The Lovely Abigail Adams

This has been a wonderful semester, and I have particularly enjoyed teaching the course on the American Revolution again. In addition to the Middlekauf text, the students had to read either Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fisher or Deareest Friend by Lynne Withey. In this reading, the students had to maintain a book journal--thier own analysis of the material in the book. This assignment is less formal, but more involved than a book review.

Several of the students chose the biography of Abigail Adams, Dearest Friend. I am so pleased by how she (Mrs. Adams) is inspiring  these young people over 200 years after her birth. Feminists have latched on to Mrs. Adams and have attempted to make her an icon for their cause.  She took care of her home and family during her husband's many absences in his service to the young country. She earned the disdain of many of her contemporaries by involving herself in the politics of the day.
Abigail's father was a parson and raised her not only in the nurture of the Scriptures, but in an environment that encouraged "book learning" as well. Her deep love for her husband combined with the natural and nurtured inquisitiveness she possessed together almost seemed to compel her participation in matters outside the then typical sphere of influence of the woman of Colonial America. 

Feminists have seized upon this aspect of Abigail's life, and I think they have misinterpreted her heart's desire.  Scripture tells us that part of Eve's punishent was to desire her husband's place (Genesis 3:16), but that doesn't describe Abigail at all. Her desire was to support her husband--to maintain the home and family as he needed.  He often turned to her for advice and support, respecting her intellect and trusting in her absolute devotion to him.  She was free to speak her mind and disagre with John(which she often did), but she always put his best interest above her own.

Several of the young ladies in the course have spoken with me about this book and the life of our second First Lady. They seem, without exception, to be moved most by her love for God and for her husband. 

I am grateful to be teaching in an atmosphere where we can openly champion these values.