The Extreme End of Love and Mutual Respect
In order to evaluate an ideology it is a good idea to project it to its extreme end to see what it would look like were it brought to its logical conclusions. Most would have to agree, then, that the extreme end of the ‘headship’ model of marriage would be the physical, emotional, and mental abuse of the ’submissive’ partner by the ‘head.’
It is well-documented that abuse of all kinds and to varying degrees occurs more in homes where the hierarchical model is practised. This model of marriage puts a huge responsibility on the wife to behave in such a way that her husband will be the ‘loving, servant leader’ he is encouraged to be. This, in itself, is nonsense, if the husband can only effectively be the leader if his wife allows him to and encourages him in his role.
What, then, would be the extreme end of the ‘mutuality’ model of marriage? There are no negative aspects to equal love, respect, honour, and submissiveness to one another’s opinions and desires and when the top priority is equal desire to love and obey Christ.
This model of marriage only looks better as the couple learns to esteem one another more, listens to and considers one another, and truly wants the best for one another.
