“All the City … Doth Know That Thou Art a Virtuous Woman”
The little book of Ruth, one of the masterpieces of Biblical literature, teaches profound and challenging principles. Themes include not overlooking those we consider outsiders and the power of steadfast love to restore that which is lost. This portion of the episode covers:
II. Scholarship
- Discussion of the Israelite Redeemer (Go’el), Levirate Marriage, and Nazirites
- Historical Context of Ruth
III. Study Notes
- Ruth’s questionable behavior on the threshing floor
- Working within suboptimal social situations
- Parallels to Hannah’s consecration of Samuel
Recurring Donation:
One Time Donation:
Class Member Reading: Ruth 1, 2, 3, 4; 1 Samuel 1; 2:1-2, 20-21
Additional Reading: None
Other Reading: None
Amy and Kelsey contribute an engaging discussion.
You can access the Annotated Reading here (or PDF)
You can access the Lesson Notes here (or PDF)
Resources
President Monson, My Personal Hall of Fame
President Uchtdorf, Providing in the Lord’s Way
Dan Ariely, Predictably Irrational (or the great TED talk)
Nudge (the book about “Libertarian Paternalism”)
Stop the Hunger, with some sobering real time stats
Caring for the Needy, D&C Lesson 38
Segullah article on the women in Matthew’s genealogy
Thanks to James Estrada for performing some serious post-production magic, and as always to Steven Nelson for the beautiful bumper music.
Engaging Gospel Doctrine 
I listened to your podcast today as I was not able to attend my Sunday school class. The focus although sometimes subdued was obviously to promote feminism in the church and not much else. For the life of me I cannot see why women are striving for more power , voice and influence in the church. I have served in many callings including two bishoprics and believe me there is no glory or or advantage gained or feeling of rightness or self fulfillment. Why women would want to be equal with men, I have no idea. The idea that it is somehow a position of privilege to be asked to spend all your time and talents for the church instead of Putting the kids to bed, making supper, fishing or golfing or washing your car is beyond my comprehension.
I have also been married for 44 years and know that women already hold the position of power in the home. Pretty well every decision from the phone plan to the color of the kitchen or what size of mortgage we take or what job I apply for next or whether I have made my home teaching appointments is to please my partner. Why women would want to change this position of privilege is beyond me.
The message to women should be, here take all the voice, power, privilege and power you want but you get all the responsibility and headaches too. Go for it gals.
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Ron, You are correct that there are burdens and responsibilities connected with power, authority, voice and status. And there are rewards in both the public and domestic spheres. So why not share all of these facets between men and women both?
And yes, I was aware this lesson might end up coming across that way. I tried to get a conservative man to join to balance the discussion but wasn’t able to in time. That said, each lesson can be taken in context and spending at least this one lesson focused on women is important and worthwhile. It is a pity more lessons don’t feature the stories of women. Thanks for listening and commenting.
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