I realize my article What about College? wasn’t very clear on what my family and my convictions on this subject are. First of all, I don’t believe college is wrong for women at all. If a woman can live in an environment where she is under godly authority and in covenantal relationships, college may be a good option. God’s pattern for accountability has always been the family. It has only been in the last 50 years or so that it has become normal for a woman to leave the family environment and go out “on her own.” It is not higher education that it is the issue; it is the living out of the independent, unaccountable lifestyle that is wreaking havoc upon women in our culture. Women are to use their minds, but this can be done within the protected environment of my family and church. We as Christians need to examine the culture around us and determine if the norms in our society are really based upon biblical principles.
Secondly, we follow Scripture, not the world. Our first priority is the specific commands of Scripture for women (Love husband and children, wash the saint’s feet, etc.) If we have time to learn and do what the Scripture says and still have time to gain some form of higher education, that’s great. In fact, I should have made it more obvious previously that I will consider getting a college degree at home (whether by online programs or taking CLEP tests, etc.) if I have time after learning the more important things.
Thirdly, my goal is to use my gifts to glorify God and further His kingdom operating in the Biblical pattern for women. If college or some form of higher eduation will further that purpose, I will pursue it. The picture is much larger that "being a homemaker." Many people imagine stay-at-home women to be bound-to not be able to accomplish their full potential. Far from it, God's pattern frees up women so that we can accomplish far more through God's grace. When a women goes out into the world without protection, she binds herself to people that might want to hurt her, to guilt, to bitterness...the list goes on and on. Instead, when a women is protected she is able to fully express the gifts God has given her. Yet she can only do so within the liberty of God's law.
Thirdly, my goal is to use my gifts to glorify God and further His kingdom operating in the Biblical pattern for women. If college or some form of higher eduation will further that purpose, I will pursue it. The picture is much larger that "being a homemaker." Many people imagine stay-at-home women to be bound-to not be able to accomplish their full potential. Far from it, God's pattern frees up women so that we can accomplish far more through God's grace. When a women goes out into the world without protection, she binds herself to people that might want to hurt her, to guilt, to bitterness...the list goes on and on. Instead, when a women is protected she is able to fully express the gifts God has given her. Yet she can only do so within the liberty of God's law.
College and homemaking can compliment each other. I know many young ladies who have been able to attend college while still living under the protection of their families and are great homemakers. I’m just not sure that that will work out for me. I think it’s possible as well for a woman to have a job and still be under God’s will. Some single moms have to get a job to support their families. However, such a case is an exception, not the norm. I think So Much More by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin explains this issue well.
Like all of us, I am constantly being sanctified and “renewing my mind in the blood of Jesus.” The last few days I’ve had the opportunity to clarify with my parents what we believe about this issue.
-Jewel
Dieum declectare, Dieu laudes decorare
