Prairie Muffin Manifesto
Dear Prairie Muffins,
I know that some of you are angry. You may even be spitting nails. Take a deep breath and calm down.
It’s not nice being called a “baby machine” because you are convicted by the commands to fruitfulness in the Bible to accept God’s blessing of many children.
It’s not nice to have your husband accused of being your oppressor because he is a strong spiritual leader in your home who embraces biblical principles of patriarchy.
It’s not nice being called culturally irrelevant because you opt out of most of the depraved culture, carefully choosing wholesome activities and entertainment for your family.
It’s not nice being told that you are in a subcultural backwater because you shelter your children from certain bad influences, seeking alternative and superior ways to educate and train them.
You have heard it said, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
Phooey.
Words are powerful…they can cut and sting. The tongue is described in James 3:8-9 as “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.”
While we are to do our best to keep a good reputation, we are not able to control what people think of us. Our primary concern is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. When He commands us to be fruitful and multiply, we will do it. When He commands us to train up our children in the way they should go, we will do it. When He commands us to be keepers at home, we will do it. When He commands us to submit to our husbands, we will be fiercely submissive. It is up to us to obey, it is up to God to decide the outcome of that obedience.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt. 5:10-12)
If any of you Prairie Muffins (I include myself) has been guilty of self-righteousness, unkindness, legalism (elevating man-made rules over God’s law), backbiting, gossip, fearfulness, being a busybody or any of the other sins which peculiarly beset women, then you (I) must repent of it. I don’t think we need to take slurs against our convictions lying down, but I don’t think we need to respond in kind, either.
Let me explain. Have you ever heard two children fruitlessly arguing, trying to pin blame, descend into this silly chant?
“Did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!”
“Did too!”
“Did not!”
“Did too!”
“I’m telling my mother!!!”
Let’s not whine, ladies. It’s so unbecoming and not fit for the dignified position of Prairie Muffin. Rather than being reactive, I suggest we be proactive. Let us keep fighting the good fight by staying on track with those responsibilities God has given us. Since I’m Martin Luther 
, I am going to start a Prairie Muffin Manifesto, with statements which are intended to encourage and exhort women who embrace the biblical distinctives I often discuss here. As Joe Morecraft said in a sermon I listened to this evening, making clear the distinctions between us and the world does not isolate us, it insulates us.
I don’t have a door to nail it to, but I will make a new page on my site and link to it from this weblog, with the statements of distinction for Prairie Muffins. I don’t expect that everyone who visits here will agree with all the statements (”Prairie Muffins wear denim jumpers” will not be included), but I hope it will be a positive encouragement to those women who are frustrated by the negative attacks from the world, and sometimes from other Christians. It is not, I repeat, not a list of dos and don’ts with any kind of scriptural authority, although the principles it contains are derived from the Bible as much as possible. I welcome participation in this project. If you have suggestions for me to consider adding to the list, or if you want to suggest a change to any of my statements, you may either leave a comment here, or email me at carmon(at)softanswer(dot)com. Maybe we can eventually get 95 statements on our manifesto. If that happens, I’ll find a door.
A Prairie Muffin Manifesto
Whereas we Prairie Muffins believe that our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, knowing that we are not our own but belong to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ, we affirm many (if not all) of the statements in this manifesto, declaring our joy in serving Christ in the role he has given us and delighting in our distinctives.
1)Prairie Muffins are committed to obeying God’s law in every area of life, as they are aware of its application to their lives and circumstances.
2)Prairie Muffins are helpmeets to their husbands, seeking creative and practical ways to further our husband’s calling and aid him in his dominion responsibilities.
3)Prairie Muffins are aware that God is in control of their ability to conceive and bear children, and they are content to allow Him to bless them as He chooses in this area.
4)Prairie Muffins seek to conform themselves to the image of God by not chafing at the trials and afflictions which He brings to them, but thankfully submitting to His loving providence as He makes them fit for heaven.
5)Prairie Muffins improve their intellect and knowledge as they have opportunity, first by seeking wisdom from God’s word, then by reading good books and other materials which help them to make informed opinions about a wide variety of subjects.
6)Prairie Muffins dress modestly and in a feminine manner.
7)Prairie Muffins protect the innocence of their children, until such a time their children are mature enough to be exposed to cultural influences which may have the potential to harm them.
8)Prairie Muffins are creative, learning new skills and working with their hands to provide items of beauty as well as utility for their families.
9)Prairie Muffins do not reflect badly on their husbands by neglecting their appearance; they work with the clay God has given, molding it into an attractive package for the pleasure of their husbands.
10)Prairie Muffins are patient and forbearing, not responding rashly to slights, perceived or real.
That’s all for tonight! May we continue to take the high ground and maintain civility in our discourse.
January 26th, 2004 at 5:54 am
Whew! When I got online last night I thought some strange and unusual thing had happened since my vacation from cyberspace. (My computer has been down since the beginning of December.)
