Brother: "You might think the above is just a bad picture, no that's pretty much how they look through the whole thing."
I just watched Return of the Daughters… I’d seen it once but I wanted to see it again. So I borrowed a copy from a friend. Not just any copy… this one is autographed by Anna Sophia and Elizabeth Botkin themselves! They actually touched it!!!!
Now I’m watching it so you don’t have to and blogging as I watch. I got this idea from Sparknotes after someone blogged the Royal Wedding on the Sparklife blog. Should be interesting, yes? It brings out my sarcastic side. My siblings and Mom were in and out of the room as I watched and I warn you, we all think we’re rather witty.
Nice Menu.
Ah, nice logo.
First shot… Adam, Eve, and snake accompanied by a monotone voiceover. Only the first second and I’m already creeped out.
Okay, montage of women working in the home.
Cut to Botkin sisters… staring blankly at the camera. (Look Below). Yipes. Do they ever blink? Let’s rewind and see. Elizabeth: 4 blinks. Anna Sophia: 6 blinks. Nice hair, but please, quit posing.
Did these people in the city scene montage know they were being filmed? Why is the area under some of the women’s faces blurred?
Me to Mom: How could anybody take this seriously?
Model shown in store looks a lot like Anna Sophia.
“Today’s post-family society” Whhhhaaat? I had to listen to that several times because I kept thinking they left out the word “modern” which would have made more sense.
“Today’s girls tend to follow the demands of today’s culture to achieve its definition of popularity and success, measured by public acclaim, college, degrees and big paychecks.” Take away the college and degree and you have the Botkin sisters.
Brother: “This video is creeping me out.”
Brother: “What are these? The daughters of the dominion?” (See Road to Avonlea)
“That’s right! These girls have chosen to spend their single years with their families!” How is that any different from me choosing to live at home while going to school in order to be near my immediate and extended family?
And what happens if a daughter is called to go to college or into missions work? Will her family support her then?
“They are doing it for reasons of principle that they are discovering in the Bible.” Discovering? How did we manage to miss these “principles” for the last 2000 years? Bible verses anyone?
Quit with the fake drama already!
Introduction Bible Verse count: 0.
Now on to the Valenti family
Elizabeth Botkin is sooooo creepy looking!!!
Where is Mrs. Valenti?
Does Katie get paid?
It sounds like a nice job… I wish we all could work for our father’s businesses!
Katie: “My youth” ―she’s 23. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.
“The Bible teaches that younger women and older women…their main sphere of influence is in the home.” Citation???
Mr. Valenti: “Their main focus is to try to be keepers at home … eventually they could be helpers to their husbands. And so that’s what I’m to teach my daughters and I think it’s based on the scriptures. Not think, I know.” Really? Since you know so much why don’t you tell us which scripture verse(s)?
Look how wealthy they are…
“She could be off having babies in another state..” ?? That’s kind of a weird way to put it!
Psalm 144:12. A scripture verse!!!
A corner pillar means to that daughters are “supposed to have a supporting and beautifying role in the home.” Interesting literal interpretation.
Brother: (to Anna Sophia) “You look like a robot.”
Malachi 4:6. ("He [Elijah/John the Baptist] will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”) Somewhat out of context here.
Why is Katie talking about submission? There’s nothing about being “submissive” (as you would be to a husband) to your father in the Bible.
“Seek to glorify my heavenly father first and please and honor my earthly father as well.” Really?
“Being away at school…” Did Katie go away to school for awhile?
Psalm 45:15 ("Led in with joy and gladness, they enter the palace of the king.")
Why was Katie so mean and demeaning to others? Why was she feeling so guilty? Sounds like she was very unhappy…. I don’t really understand this part.
Why would they all have their own “selfish, individual lives”? That doesn’t make any sense. I love my family and I’m really close to them but I still have my own interests and no one thinks I have a selfish, individual life.
That home is so big I wouldn’t want to leave it either!
Elizabeth: “The Valenti home is no longer a lonely place of retreat and self-centered entertainment as so many American homes.” Now they’re just being mean. :-D
It is “commanded in the scriptures that Christians are supposed to be hospitable.” Command seems a strong word… hospitality is an overflowing of the love that we have for others. If we try to force it, it’s not hospitality.
“We had nine televisions going all at once…” Whhhaat? I don’t understand…. Was the whole family saved at one time?
Too much garlic!!! I hope they’re blanching it before using in one recipe. (See Julia Child)
Scripture count: 3.
Now on to the Bauchum family!
