A coherent doctrine on Biblical marriage
I grew up in an Evangelical, non-denominational, church in the US. I have heard hundreds of sermons on Biblical marriage, men's roles, women's roles, divorce, dating and sex.
The years and sermons have been cluttered with incoherent and often contradictory teachings. I find most of the sermons start with a scripture reference then immediately depart from the text into inferential teaching, extra-biblical illustrations/stories, "common sense talk", apologizing for being male (most of the sermons are by men), or teachings that apply equally to anyone (ie treat others the way you would like to be treated) as opposed to a specific exegesis of what the Bible says about marriage. This is a problem for me. I want to know what God says about marriage and I feel all my teachers, both good and bad, have been dancing around the issue.
I think we are way off on marriage and gender roles.
I have never heard someone say that a particular marriage helped them understand Christ and the church, never. After 31 years around Christians I have never heard someone say "Bob and Linda's marriage helps me understand how Christ loves his bride." Or " Linda is so consecrated to Bob; it helps me understand how the Church follows Christ." I don't even hear things remotely close to this.
I am married and called to be married. It's a sacred thing. I refuse to ignore the distinctions God has placed on that calling.
As well I'm concerned that if I just parrot vague "Christian" teaching like "equal but different" to my wife she will eventually have a very hard time not resenting me for failing to really seek and share the truth.
So this blog is where I will seek and share. I do this as a member of the royal priesthood and not as a church leader or ordained pastor. I hope to find clarity, coherence, and truth. I also hope to be offended (at least temporarily) by God's word. I hope to be changed. I hope you will change.
I also hope to hear back from the body of Christ as I post.
Blessings on all who read,
Ryan VanOrsdel
The years and sermons have been cluttered with incoherent and often contradictory teachings. I find most of the sermons start with a scripture reference then immediately depart from the text into inferential teaching, extra-biblical illustrations/stories, "common sense talk", apologizing for being male (most of the sermons are by men), or teachings that apply equally to anyone (ie treat others the way you would like to be treated) as opposed to a specific exegesis of what the Bible says about marriage. This is a problem for me. I want to know what God says about marriage and I feel all my teachers, both good and bad, have been dancing around the issue.
I think we are way off on marriage and gender roles.
I have never heard someone say that a particular marriage helped them understand Christ and the church, never. After 31 years around Christians I have never heard someone say "Bob and Linda's marriage helps me understand how Christ loves his bride." Or " Linda is so consecrated to Bob; it helps me understand how the Church follows Christ." I don't even hear things remotely close to this.
I am married and called to be married. It's a sacred thing. I refuse to ignore the distinctions God has placed on that calling.
As well I'm concerned that if I just parrot vague "Christian" teaching like "equal but different" to my wife she will eventually have a very hard time not resenting me for failing to really seek and share the truth.
So this blog is where I will seek and share. I do this as a member of the royal priesthood and not as a church leader or ordained pastor. I hope to find clarity, coherence, and truth. I also hope to be offended (at least temporarily) by God's word. I hope to be changed. I hope you will change.
I also hope to hear back from the body of Christ as I post.
Blessings on all who read,
Ryan VanOrsdel
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