Glad to know all is well! As the hip say–You go girl!!!!!! Excuse me while I wash out my mouth with soap!
Laura in Lyon
January 26th, 2004 at 6:08 am
just wondering if you are Catholic? If not, maybe look into it. You sound very catholic =)
January 26th, 2004 at 7:39 am
Catholic? As in Roman Catholic? Well, when seeing our large brood of children, strangers sometimes ask if we are Catholic or Mormon, and my husband replies, "Both!"
However, since my manifesto is in the spirit of Martin Luther, I think not. Although I have always thought of myself more in the tradition of John Calvin or John Knox. But I was just kidding about being a woman preacher…really!
January 26th, 2004 at 9:53 am
Dear Carmon,
I agree that our discourse should be respectable. As always, our speech should be what a lady’s should be and not bandying about foul names. I also agree that instead of cursing the darkness we should encourage each other in righteousness. We tell our children, in our house, that we encourage each other to righteousness, not disobedience. I also want to say "Beware the wrath of a patient man (or his wife for that matter:)" Not directed to you, of course. We do need to say to people that claim to be our brothers and sisters yet would stab us in the back that their behavior is absolutely unacceptable. My mom always told us that sticks and stones may break our bones, but words hurt more than anything. I think this is a hill to die on, but I do believe to do so as a lady (not as a guttersnipe). Anyway, Carmon, you are a great encouragement.
January 26th, 2004 at 11:36 am
Denim Jumper Alert!! This is an overall-style. It’s a bit expensive (I got mine as a birthday present) but so very stylish. The fabric is also very soft.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/product.asp?cm_cg=T1&product_id=23843&nv=321461103221231
January 26th, 2004 at 1:20 pm
Prairie Muffin in the making here. Yeah, I know, I am 46. So let’s say I am in the baking stage
)
(I have been in the fire enough times to be in the oven) And much too old to be an ingredient or in the mix!
Muffin in the baking, yup that’s about right!
Donna
January 26th, 2004 at 1:48 pm
Dear Carmon,
Just had to write again to say that you are right, of course. I do get a little TOUCHY about being patronized (Especially when I am pregnant), but you being the older and wiser and having more kids kind of lady you are on the right track of reacting correctly. One of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books has a phrase in it that has stuck with me and that I would one day like to emulate (I have such a long way to go). It was, "she is mistress of herself, though the china fall." I obviously have a long way to go if I get upset enough to throw china at a man whom I have never met and espouses stupid views. That could include a lot of people since I do live in the country:) It is good to have wiser, godly women to learn from. That means you.
January 26th, 2004 at 7:46 pm
Kendra…LOL!! I wasn’t thinking of anybody but myself in this post, as I really wanted to let him have it, but I realized that it wouldn’t be productive or godly behavior. I knew others were steaming, too, so I wrote "from the heart," which is usually my M.O., since I need to hear every word of encouragement that I write to everyone else.
If I was pregnant, I probably would have let loose with all those hormones egging me on. Thanks for the great quote. And Donna, I love the line about being a muffin in the baking!
Jennifer…did you have to tempt me with that cute jumper? I don’t know what people have against denim jumpers. Nobody has a problem with everyone and his grandmother wearing jeans, and a denim jumper is just a utilitarian and feminine outfit which makes a great alternative to jeans. The one you linked to is really cute and stylish. Click on the picture with a model wearing it to see how nice it can look.
January 26th, 2004 at 9:18 pm
Carmon,
I know that it’s off topic, but you had a post on jurisdiction a few weeks back. I posted the final installment of Biblical Spheres of Law last week, and you may find that (now complete) series useful.
Theognome
January 26th, 2004 at 9:26 pm
Thanks, Theo…I find most of what you write very useful and highly entertaining, as well. Being able to combine the two is a mark of great genius, as far as I’m concerned (Toni told me to say that
). I will go back and read all the posts together; it is a subject I will continue to discuss as long as people have trouble understanding the distinctions of the different spheres of government ordained by God.
January 27th, 2004 at 8:28 am
Whoops. Guess I am a bonafide Prairie Muffin after all. I own a denim jumper similar to the one in the link, but I got mine at Cotton Ginny’s. I just never thought of it as a jumper.
But you won’t catch me wearing it today! It’s -43 centigrade here at the moment. Brrrrrrrr!
Cheryl — who is wearing her flannel jammie pants and several sweaters.
January 27th, 2004 at 11:43 am
Carmon,
I would surely be pleased to be given permission to post the Prairie Muffin Manifesto on PrairieMuffins.Com. Incidentally, I welcome advice & input on building this site from fellow Prairie Muffins (& supporters)!
