Is it impossible to learn from the Trinity?

One of the bones of contention in the debate between EFS advocates and neo-classical theists is whether or not we can apply things from the inner relationships of the Trinity to life today.  EFS has predominated amongst theologians and pastors from a complementarian background. The idea that the Father and Son are equal in nature… Continue reading Is it impossible to learn from the Trinity?

Marriage at work (9) Protection and abuse

8.1. The Problem So far, our scenarios have assumed a reasonably positive family situation.  We have considered to some extent the husband’s responsibility when his wife is unwilling to submit to his leadership in decision making, but what happens when the context turns more sinister?

Faithroots Live is back

We’re coming out of lockdown so I’m planning to run some Faithroots Live sessions through the Autumn. This term we’ll be meeting up on Facebook on Tuesday evenings (8pm -9pm) with lots of Biblical studies, church history and doctrine to get your teeth into -all with a practical pastoral edge. Faithroots Live is particularly aimed… Continue reading Faithroots Live is back

Marriage at work (7) Wives and work

In this chapter, I will argue that not only does Ephesians 5:22 allow wives to work, but they may also take the role of lead wage earner.  I am arguing on the basis that our exegesis has demonstrated that whilst “headship” and “submission” are transcultural requirements, their expression is culturally contextualised, so that:

Marriage at work (6) “This is a mystery

We now come to the climax of the instruction to husbands and wives.  These verses hold the whole instruction together and show how Christ’s relationship to the church is the basis for the marriage relationship.  As we noted earlier, Paul has been building up to this point by introducing body and flesh language in v29-30.[1]

Marriage at work (4) “Wives submit”

3.1. Two Views We now get into the body of Paul’s instruction to wives and husbands.  So what does he mean by “wives submit” and why does he require it?  As we have seen already, Egalitarians treat any requirement for wives to be subordinate and husbands to lead as a temporary cultural requirement.