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bouncer99
Registered Member
Date Joined Sep 2001
Total Posts : 14
| Posted 10/28/2002 6:44 AM (GMT -6) |   | I am quite well versed in what has been put forth in regards to the the role of the husband in a christian marriage. My question is what exactly is the christian wifes role in the marriage. How is she suppose to live out Gods plan for her. I have read the verses about marriage and also the other things that Paul had to say about roles for husband and wifes. I guess I am still puzzled what exactly does it mean for a wife to be submissive in todays society.
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PotOnWheel
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 9890
| Posted 10/28/2002 11:46 AM (GMT -6) | | bouncer99, how bad do you want a reply. I'm known for looong quotes. The one I have in mind points out that the biblical idea of submission is NOT the same as the hierarchical one. The biblical one is Triniarian. That is the union, the communion is the thing. In this regard, the Eastern portion of the Church has always developed Mary as the architype of one who embraces and nurtures all, and John the Baptist as the one who says and does "I must decrease that you may increase." Put together and you have quite the mutual-submission. Without THAT Biblical model, all hell literally breaks loose! You might go to www.oca.org and search for "marriage" and begin reading. They are very honest about the periods where the Church got influenced by hierarchical systems; and they are self-critical of it. (including "clericalization" and lessening of the role of the laity--out of which they are trying to recover.....seems linked)
If you want me to scan a few pages out of an Ethics book by a Greek Orthodox I can. But These OCA links might be a good beginning.
www.oca.org/pages/ocaadmin/documents/holysynod/marriage.html
www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/orthodox-faith/worship/marriage.html
www.oca.org/pages/orth_chri/orthodox-faith/spirituality/marriage.html
www.oca.org/pages/min_orgs/resource-handbook/family-life/marriage.html
The following is from the last LINK, and grabs my attention particularly:
Historical Perspective
Historically, marriage became institutionalized with the male in a dominant role, possibly related to a primitive understanding of procreation. The male possessed the seed deposited in the female for incubation, as corn is planted in the earth. The submissive role of the female is supported by numerous biblical references. The interpretation of these references is debated by many Orthodox theologians. It is the general opinion that male dominance from a biblical standard is related to order rather than power, as it is in the Trinity. God is the head but the Son and the Holy Spirit are equal. Hebrew, Greek and Roman culture supported male dominance by law. The husband had supreme life-and-death power over the wife as well as the children. Conflict was avoided because power was not shared.
The Church adopted the traditional male-dominant role even though equality of power was being taught theologically. The purpose of marriage was for the procreation of children, to control sexual license, and for companionship. While acknowledging all these purposes, the Orthodox wedding ritual places companionship as the prime purpose of marriage.
. . .
It is no wonder that marriages are crumbling at an ever-increasing rate. . . .
Christ blessed the institution of marriage, and yet many people, both clergy and lay, fail to find fulfillment in "mystical oneness." The purpose of marriage enrichment is to find out why. . . .
In their case (the OCA writers of that article) knowing and saying the right things are not enough. Doing the right things is also necessary. Notice this part: "The Church adopted the traditional male-dominant role even though equality of power was being taught theologically." And notice this part: "the Orthodox wedding ritual places companionship as the prime purpose of marriage."
That the two shall become one!
Edited by - Al2Si2H4O9 on 10/28/2002 4:52:34 PM | | Back to Top | | |
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BBBCanada
Registered Member
Date Joined Jun 2001
Total Posts : 2763
| Posted 10/30/2002 11:47 AM (GMT -6) | | Al and bouncer,
Check out what I posted on the, "Sex. What's it good for?" thread. Bouncer, I think in order to respond to your question you might want to keep track of that thread. Eventually, we'll talk about that. Your question actually comes under the broader heading of a biblical understanding of "women." A related subject would be slavery. Around here, the consensus seems to be an egalitarian approach.
Brandon
"Totalitarianism, whether in the civic or in the ecclesiastical realm, is unacceptable."--Richard Mouw: Consulting the Faithful | | Back to Top | | |
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PotOnWheel
Registered Member
Date Joined Jul 2001
Total Posts : 9890
| Posted 10/30/2002 1:53 PM (GMT -6) | | Where does the line form to praise Brandon's post on the "Sex. What's it good for?" thread.
Wonderful read! Great job writing. | | Back to Top | | |
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Empiress
Registered Member
Date Joined Jan 2002
Total Posts : 363
| Posted 10/31/2002 8:27 AM (GMT -6) | | quote:
I guess I am still puzzled what exactly does it mean for a wife to be submissive in todays society.
I find this verse helpful:
"Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."
1 Peter 5:5b (NKJV)
I believe this verse is the lens by which we are to look at the issue of submission between husbands and wives. If we as Christians submit to one another in humility, there will be no need for domination by one over another. Being humble and submissive to the other is a call for both the husband and wife in that sense, but that doesn't mean there can't be particular roles in the practical sense.
In my own marriage, I defer to my husband to make final decisions, but he, in turn, defers to me out of love; I find we are both fulfilling our "roles" according to the verse above. Both of us seek God's will and decide based on what we believe God is calling us to do...we always come to a consensus naturally together about God's call before making a decision, and so we find we are submitting to God.
A wife is to submit to her husband (and others) out of respect and humility (Ephesians), but a husband is called to submit to his wife (and others) out of love and humility (1 Peter)...if they are both doing this prayerfully, then in reality they are submitting to God together.
That's my take anyway! Hope it's helpful.
~E
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BJS
Registered Member
Date Joined Dec 2001
Total Posts : 587
| Posted 10/31/2002 8:38 AM (GMT -6) | | Well said, Empiress. Very well said.
Brett
"Siste viator et memento mori." | | Back to Top | | |
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Empiress
Registered Member
Date Joined Jan 2002
Total Posts : 363
| Posted 10/31/2002 9:53 AM (GMT -6) | | Hey thanks Brett! Nice to "see ya"! *smiles*
~E
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BJS
Registered Member
Date Joined Dec 2001
Total Posts : 587
| Posted 11/1/2002 9:36 AM (GMT -6) | | Great to "see you" too, Miss E. 
Brett
"Siste viator et memento mori." | | Back to Top | | |
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