Michael Brooks
The Bible's message that wives should be submissive to their husbands has been interpreted in different ways by Catholics. While some Catholic women have expressed discomfort with this idea, others have argued that it does not imply blind obedience or the violation of women's dignity. Pope Pius XI, for instance, taught that a wife's submission does not justify abuse or the neglect of her family's welfare. Pope John Paul II also emphasised mutual submission rather than a one-sided dynamic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wives should be submissive to their husbands | "Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22-24) |
| Wives should not be subordinate | Submission does not mean violation of her rights and dignity as a human person |
| The husband is the "head" of the wife | "For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior" (Ephesians 5:22-24) |
| Mutual submission | "Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21) |
| Husband's role as protector | "Their job is to protect the president, not to dominate him. It is the same way in marriages; our husbands' jobs are to protect us, not to dominate us" |
| Husband's self-sacrifice | "He is so in order to give himself up for her, and giving himself up for her means giving up even his own life" (Ephesians 5:24) |
| Wife's obedience to God | "All you have to do is carry out His Will — to be submissive to your Perfect Husband [Jesus Christ]" |
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What You'll Learn
St. Paul's letters to the Ephesians
St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians is one of his most well-known and controversial writings, particularly due to its contents regarding the relationship between husbands and wives. The letter was addressed to the new Christians in Ephesus, explaining their incorporation into God's plan as Gentiles and their status as heirs to His kingdom.
In Ephesians, St. Paul provides an explanation of what Christian marriage means in contrast to pagan ways. He begins by exhorting all Christians to "be subject to one another out of reverence to Christ" (Ephesians 5:21). This is followed by the well-known and often-debated line, "Wives, be subject to your husbands" (Ephesians 5:22). St. Paul goes on to explain that wives should be subject to their husbands "as to the Lord," as the husband is the "head of the wife" just as ""Christ is the head of the church" (Ephesians 5:22-24).
The letter has sparked controversy, with some interpreting it as a justification for male chauvinism and the subjugation of women. St. Paul's words have earned him the criticism of radical feminists and the embarrassment of many Christians who struggle to understand his intended meaning. However, it is important to interpret St. Paul's teachings within the historical and cultural context of the time. Dr. Pitre, for example, argues that St. Paul's message needs to be understood in light of the paganism of the Roman Empire, which was threatening the ancient family structure.
Furthermore, St. Paul places significant demands on husbands, instructing them to "love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). This demand for husbands is even greater than that placed on wives, as husbands are called to emulate Christ's self-sacrificial love for the Church. This mutual submission and respect are emphasized by John Chrysostom, who distinguishes biblical headship from tyranny.
In conclusion, while St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians does instruct wives to be subject to their husbands, it is essential to understand this within the broader context of his teachings on Christian marriage. His instructions for wives are coupled with equally important instructions for husbands, emphasizing mutual respect, love, and service within the marital relationship.
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Pope John Paul II's interpretation of mutual submission
The Pope's interpretation of mutual submission has been influential in Catholic teachings on marriage and has been used to challenge the traditional view of wives' submission to their husbands. It is important to note that the Catholic Church does not acknowledge the vocation of women "in its fullness" and that the exclusion of women from certain ministerial vocations remains an issue. However, Pope John Paul II's interpretation of mutual submission provides a basis for arguing for a more inclusive and egalitarian understanding of marriage within the Catholic tradition.
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The Bible's admonition
However, this interpretation has been met with criticism and alternative interpretations. Some argue that the passage should be understood in the context of mutual submission and loving consideration between husband and wife, rather than dictatorial powers or chauvinism. Pope John Paul II, in his apostolic letter "Mulieris Dignitatem," emphasized mutual submission and downplayed the traditional interpretation of female submission. He interpreted the passage as a call for spouses to be "subject to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Eph. 5:21), promoting a mutual relationship of love and self-sacrifice.
Additionally, it is important to note that the Bible also instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loves his Bride, the Church. This means that husbands should be willing to lay down their lives for their wives, love them as themselves, and put their wives' welfare before their own. Thus, submission in marriage is not about one spouse dominating the other but rather about mutual respect, love, and service.
Furthermore, the Bible's admonition on submission extends beyond the relationship between husband and wife. In Genesis, for example, we see the perfect world with its perfect creature, man, who was perfectly happy and obedient to his Creator. This obedience or submission is presented as a blessing, while disobedience is seen as a curse. Additionally, the concept of submission is also discussed in the context of sin and the fall of man, where Satan tempted Eve, and pride led to sin.
