>>Please understand that I am not suggesting that women be stifled. Women have, do and will continue to make a great contribution to our world. Just as it relates to spiritual leadership in the home and in the church - I believe - the Bible has dictated that men lead.
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>>P.S. I have NEVER - EVER stated or even thought that women should stay at home barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen. I really don't understand why everyone keeps bringing that up. I agree that is a wrong view of women. I think you and others are unfairly characterizing my beliefs when you use phrases like that.
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>So let's ask some specific questions.
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>1) Does your wife work outside the home?
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She did before we had children - but does not now.

>2) If not and she wanted to, would that be okay with you?
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I would discourage that - but - if there was a valid reason I would allow it. If it would be a major source of frustration for her to stay at home, we would try to address the source of the frustration. Right now, teaching our children is her main priority. When they are gone, I'd have no problem with her working outside the home.

>3) Do you think my husband was wrong in allowing (I have trouble typing that with a straight face) me to work all these years, even after we had children?
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I do not know the circumstances surrounding that decision. The first thing to consider is that if you are not Christian - then you are under no obligation to be submissive to your husband. Now, if you're asking if it is a sin for a woman to work outside the home, my answer would be 'no.' For us, we have decided that it is best for my wife to stay at home and teach our children.

>4) I don't know how many children you have of what sexes, but assuming you have both sons and daughters, do you plan to offer them the same educational opportunities?
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I have four children - three daughters and one son. I have encouraged my daughters to strive to be Godly women and have tried to elevate the idea of a Godly wife and Mother for them. I believe my wife is a great example for them. That said, I have also told them that they need to consider whether or not they think college would be helpful to them. My oldest (who is 15) is considering attending nursing school. I am encouraging her in that decision. For my son, I have stressed to him the importance of being a provider for his family - if that's the Lord wills for him to have a family. I have encouraged him to consider an educational direction that would the best provide opportunities for that path. He is free to make his own decision at to whether or not college is an option (as are my girls.)


>Tamar