“I wanted to be a screenwriter. I wanted to go to New York University.” – Jasmine. Those are high and beautiful callings. I’m sorry that Jasmine wasn’t allowed to follow those dreams.
“Jasmine and her father have reevaluated…” Where is Mrs. Bauchum? Doesn’t she evaluate?
“In light of their scriptural discoveries” Explain! Inquiring minds want to know where this is in the Bible!
Why did Jasmine feel like she was going behind her father’s back to live out her dreams?
“One of America’s leading Bible scholars and teachers of apologetics.” I’d never heard of him but I have heard of James Montgomery Boyce, Warren Wiersbe, and other scholars.
Do they have to exaggerate everyone’s credentials? Can’t one of these people be ordinary?
Why would it feel weak or wrong for Jasmine to need her father? Why did she have to get past that? I need my father and don’t feel bad about it―it doesn’t make me feel weak.
Voddie: “Interestingly enough, the Bible doesn’t command women to be independent. It commands them to be submissive.” Scripture reference?? All women are commanded to be submissive? It doesn’t command men to be independent either! In fact, we’re all supposed to submit to God and each other!
Why is Voddie talking about the Fall? We’re not under the curse anymore! Believers are under grace! He doesn’t quote any scriptures and basically paints a very bleak picture of what life for women should look like…. What a terrible explanation of the Genesis story. Protecting her from wanting to take over the man’s role? That’s what you’re concerned about?
How does Jasmine know that staying home is more intellectually stimulating? She’d never tried college at this point.
In parts, Jasmine doesn’t seem happy. She looks like she’s about to cry.
And where is Mrs. Bauchum again??
Condoleezza Rice worked for the United States not for only George W. Bush. Does this man even understand politics?
And, uh, Voddie? Why are you using Condoleezza Rice to help support your view?
Anna Sophia: Referencing creation “woman was created for the man to be the perfect and complementary helper suitable to man for his vision.” Adam had no vision. God told him what to do and he did it. We’re a people of revelation, not a people of vision. Adam didn’t start digging things up going, “Hey God, here’s my vision of what I can do for you!” Adam WAITED on God and His leading.
Token showing of portrait of Mrs. Bauchum!!
What’s up with the chanting/vocalizing in the background?
My sister: (on Anna Sophia) “She looks scared,”
Voddie: “Helping is not a role woman only assume upon marriage…” Well, duh and yet, to what kind of helping are you referring?
Daddy?!!!? How old are you?????
Voddie can’t do his own research?? How did he manage to get his Ph. D?
Does Mrs. Bauchum do anything? Is Jasmine the surrogate wife? Why is Voddie doing everything with Jasmine?
“Am I willing to sacrifice my daughter on the altar of pleasing men?” Weird, weird wording!
She’s not your’s, she’s God’s!
Why is he acting like Jasmine is a piece of property? Why can’t he just give her over to God and trust God? Why does he feel like he has to micromanage every aspect of her life?
Brother: (during Voddie’s speech) Boy, you’re *very* humble.
It’s sad that Jasmine felt like a double minority in public. Doesn’t she have any friends?
Jasmine is pretty likeable actually...I wish she had a different Dad.
Bible Verse Count: 0 (Unless you consider a vague reference to Genesis 2 by Anna Sophia) This seems surprising considering Voddie is one of “America’s leading Bible scholars”. *rolls eyes*
Keen Family!!
Dedicated to promoting the message of father daughter unity???
Melissa is 25... Is she married now?
Aside―All of these girls in the documentary/propaganda film have super nice hair… seriously, it’s very nice. And they’re all really attractive. Hmmm… what happens to the other, less attractive girls?
So what does Melissa do if there isn’t a home business?
*And everyone in the room cringes as Elizabeth the zombie appears on the screen.*
How nice they organize conferences to restore the biblical family.
Nice hat.
Trust walks shown for the Father-Daughter retreat― aren’t they supposed to be unbiblical? (See Spiritual Junk Food)
Loving the flowery description of Melissa’s job…Really she books the event and arranges the high tea? Duh! That’s what a conference organizer does!
How inane.
Really short section!
Bible Verse count: 0.
Torres Family
At least the girls get to do target shooting….
Since when do people think that a lady is a china doll? None of my guy friends or relatives act like that around me!
Isn’t this the nanny for the Phillips family? How does she explain that she works?
Me: (yelling at the TV) WHAT? WHERE IS HER EYE PROTECTION? GLOVES!? You NEVER use power tools (ESPECIALLY TABLE SAWS!!!) without protection. AHHHHH!!
“My father’s vision for me….” And what about God’s vision?
