Keeping House: The Litany of Everyday Life

Praise for Keeping House "Addressing such topics as laundry, cleaning, shopping, and cooking, Peterson offers persuasive biblical interpretations and incisive theological and culutural commentary." — Publishers Weekly " Keeping House is ground–breaking and breath–taking—the former because there is nothing quite like a ′theology of housekeeping′ that is both theologically sophisticated and experientially based. It is breath–taking because of the depth and profundity of Margaret Kim Peterson′s insights . . . . My skepticism of the topic gave way, within two pages, to admiration. Every pastor needs to preach the theology of this book and every housekeeper will find daily gold." —Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University; and author, The Real Mary and The Jesus Creed "Mom taught us how to keep house; Margaret Kim Peterson tells us why. Without glorifying menial tasks or patronizing those who do them, Peterson sets housework in a biblical and theological framework that reveals the eternal significance of feeding, clothing, and sheltering others." —LaVonne Neff, author, 2007: A Book of Grace–Filled Days "For many years I have appreciated Margaret′s insights and reflections about theology and life. In this book she brings her heart and mind to bear on the subject of housekeeping. The result is a practical and loving look at a routine and demanding practice that can lead—believe it or not—to contemplation of God." —Adele Calhoun, pastor of spiritual formation, Christ Church of Oak Brook, Oak Brook, Illinois; and author, Spiritual Disciplines Handbook

Acknowledgments vii Preface ix Chapter 1 What′s Christian About Housework? 1 Chapter 2 A Place to Live 22 Chapter 3 Sheltering a Household 42 Chapter 4 Clothes to Wear 62 Chapter 5 Clothing a Household 82 Chapter 6 Food to Eat 103 Chapter 7 Feeding a Household 125 Chapter 8 The Well–Kept House 146 Notes 167 The Author 175

Margaret Kim Peterson is theologian in residence at First Presbyterian Church, Norristown, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and though now a long–time resident of the East Coast, she returns to the Midwest whenever possible. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary, and Duke University, she now teaches theology at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. She is married to Dwight N. Peterson, who also teaches at Eastern University. Together they are the parents of a son, Mark.