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Bible Study -
Bible Study
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Monday, 16 July 2007 |
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Page 5 of 7 Form
Current Cultural Context
Too Busy
Those living in the United States are busy. Too busy. Do a search, “Americans too busy” and you will find articles and blogs blaming our frenetic pace for many woes; apathy in politics, diet issues, civility (lack of), etc... Most U.S. residents must plan their week down to 30 minute intervals and are obsessed with
productivity. Even in church activities we apply a very structured schedule – in to worship at 10 am and the preacher better finish at the appointed time so one can move on to the next appointment. This harried approach to life encroaches on discipling.
Where is mentoring?
Most cultures have had a form of mentoring built in. The U.S., with its “independent spirit” has lost touch with one person training another. There are few protégés , mentors, couches, etc... In the business world, it is considered innovative to implement programs which promote these relationships. Even within the “nuclear” family, there is a lost sense of training and moral discipleship as children or women run the household.
A push to have deep, loving one another relationships is an uphill battle. Society does not value it. Our families find discipleship foreign. Churches are wary of a cult label.
Older Women / Younger Women
Titus 2:4-5 Then [the older women] can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Society does not value the older / younger woman relationship. Titus 2 presents
several areas of discipling which are an anathema to the modern woman; busy at home, subject to their husbands and self control. What woman want to be told the best way to raise her children, manage her household, treat her husband, etc... Even churches have ignored this passage or turned it upside down to fit a more corporate paradigm. Younger women end up training older women in ministry or service related areas. The older woman is relegated to a pitied role. Younger women are trained to take on ministries even to the detriment of their families.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 18 July 2007 )
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