The notions of mentoring and motherhood from a practical theological approach: Biblical examples and viewpoints

Abstract

This paper investigates the importance of gleaning suitable information from the Old and the New Testaments to explore the concepts of ‘mentoring’ and ‘motherhood/or womanhood’. The paper also aims to determine the possibility to employ narratives about women as mentor figures in the Bible. An important issue to consider in the context of this paper is how women/mothers lived as role models for others during biblical times in patriarchal societies. Significantly, God established "right and loving" relationships with women throughout history. God has a special relationship with mothers, and He desires that all women develop caring relationships in order to guide and disciple other women. God assigns both parents the duty of teaching their children about His Word and commandments in Deuteronomy 6:7. Parents have a duty to instil in their children the knowledge of God's rules through instruction and discipline, as stated in Exodus 10:2. The teaching role of parents and grandparents is also confirmed in Joel 1:3. Children in this teaching function are guided or led to comprehend who they are in God. In addition, Luke 8:20-23 makes it clear that women accompanied Jesus. This Scripture comments on the essence of complimenting mothers for listening to God's Word and emphasising the family bond and the value of family. Also, in Psalms 127:3, and 139:13, motherhood is ordained and a blessing from God to families and society. Throughout the Bible, the notion of motherhood is described as a unique and important calling. In essence and summary, while both parents share an equal responsibility for teaching and disciplining their children, mothers have a greater task because of the many responsibilities they carry in life.