Cheryl Schatz

Elastigirl,

I have not yet heard a comp give an argument but your two options may be the only options they have. But there would be trouble claiming either option.

First of all we should be able to agree that authority ultimately must come from God. But if God does not directly give this authority (which He has not directly given it in the case of males or husbands) then is it valid authority? We can do a search of the Bible to see where valid authority was given and how God did that and what we can see is that God giving the authority was not a secret. Otherwise anyone can claim to have God’s authority and command people to obey them. In fact many have done that and they have become cult leaders. So God giving His authority to a human is a big deal and it is not a secret.

Next consideration is if God “implied” authority in the text. This is as good as saying that God “implies” laws. He doesn’t. And the reason is because with disobedience (of laws or of authority) there is a consequence and sin is involved. Since God is very interested in making sure that we do not sin, He has made it very clear what sin is. His law is clear, it is understandable and it is enforceable. If God has created an authority over certain people (like wives) then God has to identify that an authority is given and who the authority is given to so that those who would be under this authority would not sin against God by rebelling. But in the case of husbands, no authority is directly and implications are never a part of the law. Also if the husband was her authority then he would be instructed what to do with that authority. He would need to know its boundary, its application and the extent of the punishment that he can mete out for disobedience. It is impossible to have “implied” authority in God’s kingdom. It is also impossible to have “implied” sin for the woman. God does not operate this way as it is against His nature.

But I would still like to know from comps how they are so sure that they have this “authority”, when it was given and the extent and responsibilities of this authority. I don’t think I will ever get an answer from them.