www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Woman running a nation.--OK?

We all know that the idea of a female pastoring a church goes against our grain. The church is led by holy fathers. My question: Is the dynamic of a woman running a nation any different or much different?
I don't feel right about the idea of a woman being in charge of a nation. Historicaly women in charge controled small tribal groups while men formed empires. Many would call my views sexist. I'm not looking for someone to just agree with me. I suspect that many here may agree with me. I want advice from someone who has spiritualy and psychologically studied differances between men and women.

Richard,

See Theology of the Body by John Paul II.

There the differences and complementarity of men and women is discussed.

God Bless You,

Dr. Eric

I tend to be pretty chauvinistic, but I'll be the first to admit, that Margaret Thatcher did a better job as prime minister of Great Britain than probably any of the men who held that position in the last 30-40 years.

What about old Rulers such as Queen Isabella of Spain and Elizabeth of England. Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, Catherine the Great, Queen Victoria? Does Joan of Arc count as well? She certainly led a country. All were impressive women leaders and a couple were even good Catholics as well. It is true that Queen Isabella of Spain ruled with Ferdinand but perhaps that is why their rule was considered part of the Golden Age of Spain. There was a complimentarirt between the two of them that relates to Theology of the Body that Dr Eric spoke of.

-Katie g

Good post Katie!

Dear Richard,

There are women with the potential for leadership...as has been proven. Margaret Thatcher of Britain for one, as well as the female heads of state of Pakistan and India...very chauvenistic cultures. Otherwise I would tend to agree with you. I find that most women lack the 'comradship' that men have towards one another, as well as their competiveness. Women tend to find female associates threatening if they are attractive or have abilities above and beyond the ordinary. Now can you imagine a man being threatened by an attractive man?

As for pastoring a church, it depends on the situation. If the pastoring is done by a priest, then it's a no, no. If it is merely giving a sermon or singing, then why not, if the talent and ability is there. Let's not forget Saint Katherine of Sienna who restored the Papacy to Rome...or so I think!

Zenovia

My concern was the feminist/abortionist archetype. Femimism and mothering many children seem to be polar oppisites from my personal observations.
I stand corrected about women leaders though. These women led men who in turn led other men.