Quickwrite #7

Quickwrite #7: So, what do you think? Read the following statement on marriage by a former TV show star and then, rather than agree/disagree and defend your position, try to understand his point of view and then comment on this statement in light of what you have know of marriage. Explain.

A lot of people don't know that marriage comes with instructions... And, we find them right there in God's word... [Husbands are] to love their wives and not to tell their wives that they need to submit to them... Wives are to honor and respect and follow their husband's lead, not to tell their husband how he ought to be a better husband... When each person gets their part right, regardless of how their spouse is treating them, there is hope for real change in their marriage.

I think that I somewhat agree and disagree. I think that his view of spouses as equals is both respectful and just, however I differ in opinion in regards to his second statement. I completely disagree with his idea that a husband "leads". I don't think it is entirely radical or "too feminist" so see a relationship as equal parts, acting symbiotically. When he says, "not to tell their wives they need to submit it them" and then in the same statement imply husbands are meant to lead he basically contradicts himself. I can see how an interpretation of the bible might suggest a husband-led marriage, but I think that forcing a wife or a woman into any submissive or "following" role is against the idea of "love thy neighbor" and various religious teachings that say to give dignity to the human person, of any gender. Also, when he says "not to tell their husband how he ought to be a better husband" is more reminiscent of an unhealthy relationship. If anything, partners should work together to better themselves, and be the best person both for their spouse and the world in general. It is my belief that anybody should accept change, especially when one partner is upset with the way they are treated or something of that sort. Their "part" in a relationship is not dependent on the ancient roles that are set in society. If partners follow a leading/following style relationship, one person is bound to be disrespected as human being. One person is not more valuable in the relationship than the other, and communication is crucial.