| Most Recently Posted Ask a Question | |||||||
| Q: | Here is a direct quote from our Pastor's sermon on Mother's Day. I am wondering if this truly is the WELS view on working women. "Many women have gone out into the labor force and work hard, but they are working hard only for themselves. They want to be free--free from loyalty and commitment to a husband; free from the bother and burden of children; free to live their lives to their own glory and welfare. Such women, no matter how hard they may work, will never be found among those mothers whom God would Honor." This was a sermon based on Proverbs 31:10-31. | ||||||
| A: | I hesitate to make much of a comment on the words you cited since I do not know the broader context and what else might have been said to give the words perspective. All that I can say is that the appraisal of working women given is likely true of "many women" as stated, but is certainly not accurate regarding other women. Since Proverbs 31 was used as the sermon text, I assume that the key emphasis centered more on the inner qualities of a pious, faithful, God-fearing woman/wife rather than her place(s) of work. The woman/wife of Proverbs 31 was quite active in what would be defined as business ventures and charitable work that had application beyond her immediate family. What was praiseworthy remained this: she loved and was devoted to her gracious, saving Lord God--and this was reflected in her faithfulness to her husband, family, and society. To answer your question directly, WELS does not have a "view on working women." To work or not work outside the home, and in what manner and to what extent, is a decision each couple and family unit must face and decide based on unique factors at play within that family unit. We pray for wisdom as each family wrestles with such decisions. Above all, we pray that they remain devoted to their Savior as well as to each other and make their attention to his Gospel their chief priority. I suggest that you talk directly with the pastor about his message if you still have concerns about it. | ||||||
| |||||||