Are "traditional" marriages okay in the Church?

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Rboyce8960

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I feel as though the Church has moved progressively away from biblical admonishments on marriage. What about those who believe in more traditional styles of marriage – and believe in a husband’s headship within the marriage? Has the idea of wifely submission gone the way of “love, honor, and obey” and is no longer acceptable belief? I’m very confused on this and the only information available on the subject seems to be from Fundamentalist Christian websites, which offer very Fundamentalist views on the whole matter, of course. Any guidance?
 
I suppose it depends on what you mean by “biblical admonishments” and “wifely submission.” Oftentimes, the popular conception of “wifely submission” by Christian “traditionalists” is the model of a husband who commands and a wife who silently gives him his way, no matter what that may be. As you might suspect, that is not the Church’s ideal model of marriage, although a couple who mutually chooses to follow it would not necessarily be at odds with the Church. (In other words, the Church would permit a husband and wife to follow such a model in their relationship, but does not require it as a matter of conscience in obedience to “biblical admonishments” of “wifely submission.”)

In the Catholic view, the icon of marriage is the crucifix: Christ willingly sacrificing his life in service to his Bride, the Church, who in turn submits herself to him wholeheartedly. Christ’s authority over the Church is that of a Servant King who washes the feet of his disciples rather than commands their blind obedience. The Church’s submission to Christ is that of a loving Bride who seeks always to live out the calling to be a faithful follower, knowing that her King commands only what is just and good and will lead her to full union with him in glory.

Translating this to the marital relationship, a Christian husband sacrifices himself in service to his wife and family, expecting of his wife only that submission that is just and good and benefits their mutual sanctity, and not a blind obedience that merely allows him to have his own way.

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