The Emperor’s New Clothes has a moral that every woman needs to hear. This children’s book describes two tailors who declare they have invented a cloth that is invisible to anyone incompetent or stupid. When the emperor insists on a robe of this fine fabric, the swindlers hold up their finished product, which is nothing but air. Why didn’t the emperor chastise these men instead of putting on this “invisible” robe and appearing in public without clothes? The emperor and all his men let pride and insecurity prevent them from speaking the truth, each fearing they would be ridiculed as incompetent or stupid.
Falsehoods promoted as truth
In the marketplace of ideas, many charlatans are trying to sell women falsehoods promoted as truth. Groups like the National Organization for Women imply that they speak for all women when they make demands for government-funded abortions or vaccinations for diseases preventable by abstinence. Some of the worst assaults by these liberal women’s groups have targeted the institution of marriage.
Since God created Adam and Eve and performed the first marriage ceremony (Genesis 2), much debate has risen over the definition of marriage. In the Bible marriage is always between a man and woman, but modern thinkers are certainly not bound by Biblical texts. NOW had this statement on its web page under Equal Marriage NOW: Talking Points. “With changing norms and cultural diversity, our society is changing quickly and the definition of a family must change with the times to recognize lesbian and gay families. Allowing same-sex couples to marry shows our commitment to diversity, equality, tolerance and respect.”
A matter of terminology
Concepts like cultural diversity, equality, and respect seem like such great values—values that women hold dear and defend. But these terms are used in a manner that belies their meaning. “Cultural diversity” does not mean allowing homosexuals, adulterers, prostitutes, and polygamists to redefine an institution that God created and called a holy union. This would be as silly as a rugby player wanting to rename the game of baseball “rugby” because that is his favorite sport. It is not simply that the name “rugby” does not represent this sport, but the name change would also cause confusion about the true definition of baseball. The word “marriage” describes the permanent, exclusive union between a man and a woman that is recognized by God and local government. Any additions to this definition would nullify the original meaning of the word.
Respect is offered to all humans, first on the basis of their humanity and, second, because of their achievements. However, people can lose respect by displaying a lack of moral restraint. Respect should not be expected when individuals break God’s moral laws. It is interesting that even in secular politics, men and women lose the respect of their constituents when they break their marriage vows. Respect for individuals never demands that a society call evil good.
Tolerance is a positive virtue only if it is understood as accepting of diversity in a proper context. Tolerance of people of various ethnicities or of people with handicaps shows understanding of our differences. True tolerance has never included allowance for wrongdoing, which is why we have laws that each citizen must abide by. For example, a driver should not be surprised if a police officer is intolerant of his excessive speed or failure to wear a seat belt. The policeman has a duty to be intolerant of individuals who refuse to obey the law.
Ambiguity and confusion
The confusion that these ambiguous terms bring can be seen in Mayor Richard Daley’s recent commitment to hiring homosexuals in the city of Chicago: “Mayor Richard Daley said Wednesday that he would support an effort to give preferential treatment in city contracting to businesses owned by gays and lesbians” (“Daley open to set-asides for gay-owned companies,” Chicago Tribune, July 30, 2009).
He has so imbibed the politically correct philosophy that he apparently believes that engaging in immoral behavior is not only acceptable, but should be honored by city officials. He never divulges, and probably never discusses, how a person’s sexual behavior would make him or her a better employee, but the mayor believes this will show that the city is encouraging diversity and tolerance. Maybe we should call him Emperor Daley.
A Biblical perspective
Confusion over marriage and family has been around for decades. Perhaps we, as Christian women, have not always responded with urgency to address this problem publicly, as well as personally. Since women who disagree with the party line publicly are often mocked and maligned, it is tempting to follow the foolish footsteps of the emperor’s subjects with a self-imposed gag rule. But in Titus, the Scripture has given older women an important directive about family matters. Certainly we are to be models of godliness, but our impact should not stop with our silent example. Women are also told to teach the younger generation about loving husbands and children, developing pure and honorable characteristics, and acquiring valuable homemaking skills. The interesting statement that follows these directives in Titus 2:5 is “that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”
Our culture, with its outspoken secular women, has been mocking God’s Word by attempting to redefine one of God’s most sacred institutions. Thus the topic of the family needs to be addressed Biblically so others can hear the truth. Bible studies, one-day seminars, or special events can provide opportunities for godly women to speak out in their culture about marriage and family, and ultimately why God knows best how both should be run. It is truth that leads to godliness, and our culture needs a strong dose of truth delivered not only from our pulpits, but also from the mouths of godly women in the congregation. Otherwise people in our culture, like the emperor, will continue to flaunt their inappropriate behavior without realizing that others can see them as they truly are.
Jeannie Vogel is a women’s ministries consultant and workshop leader for Regular Baptist Ministries.
