Kathleen

Lin, I didn’t read you as being uncharitable at all. I agree and have seen the same thing in patriarchal circles, where their teaching/”ministry” is their livelihood. Even these people have to meet their mortgage payments.

I have seen first-hand the kind of subserviance of the wife in a vocally patriarchal marriage. It was a bit astonishing to watch a late-term pregnant wife wait on her husband hand and foot while company (my family) was visiting at their home, while she also tended to their other 3 children. I helped, but wondered why the husband didn’t while he talked with my husband. We’re no longer in relationship with this couple, as their extreme forms of patriarchy became quite judgemental and they began to even question our parenting with our own teenage daughter.

I also see that people don’t want to challenge the thinking that is comfortable for them. They stay in rules and roles out of fear, I think.