Authority, Obedience, and Hierarchy in Christ: Christian Marriage and Postmodern Challenges

Abstract

The state of family dysfunction has produced various complications in understanding and experiencing love, freedom in spousal relationships. Gender roles of husband and wife have been, to a large degree, transformed. Human weakness and various inherited social traditions, customs, and norms biased the role of men and women in society and prevented the full enactment of the Christian doctrine concerning hierarchy in the family. In fact, the social objectification of women and the utilitarian view on sex had obstructed the success of the equal rights movement, and further weakened the man-woman relationship, especially in the marital context. However, marital life in Christianity is a negation of individualism, and a longing for a life of fellowship in a Christian spirit of complementarity. Moreover, equality without sincere, self-sacrificial love is devoid of its essence. This paper examines postmodern voices about hierarchy, headship, obedience, and submission, leading to a happier marriage. In return, it attempts to present ancient and contemporary Patristic approaches to these marital roles, showing that these approaches are divinely inspired for all times and cultures, and experienced as a mystery in Christ. If properly practiced, these approaches lead, to what postmodern voices initially aspire, that is to a blessed, joyful, and prosperous marital life.