Many times, the church\u2019s response to the abuse of women can sound just like that of the 1960s-era country music industry: \u201cWell, he\u2019s Bill Monroe; how could someone that talented do something like that?\u201d<\/p>\n
Loretta Lynn could see through that, and so should we.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s especially true when the way of Christ is strikingly different from the way of the world. The biblical story starts and ends with a mission that includes both men and women as joint heirs with Christ\u2014inheritors together of the mandate to conserve and govern creation, along with the kingdom that is breaking through now in Christ Jesus.<\/p>\n
If accountability for this vision will come, it will come through honesty. And honesty\u2014at least in an institution committed to its own self-perpetuation\u2014often comes with controversy.<\/p>\n
\u201cFighting for my freedom made me the Loretta Lynn I am today,\u201d the singer said. \u201cEven though it hurt, I can\u2019t regret that. I won\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the Loretta Lynn the institution of country music needed to be confronted with. The institution of the church, too, need to be reminded that women and girls are not \u201cHonky Tonk Angels\u201d expected to endure what no one should be asked to endure.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s my tribute to the late, great Loretta Lynn, with reflections on what she could teach us about the treatment of women:https:\/\/t.co\/lt8RBm137E<\/a><\/p>\n — Russell Moore (@drmoore) October 6, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n