Catholic relationship advice with that certain catholic flair.

Dear Mr ______,

Re: homework for year 9 Religious Studies – “ Identify the qualities of a good wife…”

I am outraged that year 9 boys at _____ have been asked to discuss in class the qualities of a good wife as outlined in various bible passages, and then compare these qualities with the concept of a good wife as understood in Australia today.

I am outraged that one of the homework questions is to examine the text and gain a “fuller understanding” of the suffering of a barren woman, and the punishment for a woman who commits adultery.

I object to having my son being given sexist and misogynistic text to read from the bible for a deeper understanding as part of his homework.  I object that he is given the task to gain a deeper understanding of passages such as “ when feelings of jealousy come over a man because he suspects his wife. The priest is to have her stand before the Lord and is to apply this entire law to her.  The husband will be innocent of any wrongdoing, but the woman will bear the consequences of her sin.”  I object that a barren woman is defined as a “suffering” woman.  I object to the term “good wife” and I object completely to the task they have been given to define the term “good wife” as it would be understood in Australia today.

_____ will not be completing his homework for Religion as he lives in the year 2013 where women are not referred to as “good” based on their caring qualities, level of self-sacrifice and mothering abilities as defined by the bible, a single male teacher and a Catholic education system that obviously needs an overhaul.

Regards,

Doris