I'm not a feminist, but...

I recently visited the "Feminist Mormon Housewives" blog and read a very interesting discussion on what it means to be feminist. I have never considered myself to be a feminist, at least not by the standards of mainstream feminism, but I definitely could be called a feminist (for lack of a better term) Mormon housewife.

I am feminist in that I believe in the equality of the sexes. I believe women should have a voice both in the home and community and that they should be allowed to pursue their own personal development apart from that of being wife and mother. I am an advocate for woman's issues and believe that as we elevate the world view of womanhood our global society will prosper. I do NOT, however, believe women should be treated the same as men, or that they should have the same role. Women and men are intrinsically different for a purpose. And as we work together in a true partnership those differences complement each other and yield a greater whole.

I am Mormon because I believe in the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe in its doctrines and teachings. I support and sustain the priesthood as the governing authority in the church. I recognize that many people take issue with some of the church's policies regarding women, but I believe that if they understood them they would recognize the enobling and exhalting view our tenets take towards the rights and priviliges of women. Many of the negative attitudes have been caused by individual misbehavior and should not reflect on the institution as a whole.

I am a housewife because I believe society receives the most benefit when women with children focus their attention on teaching and nurturing the next generation. I work hard to instil in my children moral values and to model productive behavior. I try to create a home atmosphere of order, beauty, and faith because I believe children are most secure when their environment reflects these attributes. My role as wife and mother is essential to the development of a functional society. My personal development is not limited to housekeeping though. I have interests I pursue independent of my husband and kids and try to maintain a proper balance between my individual desires and the collective good.

So there you have it. I'm not a feminist, but...