Christians who share a high view of Scripture hold differing views on marriage. Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash Complementarians believe husbands are to exercise headship, while wives are to submit to their leadership. Biblical mutualists (egalitarians) believe husbands and wives are created to work together as a team, deferring to one another’s strengths and gifts regardless of gender. A casual reading of Ephesians 5:22-24 in some English translations seems to support the complementarian view. “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is Continue Reading
Why I’ve adjusted my thinking about how marriage works
On October 9th, my husband and I will joyfully and gratefully celebrate 38 years of marriage. Somehow, the two of us have blossomed into a tribe of sixteen strong (and I don't know that our family is done growing)! I've written a guest post for CBE International about a major paradigm shift my husband and I experienced in recent years regarding husband/wife roles in marriage. I hope you enjoy the piece, which begins like this: Rob and Julie were quite certain they had the formula for a successful marriage. God had brought them through a rough season early in their Continue Reading
Why You Need to Look at Passion Differently (Whether You’re Single or not)
She meanders through the bar, looking for him. Is he the young brunette in the snappy sport coat? The suave middle-aged businessman? The dimpled crooner at the mic? Where, oh where, is Mr. Right? She has her audition plan all worked out. When she sees a likely candidate, she asks him if he's single, if he's gay, and if he's working. If he passes the first battery of questions, she kisses him full on the mouth. If the magic feeling doesn't hit her, she walks away. In the end, using this highly questionable method, she finds Mr. Right, and wedding bells ring. Why? Because this Continue Reading
The Surprising Privilege You Have as a Christian Grandparent
If you have grandchildren, I don't have to tell you what a delight they can be. It's the best of both worlds -- we get to enjoy them, but then hand them off to their parents when it comes to discipline. What a sweet deal! While it's true that we are not primarily responsible for our grandchildren, just last night, I ran across a verse in my Bible reading which caused me to sit up and pay attention. In Deuteronomy, Moses is leaving final instructions with the Israelites as they prepare to go in and take possession of the land God has promised them. As he reiterates the history of Continue Reading