The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Children Obey Your Parents...

Jason,<br><br>Yes, heaven forbid anyone would sink that low to be identified as a Republican! [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/rofl.gif" alt="rofl" title="rofl[/img]<br><br>I certainly agree that there are some special situations where the natural, biological association is no longer binding, e.g., adoption. But I cannot give a blanket assent to the issue of "desertion". Even if a father or mother abandons their spouse does not necessarily mean that they have abandoned their children as a parent. In the situation you gave, where the man was disciplined and excommunicated for unrepentant adultery and living with his mistress, he would still be the child(ren)'s father. And, as long as his advice was not contrary to the will of God for that child, then I believe he should be obeyed. Actually, is the situation you posed, real or otherwise any different than one where the parents are happily married and living in the same household where there is a disagreement between them in regard to a particular issue? If the husband says "Yes" and the wife says "No" (not that this would or even could possibly happen in real life. [img]http://www.the-highway.com/w3timages/icons/rolleyes.gif" alt="rolleyes" title="rolleyes[/img] ), then in the ideal home, the man's word is to be taken over that of the woman's, assuming that it is not a command or encouragement to sin.<br><br>How many godly wives are married to unbelieving husbands who discourage or even forbid them to fraternize with other Christians, attend church functions or even worship services? These are those situations where the Christian woman is far more challenged and tempted than a man due to her obligation to submit to her head.<br><br>Although I strongly believe that the Scriptures allow divorce and remarriage for the cause of adultery and/or desertion, I am constantly burdened with the consequences which often result from divorce in general. And lastly, it isn't just the children who are effected, but all parties. We are all sinners and labour in a fallen world, suffering from the consequences of our own sins as well as those of everyone else. The Church needs far more compassion, IMHO, toward this particular issue and INVOLVEMENT, instead of expressing a self-righteous "horror" and rejection of those who are divorced and/or even seeking divorce.<br><br>In His Grace,