Ministry of Manners

Dear Conqeror,

I'm in my forties and am appalled to how men of all generations seem to disregard some common courtesies with woman. Holding the door for women and allowing them to enter first would be a good start. Or how about giving up their seat on a bus or at an event when there aren't enough seats to go around and women are fading. What's up with this? Am I out of touch, or is this rude?

Jennie L. - King of Prussia, PA

Dear Jennie,

No, I don't think you're out of touch. Our society may accept it and even argue that the women are capable of standing or opening doors for themselves. Apparently society has reduced the decision criteria down to physical ability or fair entitlement. Of course these would never be appropriate criteria for Christians. The simple Biblical concept that applies here is simply "love your neighbor as (your) yourself (would like to be loved)."

Real mean still open doors for and give up their seats for the women in the crowd. Those who are ignorant or indifferent won't.