Damage from the Sexual Revolution
Material Discussed: Essay by Valerie Hudson, "Does Feminism End With Extinction?" Additional essays from the Latterday Crone (Valerie Hudson), click this link for the index. Another essay by Valerie Hudson, “Feminism is a Descendant of Christianity.”
Pre-Discussion:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints just released the new class names for the three Young Women age groups, and we started with a lesson about the history of class names from the Bee-Hive Girls Handbook. Knowing the connection to the past may be powerful for these young women. For those concerned about the perceived burdens of the names, our discussion led to this gem from one of our Clarus members: We are called to endure burdens as a testament to our commitment to Christ. Paul frequently addressed the theme of suffering for Christ: “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29). Bearing burdens for Christ’s sake deepens our reliance on Him and brings us face-to-face with Him and His love.
1915
Builders of the Hive
Gatherers of the Honey
Keepers of the Bees
1938
Builders in the Hive
Gatherers of Honey
Guardians of the Treasure
2026
Builders of Faith
Messengers of Hope
Gatherers of Light
Discussion of our Sexual Revolution theme and its effects on women—we went off on many tangents this evening:
Lack of testosterone - plastic is a hormone disruptor
We can rewire our brains despite what was previously thought—
What was Miriam’s priesthood power? Different from Aaron’s priesthood. Women were born with priesthood, men are ordained with it.
Documentary about Jesus’ Female Disciples - Mary the Tower and Peter the Rock - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=17QWDhomle8
Duo’s were always male and female - Noah’s Ark, etc. A man could not anoint and heal and touch a woman; a woman did that
“Too much is said and misunderstood about what the brothers have and the sisters don’t have. This is Satan’s way of confusing both men and women so neither understands what they really have.“ Julie Beck, BYU Women’s Conference 2011
We have a complementary priesthood power and authority with men
Read talks and journals from the Church Historian’s Press for women who talked about Heavenly Mother and participated in healing blessings
When we chase our vengeance, we remove Christ
We can make an impact in our circle of influence - but we have to make the time to study the truth and learn the language
From Valerie Hudson’s essay, “Feminism is a Descendent of Christianity,“ Louise Perry, "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution.” Perry draws upon her experience of working in a rape crisis center to argue that liberal feminism minimizes the sex differences, resulting in an unwillingness to consider what women can do to reduce the risk of sexual assault in a desire to avoid victim blaming—
“Christianity taught chastity for both men and women--unheard of! Christianity taught that polygamy was evil--news to all cultures! Christianity taught that infanticide was unconscionable--another first! Christianity taught that cousin marriage and incest were wrong--though cousin marriage was the foundation of many cultures. Christianity taught that widows were not obliged to marry their dead husband's brother. Christianity taught that widows inherited their husband's goods, not his family--revolutionary! Christianity said that rape was always a crime, not just a crime against certain women whose families were respectable--wow!”
Perry has a haunting finale to her piece, one which rings true to me:
"What if we understand the Christian era as a clearing in a forest? The forest is paganism: dark, wild, vigorous, and menacing, but also magical in its way. For two thousand years, Christians pushed the forest back, with burning and hacking, but also with pruning and cultivating, creating a garden in the clearing with a view upward to heaven. But watch as roots outstretch themselves and new shoots spring up from the ground. The patch of sky recedes. . . With no one left to tend the garden, the forest is reclaiming its ground.”
She is right. The darkness is coming for women again. If only we women could build upon the Light of the Restored Gospel, this new Dark Age for women would not have to be.
I know that I will fight that fight. I am saddened so many do not even see the need for such a fight. And I am saddened so many of those who could be the fiercest warriors have let doubt sap their strength. Sisters, this is the fight worth fighting! This is the hill to die on, for this is the only Rock on which we may live! Valerie Hudson
Q: How do we fight this fight? One person at a time. Know the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Understand the correct language. Have courage to speak up.
Books Mentioned:
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier
The Collapse of Parenting by Leonard Sax
The Case Against the Sexual Revolution by Louise Perry