Carolyn,
I agree, it is a plague. I don't think missing study with the other men is so bad in and of itself. I know in my area that outside of the upper middle class, most men work double shifts and literally can't go to a weekly study, unless it were held at 4 in the morning. (talk about no interest...LOL) I suspect that the majority simply use an excuse to avoid study as many have stated already.
AS far as the women asking for a study of Romans, thats where the truth of the men's hearts is revealed. The women are making such a godly request, and the men are passing the responsibility to others. The men aren't leading thier families. They are not teaching and helping their families grow. There is no charge to raise Godly wives or children. The church raises up workers for the task so the men can remain fat, dumb, and happy. The men are replaced and others are given all responability and pressure to raise his family for him.
I think the best thing our churches can do is to give men a swift kick in the tail to rebuke them for leaving their posts. Men need to repent and lead their families again.
Funny quote; "if it cost money for women and children to attend church programs, fathers and husbands would quickly "remember" their responsibility. They would have a home depot experience, where one realizes how able he truly is as a "do it yourself guy."

JEB


Soli Deo Gloria

JEB