Sermons on my local TV regularly make reference to the "biblical command" that women are inferior, and are obligated to obey their husbands.

From conversation with more than a half-dozen casual acquaintances, it apparently is common for "pastors" of several local church denominations to advise that "it is the right and obligation of a husband to beat a wife who disobeys him."

At least two rather bruised women, one known well to me over a period of years, have affirmed to me that their pastors, in marital counselling, informed them that "they deserved to be beaten because they didn't obey their husbands."

The one I knew well said that her husband took her home from counselling and beat her again "so she'd remember what the pastor said."

Her original disobedience was answering the telephone when he wasn't at home.

I guess it's in the bible, but not in mine.

John