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Just remembered a call I had with my mum a few Sabbaths ago.
She said excitedly that when she was rereading the Book of Esther in the Bible,
she realized that one thing people don't often talk about is that Vashti was summoned by the king and his friends when they were drunk.
She said excitedly that when she was rereading the Book of Esther in the Bible,
she realized that one thing people don't often talk about is that Vashti was summoned by the king and his friends when they were drunk.
In her words,
"Why is it that no one considers that this man in his drunken state must have wanted her to do a strip tease for his friends.
Yes, the text says he wanted to display her beauty but nne you and I know what that "display" would have meant."
(lightly paraphrased)
"Why is it that no one considers that this man in his drunken state must have wanted her to do a strip tease for his friends.
Yes, the text says he wanted to display her beauty but nne you and I know what that "display" would have meant."
(lightly paraphrased)
She went on to say how sad and unfair it is that Vashti, who stood against being sexually objectified is seen as a villain all because she "disobeyed".
Mumsie surprised me and said that she feels people should name their daughters Vashti as a way of reminding them to question.
Mumsie surprised me and said that she feels people should name their daughters Vashti as a way of reminding them to question.
Really, I live for those moments when my mum experiences some form of feminist awakening and proceeds to share her findings with me.
In particular, I love seeing her question Scripture and calling me to get my opinion on how to further address sexism seen in the church.
In particular, I love seeing her question Scripture and calling me to get my opinion on how to further address sexism seen in the church.
I was reminded yesterday of this convo with her during one of my Biblical Principles classes.
We were discussing the story of Esther and as usual our (male) lecturer condemned Vashti as this "disobedient" woman.
He went on to tell us girls to "obey" and "respect" our husbands.
We were discussing the story of Esther and as usual our (male) lecturer condemned Vashti as this "disobedient" woman.
He went on to tell us girls to "obey" and "respect" our husbands.
I wondered how my mum would react had she been in that class.
Knowing my mother and how ppl murmur in anger when she preaches on women's issues in the church,
that class would have ended in a serious argument between her, the lecturer and all those who agreed with him.
Knowing my mother and how ppl murmur in anger when she preaches on women's issues in the church,
that class would have ended in a serious argument between her, the lecturer and all those who agreed with him.
I was too stressed to argue so I let the conversation slide.
One thing struck me though.
Throughout, no one seemed to think that the story of Vashti and King Ahasureus's drunkenness,
could be a veritable story to condemn irrational and uncontrolled alcohol use.
One thing struck me though.
Throughout, no one seemed to think that the story of Vashti and King Ahasureus's drunkenness,
could be a veritable story to condemn irrational and uncontrolled alcohol use.
Now, I don't necessarily think King Ahasureus acted that way because he was drunk.
Men objectify women even when they are sober.
It is however interesting that this aspect of the story is always overlooked and yet what takes centre stage is Vashti's rightful disobedience.
Men objectify women even when they are sober.
It is however interesting that this aspect of the story is always overlooked and yet what takes centre stage is Vashti's rightful disobedience.
If one knows Christian arguments around alcohol use,
you'll know there's a school of thought that says "Drink but don't get drunk".
Why is this story never used as a Scriptural reference for this view?
Is it cause a man is at the centre and of course men can't be shamed?
you'll know there's a school of thought that says "Drink but don't get drunk".
Why is this story never used as a Scriptural reference for this view?
Is it cause a man is at the centre and of course men can't be shamed?
Instead what we do is villify Vashti and use her story as a way of amplifying Esther.
This is when in fact we should be celebrating BOTH women's courage and ability to stand up to men and patriarchal figures like Ahasureus and Haman respectively.
Makes zero sense really
This is when in fact we should be celebrating BOTH women's courage and ability to stand up to men and patriarchal figures like Ahasureus and Haman respectively.
Makes zero sense really
Really wasn't expecting this thread to blow up this much. Thanks to everyone who is still contributing to the convo and affirming women's rightful disobedience.
While y'all are here, here's a thread of some of the things I like to plug.
Kindly rt. xo https://twitter.com/asangelwassayin/status/1177995547057250310?s=20
While y'all are here, here's a thread of some of the things I like to plug.
Kindly rt. xo https://twitter.com/asangelwassayin/status/1177995547057250310?s=20
