Biblical Intervention in the Reconciliation of the Misconstrued Understanding of Gender Complex in Marriage

Abstract

Gender complex in marriage has been an age-long issue clamouring for intervention because of the supposedly  oppression associated with it. It is with this understanding that this paper focused on the three passages of the biblical  literature often quoted and misinterpreted to support the gender complex in marriage. Gender complex as used in the  context of this study was defined and the place of women in marriage briefly analyzed. Having used descriptive and  analytical methods, the paper revealed that the Genesis account of creation from chapters 1 to 3 need to be reread and  re-contextualised in order to have a full understanding of the fact that the narratives there do not portray the  subjugation of women in marriage. The headship role in that context assigned for men is expected to be used in a  positive manner to support the female gender. The messages of Paul and Peter in Ephesians 5:22-24 and 1 Peter 3:7  were discussed and it was equally noted to be cases of negative religious discourse that had received much ovation in  Christendom and the society. However, the work showed that a thorough reflection of the passage by biblical scholars had revealed distortion of ideas due to what textual critics referred to as scribalidiosyncrasies. It in light of this that this  article concluded with the submission that male responsibility requires soft patriarchy. That is, husbands should identify  with the sacrificial and steadfast love of Christ in dealing with women especially in marriage. The headship and submission being emphasized in the scripture should not be seen in the perspective of subordination, oppression,  subjugation and disrespect for women, rather marriage should be based on complementarity, respect, love and  mutuality.