I have caught my housemate in possession of a book. A disagreeable book. One might say, a ridiculous book.
The book is called "Get Married: What Women Can Do To Make It Happen".
I am incensed!
Now, I haven't read this book, but, aside from the title, the cover did nothing to draw me in any further. On opening the book I felt no greater desire to read it when faced with foliage page detail and floaty italic fonts. No, I think it is fair to say that this is not my idea of a good read.
Do you think there will be 10 easy to follow steps? Do 1. followed by 2. followed by 3. etc and by number 10. you will find yourself happily married (do the 2.4 children follow in the sequel?). What makes the author think that the steps that led up to her marriage will be the same as for everyone else? And what if you follow her simple self help steps only to find yourself married 10 years down the line wondering who on earth you are and how you managed to find yourself here? Is not being yourself surely a better way at approaching life than persuing marriage by any means?
The reviews on Amazon do nothing to allay my fears:
"She passed on truth to me that positioned my heart in such a way to truly receive the Lord's fullest blessings."
"In this book, Candice Watters gives us pratical tips and stories from her own life about how to finally reach the altar."
More worryingly though was another similar looking book that I followed a link to on Amazon (and is more popular...) "Getting Serious About Getting Married". About which reviewers said:
"But this book has reminded me of both my Godly responsibilty to be a wife and also the fact that being single is not part of Gods plan for the majority and so no matter how busy and successful we are, nothing else is going to slot into the perfect place made for a husband accept [sic] a husband! "
"This book is sent by God for "such a time as this"."
Oh please. Spare us.
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3 comments:
Phew!!! That was an epic rant miss swarb. I feel your pain and rage tho, is this not also the problem in society that people think that fulfilment can only be found in a relationship so its best just to go out lots, get drunk try to meet as many blokes as possible in order to find 'the one' and the same mantra seems to be true in Christian circles.
I'm intrigued to know what her stance is on marrying a non-Christian man as there are probably no where near as many single christian men as women. I will ask the person reading the book tho so you don't have to read it to find out!!
Love you miss emma,
boydy xx
Emma! Helen borrowed this book from me! Don't worry, it is NOT ten easy steps to the altar! And it does NOT say that everyone can follow the same steps to get there.
AND most importantly, the title is NOT what women can do to MAKE it happen, it's what women can do to HELP it happen. It's a pretty important difference. :) Don't worry, we're not freaks.
Your new fb friend,
Amy
Yes - that is quite a rant, Em. I just think these sorts of books set up expectations and norms which can leave people very disappointed. It can really skew the focus of someone life (and discipleship) if their goal becomes a divinely granted relationship, instead of a relationship with the divine.
(I should write headlines)
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