January 27th, 2004 at 11:45 am
Carmon,
I love your site, but I’m at a loss as to the Prarie Muffin thing. The Manifesto clearly tells me who a PM is, but what is the etymology of this term? "Prarie Muffin" sounds similar to "road apple," and I wouldn’t want to call my Lovely Wife a horse poop.
Tom
(And what does one call the husband of a PM?)
January 27th, 2004 at 12:05 pm
Please note that I don’t claim this site as my own – I just thought it would be a good site to have and took one step toward making it happen.
January 27th, 2004 at 1:25 pm
Tom, I borrowed the term from R.C. Sproul, Jr. who jokingly and lovingly calls his wife a Prairie Muffin. This was in response to those who make snide and derogatory remarks about those of us who choose a quiet life, protecting the innocence of our children. Some women have been caricatured as denim jumper-wearing, Little House on the Prairie-worshiping, baby machines who never trim their hair or wear makeup. Like the Americans who bore the name Yankee Doodle as a badge of honor rather than be cowed by the enemy who used it in a derogatory way, the name Prairie Muffin is meant to convey the message that we are sticking to our convictions despite the silly labels people try to stick on us.
January 27th, 2004 at 1:26 pm
Valerie, of course you may have permission. I would love to have more feedback from others about things to include in the Manifesto. I will be adding more later, as well as a link to a page for it. BTW, your Prairie Muffins site isn’t opening…is it down right now?
January 27th, 2004 at 2:16 pm
Sorry about that – I wrote the link code wrong!
Try this: http://www.prairiemuffins.com/
It’s not looking all that great, it’s just a starter and I’m trying out a couple different things as I can eek out the time.
January 28th, 2004 at 9:37 am
I may be totally off on this…
I thought I heard Prairie Muffin first used by D. Wilson in one of his sermons on Modesty. I’ll have to search for the quote but the gist was you can be modest while still being "contemporary"…one doesn’t have to resort to the "old fashioned" clothing (Little House)/look like a Prairie Muffin to be so.
Can anyone verify this? Again, I’ll look/listen for the quote…
January 28th, 2004 at 11:52 am
Thanks, Tamara…I have only heard RC use it, but if the etymology is different than I thought, then, of course, we want to be accurate! Prairie Muffins strive for accuracy when disseminating information
.
January 28th, 2004 at 5:05 pm
Carmon,
My mom was horrified to hear us using the name of Prairie Muffin because she had only heard it in regards to a buffalo chip that the early pioneer women would use to feed their fires. When I explained to her the context of how it was being used she was fine, but that was her understanding of the term. I just can’t be a prairie muffin (we are backed by Mts. Rainier, St. Helen’s and Adams). That is why I am a Mountain Muffin. Stephanie is the Beach Muffin:) on Valerie’s site. I also don’t like the denim jumper I own. So it is going to the thrift store, but otherwise, the 12 passenger van fits:)
January 28th, 2004 at 5:12 pm
Dear Carmon,
We could vote on what to call husbands of PMs in order to answer Tom’s question. I have some suggestions: Studly defender of Hearth and Home (maybe too lengthy), King of all he surveys (also maybe too lengthy, could be shortened to just King), DH (I know I have heard this one before, but my husband doesn’t go for the dear thing), I have thought of some that go with muffin, but I think they are inappropriate. So we need some other thoughts.
January 28th, 2004 at 5:56 pm
*Snort* Har-Har! "Hello, we are Stud and Prairie Muffin! These are our mini-muffins… Yup, a baker’s dozen and one more in the oven."
ROFLOL Sigh. Excuse me while I brush myself off… 
January 28th, 2004 at 7:00 pm
Tamara, are you ok? Pieter’s studying to be an EMT…shall I send him over? You had me worried there…
Kendra…I thought of Stud Muffin, too, but it doesn’t have the same cachet. My daughter suggested Prairie Dog. I thought our children could be bush babies. We ought to have a contest.
January 28th, 2004 at 7:16 pm
Couldn’t be better Carmon!
We’ve actually been having a bit of fun this week around our house…all work and no play has made Tamara a dull girl…so I must be suffering the effects of giddiness! Really, I don’t snort when I laugh…it wouldn’t be becoming for a Prairie Muffin. Ok, ok…maybe on occasion I have. 
Pieter will be our first choice should I suffer another attack!
January 28th, 2004 at 10:14 pm
Kendra, do you think your mom could have been thinking of "meadow muffins," which are the same idea as buffalo chips? Although, if it happens in a meadow, it happens on the prairie, so maybe she has a point. But, it just makes the Yankee Doodle analogy that much more apropos.
January 29th, 2004 at 8:30 am
Yes, yes, a contest and the winner gets to go buy herself and family a whole container of Costco. muffins! I need something to distract me from my roiling tummy. Maybe I can actuaaly come up with something funny, yet appropriate. We could all get muffin stickers (instead of those christian fish) for the back of our vans-two big ones and as many as appropriate mini-ones.