WTF(eminist) is that?
If you listen to frequent commentor, Cindy K.’s, EXCELLENT lecture on patriarchy, she talks about the getaway car of a semi-newly married former Vision Forum intern. There was a sign on the car that said “Welcome to Normativity.” There’s a lot I could say here about how this makes single people look like second-class citizens in the Vision Forum paradigm, but I won’t. This is meant to be a drive-by posting.
Anyway, a thought came to me today as I feasted on a delicious raw “Relaxed Greens” salad- if being married is the normative state for Christian men and women, why didn’t Jesus get married? He was baptized. He prayed. He instituted the sacrament of his Body and Blood. He worshiped and glorified the Father. He fed the hungry. He healed the sick. He ministered to the orphan and the widow. He did all those things that would be considered “normative” for the Christian life.
But He never got married…He never had kids either. I mean, talk about “violating” the command to be fruitful and multiply… (I don’t believe He did violate that, but I hope that goes without saying). In fact, Jesus FULFILLED it! Look at the millions of people who live now and who have gone before to whom HE has granted new life.
I dunno… it makes me wonder.
Well, this certainly puts a new spin on “the normal middle” now doesn’t it?
FYI—my moniker has nothing to do with their version of “normativity” or whatever that is…
I think you make some really good points, Jen. But I don’t think the VF types have fully thought through the theological implications of their teaching. They don’t allow a lot of dissent amongst the ranks, so teaching like this appears to go unchallenged.
Here’s an interesting discussion about normativity.
http://www.philosophyetc.net/2004/12/normativity.html
That’s the strangest thing I’ve seen on the Internet this week–and that’s saying something.
I’m brand new here. Where can I find Cindy’s excelllent lecture on patriarchy? Thank you.
You’re so right! They just don’t think things through, do they?
http://persevero.blogspot.com/2008/03/wedding-of-justin-melissa-turley.html
Here’s a blog post welcoming one of Vision Forum’s favorite sons into “normativity.” The word “normative” is used in the blog post.
I’ll never forget the blog post about Justin playing with a band that performed for Hugh Hefner, though:
http://swordpentrumpet.com/?p=310
I’d rather socialize with Ryan Dobson in his “non-normative” “scary biker” clothing, or Christian ladies in shorts that resemble (to some people) Depends, than with Hugh Hefner.
The only way I can come to terms with how much some Vision Forum darlings are allowed to get away with compared to others who get verbally crucified if they don’t wear the right kind of clothing is this phrase from Animal Farm:
All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
Hi Kari – The entire video series is on Cindy’s Youtube site.
I love you, Cally! Awesome post.
Maybe by calling singles “non-normative,” pro-patriarchy pundits are revealing just how far from their “non-normative” Lord’s example their philosophy really is.
I have a normative cat, does that count?
Thanks for the link to the wedding, Lynn. Did you catch this crap from the father of the bride, Mr. Keen?
“Mr. Keen shared a heart-felt message to Melissa before those gathered. He spoke of the protection and purity of his daughter in analogy as “a coat” that she wore with joy. She did not try to take off the coat or stretch it under pressure from the world. She delighted in it. Now, she will be changing her coats as she leaves the authority of her father and enters under the authority of her husband.”
They should have special buckets at these weddings designed just to catch the vomit of NORMAL people! Oh yeah, there are no normal people in attendance. Silly me.
This reminds of Jessica Simpson’s wedding, in which her self-important and marketing father (and the minister) felt the need to share with the world that her legs had never been opened to a man before. Somehow I don’t think the GROOM’S purity was ever mentioned. What sweet, normal men..
Did anyone notice that that ridiculous church looked more like a disco hall?
Terrible speech. Nice dress.