And a Well Done for Abigail | Blog and Mablog

This point I made was gravely misunderstood by Eric Conn, who posted a reply, to which I replied. But I also promised a fuller treatment, which is what this post is.

[Yesica]

Wives are to submit to their husbands in everything, as long as it isn't SIN. Why is this complicated?

[Utjb]

The question is what is the more relevant issue of our current day and age here in 2024: is it closer to the ditch of sinful “feminism” or closer to the ditch of sinful “masculinity”?

I think the obvious answer in today’s day and age is sinful feminism. So why does Doug Wilson seem to be fighting the dragons of yesteryear?

[jeffreyAferguson]

A completely reasonable position, well within the bounds of orthodoxy and should be incontrovertable for all Christians.

[heisaltogetherlovely]

I think perhaps this controversy is a storm in a teacup . Joel is not a nazi nor does Doug agree necessarily with everything about ww2 narrative.

[kathleensanford]

It's good for husband and wife to be able to talk things over..things having to do with day-to-day family life..with final decision resting with the husband. Assuming that it's just normal life considerations. The Nabals and Jezebels of this world usually can't be reasoned with.

[katherinecornette]

AND this is why we need to be more diligent about how we raise our kids! How we raise the expectations of our young men and teach them to lead by serving. Stop making dads the joke of the family. Our culture has created weak squishy men and the church has complied.

[williammisener]

Well said Doug! A Godly woman is strong. She is strong not from any need to be a “girl-boss” but because she trusts in God.
The strongest, bravest, most independent women I have ever met are all Pious and Godly wives and mothers who have sought to live out God’s pattern for them in marriage. Thank God for strong Godly women. And think God for the strong Godly men who lead them in marriage.

[damilolaa.]

I think one of the issues here is people do not see themselves as sinners. Somehow, some have forgotten that Christians are prone to wander.

In those seasons when you lose your head, pray you have an Abigail who is willing to respectfully go against your wishes and seek Godly counsel from your pastors to help you and safeguard your family.

We thank God for the grace to resist political authority when they go haywire. Thank God for His grace to wives.

[jessedphillips]

So what about seed oils, and essential oils, and the 19th amendment?

These are examples that were in the email message that went out. Also, in the discussion on the set of Mr Wilson's neighborhood, the tone of the conversation was related to the right wing of the conservative party without really discussing what that meant. I might be on the right wing of the conservative party because of some things that I have noticed. But I am not a racist and I think that Hitler was a bad guy and that globalism is bad that nations are good and that marriage between cultures is okay among christians.

Having something about seed oils and essential oils and repealing the 19th amendment, which would be a good thing as reasons for behaving as an Abigail muddy's the waters and Waters down the point.

[flintlock]

Many years ago, on a completely different issue: "Doug Wilson is one of the most careful and bright, uh, reformed, post millennial, objectivist theologians around - and he’s got people around him that are dumb." - John Piper

Whatever else one can say about Piper, this insightful comment is proving to be evergreen.

[aleashawhipple]

Great reply! Thank you for all you do!

[susanburger]

Thank you so much Pastor Doug!!! Your reply is nothing short of WONDERFUL!!! Soli Deo Gloria!!!

[Jonathanped]

I’m 37 with 6 kids. My wife and I both work and time is our most valuable resource. How do men my age have time to pastor a church, create content online, travel and debate while also leading their wives and raising their children in a half decent manner? I don’t know if the men arguing on this issue have the history, experience, time or resources to contend with Doug. It’s sorrowful to see this type of disagreement between men whom I have learned a great deal from. I think it wise, perhaps, for the younger men to open their ears and listen a bit longer before speaking. It sounds as though there is a quite a bit of misunderstanding. I don’t know all of the ins and outs of exactly what is being discussed here, but God has taught me to smell misunderstanding (intentional or otherwise) from miles away. It appears to be the case here.
This video served as a great opportunity for me to further understand our nature as fallen man. I benefit greatly from this ministry and thank everyone involved. God bless.

[UserName-bsgk]

It's very clear that the Abigail analogy is just too clumsy. In the current time we live in (hyper femininity), this just feels like the wrong way to approach things.

[MountainofYahweh]

This is very confusing - lots of conflation. In reality, nearly all middle aged men / husbands today - are suffering heavily (statistically) at the hands of his boss babe wife - and the churches always side with wife. The scenario you talk about is very small minority. Not a good case study. I felt this did more damage than good.

[therealkillerb]

With respect, I do not think Abigail was contravening Nabal - instead, she was trying to save him and his men from obliteration. I am not convinced that this passage is necessarily saying what Mr. Wilson says, it is saying. I do agree though that she had courage, fortitude and is a great example to other godly women.

[RomanZeNine]

I would want my wife to do what she can to help me out of a Nabal state by any Biblical means necessary. The state of my soul is more important than my ego. Sadly, I don't think a lot of people in Joel's camp feel the same way. This is one of the dangers of "once saved always saved". Once these fools are convinced of their salvation, it subconsciously leads them to do what is right in their own eyes.

[JesseStevenPollom]

Helpful clarification Pastor Wilson!

No one claimed universal submission. They questioned your wisdom in implying women should resist their husbands if they are too right wing.

[betty]

This is a much clearer explanatoon, perhaps the conversation with family was too short, therefore not fully connected. I tend to more agree, but still want always to default to Scripture first, for wives to be quiet, win their husbands with their godly character...none of us want to sit under a wrong, but for God's glory, may His will be done.

[katherinewilliams]

Your patience with the segment of listeners who appear to perch in the background just waiting to take you out of context is admirable to say the least. Every time you take the time to explain, we all learn more. So weather or not you convince your critics, we are grateful for all this teaching. May God bless you!