Correcting Power: Gender, Marriage, and Misreading Ephesians (Reforming Culture Series #1)

Jan 8, 2018

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How theology is taught matters—and bad theology can be deeply harmful. In this first installment of the Reforming Culture Series, Mike Erre and Andy Lara dive into a controversial article that claims husbands have a divine responsibility to "correct their wives," and they’re not pulling any punches.

Using humor, biblical exegesis, and cultural analysis, Mike and Andy deconstruct the poor theology of gender roles presented in the article, tracing how misapplications of Ephesians 5 can lead to patriarchy disguised as gospel truth. Rather than focusing on headlines and outrage, the duo roots their critique in scripture, Roman culture, and the revolutionary acts of Jesus and Paul. This conversation also amplifies why recognizing mutuality in marriage isn’t just more ethical—it’s more biblical.

Key Takeaways: • Ephesians in Context: What Paul was really saying in Ephesians 5, and why reducing his words to "husbands correct your wives" misses the subversive nature of the text. • Jesus and Power: How Jesus’ sacrificial love—and not hierarchical correction—informs our relationships and leadership. • The Problem of Complementarianism: How popular evangelical teachings on gender roles can perpetuate harmful systems and miss the gospel's liberating message. • Mission vs. Institution: Understanding the difference between a missionary approach to Christian witness (as Paul had) versus institutionalized religion. • Modern Culture and Missional Witness: Why misapplying ancient household codes in today’s culture undermines Christian witness in a world reckoning with inequality and abuse.

Notable Quotes: • "If your God hates all the same people you do, you’ve likely made God in your own image." • "Jesus didn’t use his power to correct. He used it to sacrifice." • "Theology has consequences—and bad theology hurts people."

Resources Mentioned: • Book of Ephesians, especially Chapter 5 – Read on Bible Gateway • Philippians 2 – The model of Jesus' self-sacrifice and humility – Read on Bible Gateway • Gospel Coalition article (Referencing but not endorsed): “Husbands, Correct Your Wife” • Stephanie Drury (Stuff Christian Culture Likes) – Follow on Twitter • Lee Camp's theological work (featured in past episodes)

Join us as we challenge institutional power structures, reframe rigid gender expectations, and rediscover a Jesus who subverts authoritarianism with love. Let’s make Jesus beautiful again.

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Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

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