And although you didn’t explicitly say women are weaker(even though it’s true in the general sense), you did use 1Pet 3:7 to support your opinion that women should not play sports.

The reasoning you used for women not playing sports is that they will get injured (ie: NYT article). It’s not so much the women not playing sports i’m disagreeing with. It’s using the fact that they may get injured as a basis for not playing sports.

I think you have to be very careful when you say “dont do this b/c you will hurt yourself”–especially to women only–and you did qualify that men should be careful as well. I think it is a good reason not to do something, but you have to be careful.

This reasoning is tricky b/c there are biblically supported works that can cause serious bodily injury. For example, childbirth is BY FAR more injurious to women than playing sports. Even though we were made to bear children, many people DIED and still die in the process. In fact, this very reasoning is used to justify women having abortions. Further, what about men going into the military–if they are at risk of incurring bodily injury or death, then should they not serve? They can’t provide for the home if they are dead. We are called to follow Christ even in the face of death. And let’s not forget the bodily injury Christ incurred on our behalf.

I think there is Christian freedom in playing sports, joining the military, even putting yourself at risk in some other way; but as always, one should examine their motives. We are not called to suffer for the sake of suffering. We are also to be good stewards of what God has given us and do everything unto Him and for His Glory.

About feminism and the “home” etc:
I want to pose a concern regarding the rise of feminism/gender neutrality and the Christian response. And I blame you for opening up this can of worms—j/k! Of course, feminism (in the since that it emasculates the men and wants to take over) is sinful and a result of the fall. It seems to me that the Christian community in an effort to counter feminism is overemphasizing what women can/can’t/should/shouldn’t do and underemphasizing these restrictions for men–especially when it involves the home. Both roles are of equal importance in the home. Maybe the focus should be:
THE HOME
(male and female responsibilities) vs
MALE and FEMALE(the home)? An honest question.

Let us not forget that the home is also the man’s place (in one sense) as he is going to be held accountable for what happens there. And I’d like to point out in light of the disintegration of the nuclear family, i am wondering where are all the responsible parties? (B/c this is ultimately the man’s responsibility)…not to say that women didn’t contribute……..

We must not ignore that part of this rise of feminism/gender neutrality is a backlash against a long history of men abusing their “strongness” with women. It is an effort (albeit sinfully guided) of society to protect women and flesh out the fact that they are equal in value. This rise of feminism is, I think, partially a direct result in a deficiency in biblical masculinity—a deficiency of men who lead as Christ led, not Napolean or Adam. I think it is important to remember that it is likely that many of these feminists in the church and in the world have been abused by such men (some even professing christians). Men cannot ignore their responsibility in this rise of feminism. However, that doesn’t justify a sinful response on the part of the women.

Men in the home demanding their way, NOT b/c they are so concerned a/b the home as much as they are concerned about THEIR reputation in the home. Boys being favored and treated as more valuable to society/home/family than women. This leaves women (who are already vulnerable) feeling threatened mentally, physically, and/or emotionally. What’s worse is when the bible is used to support their sinful behavior. Consequently, there has been an overt fight or flight response to men and even the bible–in which modern feminism encompasses both. They are right in wanting women to be equally valued and have equal opportunities (ie: college,voting), but wrong in thinking there are no meaningful differences between men and women.

When men use their roles sinfully, it tempts women to respond sinfully- and perhaps vice versa–HOWEVER NO ONE is justified in their sinful response. Am I right in saying that b/c the man is stronger, he is ultimately responsible for perpetuating the woman to respond sinfully (in the context of marriage)? Maybe not, just an honest question? WOmen are accountable for their sin too…..

To me, when I hear,” women should stay at home and cook and clean and have babies, look pretty, don’t go to college,” it begs the question, well what are the men doing? Is it we stay home and the men get to go out and play (sports) and take advantage of all society has to offer? That’s what it starts sounding like.

If women are to cook and clean and sow, then men should be doing carpentry and plumbing and hunting. It sounds archaic b/c it is-there are more modern ways to live out these biblical gender roles-which i won’t fully explore here. Technology has made some of these home/ec skills obslete. IE: sowing: the patterns are expensive, the material is expensive, the equipment is expensive and it is time consuming. You’d be better off going to target.) I’d also like to say that cleaning is everyone’s responsibility-there’s no reason you can’t take 2 seconds and throw your laundry in the hamper, wipe up your toothpaste dribble etc. Even Jesus washed his disciple’s feet.

The point i want it make is that BOTH married men and women should be spending their lives for the good of the home. The home is the man’s place as well since he is going to be held responsible for what happens there. I suppose how each couple fleshes that out may look different. Providing: does that necessarily mean financially? Definitely spiritually…..anyway, I think there is christian freedom in this. Personally, I don’t want to be the bread winner, but some women have very well paying jobs…..as long as their main priority is the Lord, their spouse and the home……

Like I said, I think the Christian community overemphasizes the women’s role in the home and underemphasizes the man’s. With a history of male oppression, you have to be mindful about saying things that underemphasize the man’s role in the home b/c it can seem like the goal is to subdue women like you would a slave(prevent them from leaving the home, getting educated/informed etc). I imagine that this approach could hinder our efforts to win over the world’s feminists to the gospel.

I would like to remind men and women that Christ submitted to God, but it didn’t make him lesser than God.