Rebekah Merkle

This review was also posted here - https://cavetothecross.com/blog/classical-me-classical-thee/

Written to middle school/high school (or even more advanced older elementary school) kids, Merkle walks through each subject of classical education and talks about why each is important, how they fit together, and how it differs with what's going on in government schools. This isn't going to be the one book to rule them all for classical education. This is a love letter to students in the thick of it who need a good reminder of what's the point of it all and what's the end goal.

Merkle gives a good start going forward with relating to the target reader and deals with Latin first of all which is probably the biggest difference when it comes to classical education. Each subject covered is a quick "get in and get out" take so as to make the point to the student and provide some examples. Of course, the coverage of how classical education fits into glorifying God and helping develop a Christian worldview is what the goal here is. There are a few examples of how classical graduates use these skills separately or together. While there are some examples of these, I think the book could have used a few more. This a small gripe for an important book to give a boost to students and thus a much-needed resource. Final Grade - A-… (altro)

This book is excellent . . . and imperfect. But, in a day when "women's issues" are bandied about like tennis balls, "excellent" is pretty good.

Mrs. Merkle, who thinks deeply yet writes with refreshing clarity, first traces the history of feminism — not comprehensively, but capably. (Inasmuch as it is not the main theme of her book, she is not obliged to record every peep and mutter emitted by every "feminist.") First in her chronology came "proto-feminism" (Mary Wollstonecraft and the harpies of the French Revolution); then "first wave" feminism (Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and that crowd); then "second wave" feminism (beginning with Simone de Beauvoir, Betty Friedan, and so many others, greatly assisted [if not enabled] by the invention of The Pill). She does not venture into an analysis of the alleged Third and Fourth "waves" of feminism, which are still very much in flux, as feminism itself is gradually swallowed up by the irrational conceits of "intersectionality." The importance of oral contraceptives cannot be exaggerated, but they were not the prescription for unprecedented happiness that many people predicted: indeed, their popularity led to such an increase in the use of psychiatric drugs that by 1963, 23% of American women were using some type of psychotropic medication: a fact acknowledged by Betty Friedan, and ridiculed by the Rolling Stones ("Mother's Little Helper"). "The Pill" could forestall conception; it could not guarantee contentment.

Having noted all these things, the author begins to expand on her main theme: the Biblical "roles" of women and men, and the psychological, social, and spiritual benefits that would accrue if today's unhappy women reexamined and seriously considered what the Bible actually says — NOT what too many loudmouthed, clueless pulpiteers have bellowed for centuries. The path to contentment and true fulfillment, Mrs. Merkle says, lies in a proper understanding of the teachings of the Bible.

Two things must be made clear. Although Mrs. Markle is herself a woman whose entire life is informed and empowered by her Christian faith, she has not written here an evangelistic "pitch." She would, no doubt, like for all of her readers to know the blessedness of the Christian life, but she is not playing an evangelistic role here. Second, Mrs. Markle is not a latter-day avatar of Marabel Morgan, the bestselling author of "The Total Woman" nearly fifty years ago. Anyone old enough to remember that book will understand the reference.

This is a very valuable book, 90% of which is well worth reading by any woman, be she Christian or not. Recommended, with one caveat: Mrs. Merkle, and her associates, are advocates of what's known as "dominionist" or "reconstructionist" theology, a radical Calvinist stance, which I consider false and unscriptural. But that's a theological difference between Christians, and I look forward to the day when our unity in Christ will be undeniable, as we "merrily meet in Heaven."… (altro)

This book targets Christian women, obviously wives and mothers, although there is a message for singles. It is a difficult topic and requires a change in thinking. This is about obedience, and we do not have the right to ignore God's commands or adopt the world's ways. All of us will be held to account for our disobedience in this area. The author makes clear that every woman has different talents and is in unique circumstances, and her work will look completely different than everyone else's. It is your challenge to find out how to tend to your garden by obeying God and glorifying Him in the role He has given you. By trusting and obeying Him, we not only find fulfillment, but the return will be multiplied.

I understand many women, including Christians, will disagree with Merkle. However, I believe she is correct because she uses Scripture to support her arguments; and we can't change God's intentions and commands.

I also did not go into my own marriage and motherhood knowing any of this. I chose to stay home with my kids out of a natural desire to be with them. It was not easy living on one income, and we had some difficult financial years. But I would never exchange being home for a "rewarding career or job or even my own business." Managing a home, raising five kids, homeschooling, and being married to a low maintenance husband is enough for me. Even still, Merkle convicted me because I realize I am not always putting in 100% of myself. I can be lazy and selfish, too. I still have a lot of work to do. So for me, this was definitely an excellent read. I hope other women will find it encouraging as well.

To read the rest of my long review: https://withfreedomandbooks.blogspot.com/2022/09/eve-in-exile-by-rebekah-merkle....… (altro)