“They help serve their community and other families…” By nannying, I suppose. Do the Phillips’ pay her for her work?
Brother: (seeing the blurred out immodesty) Ha. Hhe WHAT?? It’s not like they’re naked or something.
Oh, that’s very tolerant of them… blurring out a women’s entire midsection. Um, hello, Botkins, if this bugs you, don’t use the footage!
Elizabeth says that Lourdes and her family work “as invaluable assets to the community.” Yup. Nannying for the Phillips “community.”
Unmarried young women “are becoming known nationwide as the secret weapon of the church. What? I’ve never heard of them. Do you think we can possibly exaggerate any further?
“In the Spirit of Titus 2” Which doesn’t technically apply to unmarried women!
Still missing the protection with the powertools! Eek! Put some safety glasses on!
It’s really not that counter-cultural of a lifestyle. Why do they all have hero complexes?
Bible Verse Count: 0. (Titus 2 not actually given)
And now the one and only Bradrick family!
Anna Sophia: (on Peter and Kelly Bradrick) “Photos of their first kiss have been circulated worldwide” Yipes!
Kelly doesn’t look very healthy… she looks totally different from her wedding photos.
Is a husband really a sanctification tool? Oh… uh, maybe they should use a different word. *snicker* Naiveté is not always good. :-D
Peter Bradrick is so ugly. Those ears….
Brother: “He looks like an elf. A Keebler elf.”
Peter wrote “a series of theological papers” for Scott Brown? Weird.
Daddy? Kelly, you’re kinda old to be calling him that.
What’s up with all the posed, professional, sepia-toned pictures? Why do all of these people have horrible cases of narcissism?
So, the marriage wasn’t arranged by Mr. Brown but Kelly’s strongest indication of the Lord’s will was the approval of her parents. Isn’t that circular reasoning?
Kelly: “Peter was the fulfillment…” Was? Not is? You’re still married to him Kelly.
Deborah is actually interviewed!!!
A Bible verse! No citation but partly quoted. Proverbs 22:6. (Train up a child...)
Sister: “I find that highly offensive!” On Peter’s comment about getting a nursing degree, marrying and shelving it, and then having to learn homemaking skills. My sister is a nurse and knows how to cook, clean, and take care of a house. I don’t think Peter has the slightest idea what he’s talking about and ends up sounding very ignorant and foolish.
Scott couldn’t plan his own schedule? What did he do once she left? Are these jobs given to daughters really that important if the parents can take over once the daughter marries and leaves?
Amazing, she had access to her parent’s credit card and checkbook! No!! Say it isn’t so! Oh brother.
They make even paying bills sound like an epic journey. Sanctuary! Sanctuary!
Sister (to Peter): And you think you’re prince charming?
Again, where are all these posed photos coming from?
Kelly quotes 1 Corinthians 7!!! Says an unmarried woman has freedom from the responsibilities of a wife. Then, why do they insist that being a daughter is just like being a wife? Why would Paul write that knowing that a daughter would be doing the same things as a wife and then be distracted by serving her father? Contradiction! PLOT HOLE! Hooray for scripture that contradicts your entire theory!
Scott: “I wanted her to know that she was going to marry a male…a man…” Weird way of putting that comment….
Brother: Well, I sure hope she doesn’t think she’s marrying a woman!
Did these people even jot down ideas before they sat in front of the camera? They really need a good proofreader.
Brother (to Peter): Well, I don’t know who you’re hanging out with! (on Peter’s comment on what his friends are looking for in women).
Poor Kelly.
Cue the epic music!
Bible verse count: 2. (sort of)
And now back to the Botkin zombies!
*Everyone jumps a little as Anna Sophia eye-locks the camera with a dead, blank stare*
Zombie.
That’s right Elizabeth! Keep pouting!
Families don’t have to conform to “Narrow, ritualistic regulations”? Really? All the families seemed nearly the same to me!
“Biblical principles” and where are these principles found??
Scott Brown: A father needs a “big” “vision for what God wants him to do”… well, bless his heart!! I didn’t know that Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, Joshua, Moses, Esther, Isaiah, etc., told God what they wanted to do for Him; I do believe it was the other way around!
Here, we drop in Jennie Chancy, with almost no explanation of who on earth she is! Who cares if she’s married to Matt―he’s never written any books or really done anything that anyone would know about outside of this insular little world.
Oh, now we explain who she is!
So, Voddie’s a Ph D. but Jasmine can’t go to college?
Why does he think that the culture believes you only get 17-18 years with your kids? Christian circles have always held to the idea of keeping your kids close. Why does it always have to be the other extreme?
