Husbands and Wives Are Equal Partners
Mormon Doctrine / Teachings
Remember, brethren, that in your role as leader in the family, your wife is your companion. As President Gordon B. Hinckley has taught: In this Church the man neither walks ahead of his wife nor behind his wife but at her side. They are coequals (in Conference Report, Oct. 1996, 68; or Ensign, Nov. 1996, 49). Since the beginning, God has instructed mankind that marriage should unite husband and wife together in unity (see Genesis 2:24). Therefore, there is not a president or a vice president in a family. The couple works together eternally for the good of the family. They are united together in word, in deed, and in action as they lead, guide, and direct their family unit. They are on equal footing. They plan and organize the affairs of the family jointly and unanimously as they move forward.?
L. Tom Perry, Fatherhood, an Eternal Calling, Liahona, May 2004, 71
This is an interesting topic, and one that I struggle with sometimes. We (men) are taught that we must preside over the family in love and righteousness, and that wives should sustain husbands in this sacred responsibility. Isn't that like a bishop/counselor relationship?
I read the scriptures:
QUOTE |
1 Peter 3 1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, that if any obey not the Word, they also may be won without the word by the conduct of their wives .... 6 even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. Ye are her daughters as long as ye do well and are not afraid with any bewilderment. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with your wives with understanding, giving honor unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered. |
QUOTE |
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." -Ephesians 5:22 "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." -Genesis 2:18 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord." -Colossians 3:18 |
QUOTE (mcall @ 17-May 09, 10:20 AM) |
The way that I understand it, husbands and wives should consult with each other on important matters, but when an impasse is reached, the husband has the responsibility of making the final decision. The quote by President Hinckley (in the above post) doesn't seem to imply that, however. So, which is right? |