In conclusion, while the Bible does include passages that exhort wives to be submissive to their husbands, it is important to interpret these passages in the broader context of mutual submission, love, and respect within marriage. Additionally, the Bible also emphasizes the husband's role to love, honor, and serve his wife, reflecting Christ's love for the Church.
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The husband as the head of the wife
The idea of wives being submissive to their husbands is a concept that has been derived from the Bible, specifically St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians. The Bible states that "wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour". This idea is further reinforced in other New Testament letters, such as Colossians 3:18 and Titus 2:5.
However, it is important to note that the concept of submission in the Catholic context does not imply that wives should be treated as inferior or subordinate to their husbands. Pope Pius XI clarified that the submission of wives does not violate their dignity as human persons. It does not mean blindly obeying a husband's desires, especially if they are unreasonable or incompatible with a wife's dignity. Instead, the husband's authority is subject to the requirements of love and self-sacrifice, mirroring Christ's love for the Church.
John Paul II interpreted these passages in a different light, advocating for "mutual submission" between husbands and wives. This interpretation is supported by St. Paul's preceding verse, "be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ". In other words, the husband's role as the "head" of the wife is not about dictatorial power but rather a mutual loving consideration and service of protection.
In practice, this means that a husband should put his wife's welfare before his own, mirroring Christ's self-sacrificial love for the Church. A wife's submission, therefore, is not about passive obedience but about trusting that her husband has her best interests at heart and is seeking her eternal salvation. This trust is built on the foundation that the husband centres his life on the Truth of God and not his own opinions.
While some modern readers may view these biblical passages as confirming male chauvinism, it is important to recognise that the Catholic interpretation of these passages does not support the abuse of power or the violation of a wife's rights and dignity. Instead, it promotes a mutual relationship of love, respect, and service between husband and wife, with the ultimate goal of bringing each other closer to God.
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The role of obedience
In the context of Catholic theology, the concept of submission is not about one person being superior or dictatorial over another. Instead, it is rooted in the idea of mutual submission or mutual loving consideration between husband and wife. Pope John Paul II, in his apostolic letter "Mulieris Dignitatem," emphasised this mutual submission, interpreting it as "be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ". This interpretation is supported by St. Francis de Sales, who said, "Blessed are they who do not do their own will on earth, for God will do it in Heaven above for them."
The husband's role as the "head" of the wife, as Christ is the head of the Church, is not meant to convey superiority but rather a call to self-sacrifice and love. This is exemplified in the life of Jesus, who gave himself up for his bride, the Church. Similarly, a husband is expected to put his wife before himself, love her as he loves himself, and lay down his life for her if needed. This self-sacrificial love is the foundation of a husband's authority and leadership in the family, which is meant to mirror Christ's headship over the Church.
Wives' submission, therefore, does not imply a violation of their rights or dignity as human persons. Pope Pius XI clarified that a wife's submission does not mean blind obedience to her husband's desires, especially if they are unreasonable or incompatible with her dignity. Instead, it is about putting herself under her husband's mission, which is to lead their family towards Heaven. This submission is a blessing, as it brings harmony and order to the family, allowing the husband to serve and protect his wife and children.
However, it is essential to recognise the potential for abuse and distortion. Some husbands may misuse Bible passages to justify domestic violence or control over their wives, which is a grave offence to Almighty God. Therefore, submission should always be understood within the broader context of Christian love, mutual respect, and the dignity of each person.
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Frequently asked questions
The Bible, in St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, states that "wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour." This language also appears in other New Testament letters, such as Colossians 3:18 and Titus 2:5.
While the Catholic Church acknowledges the biblical passages about wives being submissive, it emphasizes that this submission is not about violating a woman's dignity or treating her as inferior. Pope Pius XI clarified that a wife's submission does not mean blind obedience to her husband's desires, especially if they are unreasonable or incompatible with her dignity. Pope John Paul II further interpreted these passages in a context of "'mutual submission," stressing that husbands are called to love and self-sacrifice for their wives.
Many Catholics acknowledge the tension between the biblical teachings and modern societal views on gender equality. Some Catholics emphasize "mutual submission" within marriage, downplaying the idea of male headship. They interpret submission as a voluntary act of love and service rather than a dictatorial power dynamic.
Interpreting wives as submissive can be dangerous if it is used to justify domestic violence, abuse, or the violation of a woman's rights and dignity. Unfortunately, some husbands have misused biblical passages to exert control and dominance over their wives, which goes against the true Christian understanding of mutual love and respect within marriage.
Catholic wives have varying perspectives on being submissive. Some women find it challenging to reconcile their faith with modern societal values, while others accept it as a voluntary act of love and service to their husbands and families. Some Catholic wives emphasize that their husbands prioritize their welfare and would never abuse their power, trusting that their husbands have their best interests at heart.
