Bible teaching on family
The different roles of husbands and wives.
“ For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. Husband’s ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.”
Ephesians, 5-22-24
St Paul explains his view that a man should have be the leader in a marriage, and have authority over the woman, who should serve him. This does not mean he can bully her, or expect her to do all the work - he must respect her, and treat her with love just as Christ loves the church. She should do as he says, and see him as authority.
Other Christians believe that these views are too old-fashioned for the modern world.
The Bible was written long ago when society was very different. Men and women should have equal opportunities at home and at work; a couple should share care for the children and housework, and they should both be able to go out to work if they want. If there is a disagreement, it does not always have to be the man who has the final say. Many women no longer promise to obey their husbands as part of their marriage vows. They argue that the bible teaches that everyone is made:
“in the image of God.”
Genesis 1:27
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
St. Paul, Galatians 2:28
Paul says Christians should not look at differences between people, but should recognise they are all united. It suggests Christians should consider each other as equals, e.g. at home and work.
The roles of children and parents
Children should treat their parents with honour and respect. They should consider their parents’ wishes and feelings, and be obedient:
“Honour your father and your mother”
Exodus 20:12 - 10 commandments
"Listen to your Father who gave you life and do not despise your mother when she is old"
Proverbs 23:22
Adults have responsibility towards elderly members of the family, and should make sure they receive the care they need:
“If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
St Paul, 1 Timothy 5:8
Parents have responsibilities towards their children. They should teach them about their faith, and expect them to be well-behaved:
“Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.”
Proverbs 29:17
But, parents should not be too hard on them…
“ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”
Colossians 2:20-21
According to the Bible, Christians should try to treat everyone, even strangers, as if they were family members. Everyone has equal value to God. Christians should show Christian agape love to everyone.
“ Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”
1 Timothy 5:1-2
“Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Jesus, Mark’s Gospel 3:35
