Christianity Quote by Philip Schaff
““Henceforth we find woman no longer a slave of man and tool of lust, but the pride and joy of her husband, the fond mother training her children to virtue and godliness, the ornament and treasure of the family, the faithful sister, the zealous servant of the congregation in every work of Christian charity, the sister of mercy, the martyr with superhuman courage, the guardian angel of peace, the example of purity, humility, gentleness, patience, love, and fidelity unto death. Such women were unknown before. The heathen Libanius, the enthusiastic eulogist of old Grecian culture, pronounced an involuntary eulogy on Christianity when he exclaimed, as he looked at the mother of Chrysostom: "What women the Christians have!””
About This Quote
The passage praises Christian women as virtuous, multifaceted figures, contrasting them with pagan perceptions and highlighting their moral and spiritual roles.
In simple terms: Christian women are depicted as ideal moral and spiritual beings.
Key Takeaway
Women embody virtue and service in Christian ideal.
Themes
religion
gender roles
virtue
historical rhetoric
Mood
reverent
admiring
Type
praise
didactic
When to use this quote
- church community service
- family upbringing
- historical analysis of gender
Key Concepts
theology
cultural identity
Practical Applications
- Model compassionate leadership
- Teach moral values through example
Questions to Reflect On
- How does idealization affect women's self‑perception?
- In what ways can such rhetoric be both empowering and restrictive?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing women may overlook individual agency and diversity of experiences.
