Cheryl Schatz

Don,

Yes, you are right in that submit and obey are not synonyms.  Obedience can be chosen as an extreme end of submission if one desires to do this.  However the term obey implies a command is given.  The term “command” is one that implies rightful authority to demand an action.  The one refusing to obey then is liable for punishment.  This is the exact situation with a parent and a child.  The parent has rightful authority that demands the child to obey.  The child can choose to obey or choose not to obey.  Choosing not to obey brings punishment.

In the situation of a wife and a husband, the wife’s submission is voluntary of her own free will.  Her husband is not told to command his wife to submit nor is he told to discipline her if she refuses to submit.

Submission can lead to obedience, certainly.  But we must always be aware because of the way that hierarchists distort submission that we articulate the difference.  Command and obey go together.  Also sacrifice and submission go together.   The reason the difference is so important is that command and obey are opposites while sacrifice and submission are on the same level field as equals.