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It would be very helpful if Douthat knew history -- in 1872, the first woman to run for President was Victoria Woodhull, mystic, spiritualist, feminist activist. Williamson's campaign is well in-line with 19th century American religious history.
You may not like Williamson theologically or politically, but what she represents is an important part of the American story, one often ridiculed or ignored by those who treat women's spirituality and leadership -- esp in alternative communities -- as if it doesn't exist.
And women typically only had alternative outlets for spiritual and political leadership since churches like Mr. Douthat's refused and still refuse to recognize the power of women's contributions to the life of theology and Christian community.
It strikes me as wildly hypocritical to deny women access to traditional pathways of leadership and then to criticize them for not being traditional. For representing some sort of intellectual and/or spiritual "decline" in the culture.
But, as smart women know, this is the tactic. Refuse women a place in religious community and then when they find a different path to exercise spiritual authority, burn them as witches.
Old story. And we see you.
Old story. And we see you.
And really: Look up Victoria Woodhull.