Voddie: “There is an epidemic of unprotected women in our culture…” What does that mean?
That’s his explanation for promiscuity and abuse! When all else fails, blame the woman!
“HELPLESS CREATURES!!”
Me: He did NOT just say that!
Brother: Oy, I think he did.
Me: Miserable sod.
Cue more epic music.
Voddie: “We are stewards when it comes to her life…” Well, bless your heart!
Voddie says that he doesn’t like it when people get the wrong idea and think that his daughter won’t be educated. Well, she um, won’t. College at home, without different professors and classes, just isn’t the same.
Yes, Voddie, *sigh* “individualistically” is a word.
Does he really think he needs to tell homeschoolers to view themselves as a family unit?
Who are these women writing to Jennie Chancy? Can’t they find a cookbook that will tell them how to boil an egg? Do they have the ability to type anything into Google?
Voddie: “We are deceiving ourselves if we think that college is actually educating people.”
WHAT! You have a Ph.D!! You just insulted yourself, your professors, and all the people with whom you went to school!!! Jerk!
He thinks that his daughter at 16 is better educated than he was when he graduated college?
There are no words.
Voddie just needs to stop. Now.
Why wasn’t Jennie Chancy strong enough to stick with her dream of being a homemaker at college? I’ve stuck with mine!
Can’t Voddie quote some Bible verses? And he’s still treating Jasmine like a piece of property.
Anna Sophia: “They’re building on legitimate Christian tradition.” It’s still tradition, no matter how you swing it.
Me: “Isn’t this depressing?”
Sister: “I’m getting tired watching it.”
Brother: “It’s giving me mushy brain.” (Mushy brain is a term used in my family to describe that feeling you get when you’ve watched too much television.)
What reformation process? Aren’t you going to explain?
My goodness, Geoffrey Botkin is creepy! He makes me jump every time I see him.
The Doctrine of the Family? Where is this doctrine found other than the book of Botkin?
In submission of the law of God? The law? Seriously?
Overall message: Fathers if you fail in this, you have doubly failed. You are cowardly and emasculated. Ouch!
What country is he talking about? Soviet Russia?
A traditional Christian family is a foreign concept? Whooo… Brainwashing much?
Geoffrey: “Many viewers will not know what to think about this documentary…” Excuse me, one knows exactly what to think!
“And they may be offended by the functional biblical home.” No! Who could possibly be offended by bad theology, extremes, epic music, stereotyping, endless narcissism, brainwashing, propaganda, zombie girls, and cultish behaviour?
What’s up with the tiny child, working in the kitchen with oven mitts and no mother present?
As a matter of fact, where are all the mothers?
Daughters are instrumental “in building civilizations.” Does he think this is Ancient Greece? And of course, women are essential! We’ve all (hopefully) taken biology class.
Can someone give me a pair of boots so I can wade through this slop?
“The function of the family to make disciples of all nations” Actually, that command was given to everybody, singles and married alike, but if you want to stretch it that’s fine.
Geoffrey: (on daughters wanting to build up the faith) “How can I extend it to men of future generations once I’m married.” That’s so encouraging! I can only give the faith to my sons and not my daughters! And I have to be married in order to build up the faith! I think I’ll go tell that to the Apostle Paul.
You knew it was coming… Epic music!!!
“And patriarchally,” Did he really just use that word?
We live in a period of transition from a fiercely anti-biblical society to a biblical society. Really?
Oh, great, the zombie girls are back. Eeeps.
Not every girl will be able to enjoy this [lifestyle]? What does that mean? So some girls will fall through the cracks?
Wait. Why are you moving on without answering my question? Who’s going to fall through the cracks? Hello?
Anna Sophia: “Changing history for the better as they return to God’s law.” The law? I thought we were free from that? Which part of it? Are we going to make women impure during the wrong time of the month now too?
Really! A verse from Psalm 144!
What’s up with the epic music? How nice that Kelly did have her baby but who names their child Triumph? I guess it looked nice at the end of such an *epic*
They sure crammed a lot of heavy information into that ending… and a lot of it was total propaganda. I feel brainwashed even though I didn’t believe a bit of it.
Bible Verse Count: 1.
Total Bible Verse Count: 6.
Only six cited Bible verses in the whole earth-shattering, hour-long, documentary?
This whole thing truly illustrated the proverb (and I’m looking at you Voddie!) “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
Miserable sods.
My head aches. I think I need some tea.
Signing off.
Jesus said: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:34-39
Ingrid
