male parent is the spiritual "head" of the family is probably more due to spiritual laziness on the part of the female parent! Or longing to be submissive to someone, an implied S&M relationship is going on there, IMO!
I think the idea that the male parent is the spiritual "head" of the family is probably more due to spiritual laziness on the part of the female parent! Or longing to be submissive to someone, an implied S&M relationship is going on there, IMO!
I do, actually, but from one or two replies from the female members indicate that the majority would tell us just where we could go with our Chauvinist ideas........
Traditional family roles have "muddied" through the ages; in a way, I think it is sad. It was never a question of being wiser or "better", but just delegation of roles with specific functions in a household.
Ozzie
Well-Known Member
I don't care if it is man or woman so long as we can have someone to scapegoat when things go wrong, and someone to follow when things go right. Baaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Ozzie
Well-Known Member
Very subtle.
Wolfscout1
Spiritual Warrior.
I think one on a spiritual path does not need a spiritual leader.. as much as they may need a spiritual " guide" and that does not have to be a man.
There is a huge difference in being equal in a relationship between married couples and one who intrudes on the others spirituality. The two may even have different spiritual beliefs. So how could one be a leader over the other. Nonsense. IMO.
There is a huge difference in being equal in a relationship between married couples and one who intrudes on the others spirituality. The two may even have different spiritual beliefs. So how could one be a leader over the other. Nonsense. IMO.
Which is why one couple decided to resolve this issue in exactly the same way. The woman went first and did a very unimpressive demonstration. The man smiling went next. Just as he was about to start, his wife said, " Oh no, you may not use your hands!".
Seriously, what many miss is that being the Spiritual head of the family means putting your family before yourself. My wife and daughter would not follow my leadership if I did not make an exemplary example for them to follow.
Trying to make this a sexist issue is petty at best. Anyone who finds this tradition offensive is either non-religious or ignorant of how this leadership really works.
The Bible does not require women to follow an idiot and do whatever he says. Being the spiritual leader of a family is a honor and a privilege with many responsibilities. It in no way makes the man superior. In truth it honestly makes him the subservient one if you really think about it.
Trying to make this a sexist issue is petty at best. Anyone who finds this tradition offensive is either non-religious or ignorant of how this leadership really works.
The Bible does not require women to follow an idiot and do whatever he says. Being the spiritual leader of a family is a honor and a privilege with many responsibilities. It in no way makes the man superior. In truth it honestly makes him the subservient one if you really think about it.
Steve and I often joke that he may be the head of the family, but I'm the neck.
And I make the head look any where that I want him to. :trampo:
Poor Steve. It must be terrible when you all go to the beach!
Ozzie
Well-Known Member
I envy you Rick. Being married to someone who recognises concepts like "spiritual head" must go a long way towards ensuring conformity. But I feel sorry for your wife.
DallasApple
Depends Upon My Mood..
Ozzie...
I have to say...I dont really think thats fair..
In a mutally respectful and loving relationship..There is no "threat" or "opression" going on...If you are "leading" in a Christlike manner..with love and selflessnes its a good thing...And it doesnt mean the wife in that case doesnt have a voice..It really means the opppsite...
Love
Dallas
Nah, when Momma is not happy, no one is happy!