Wilson astutely observes that husbands are to blame for the theo-
logical breakdown in the church today. “The evangelical world,” he
writes, “is throwing away its theological heritage because of doctrinal
faithlessness in Christian homes. It is true that pulpits across our
country are filled with a swamp and morass of anecdotes, sentimen-
talist yawp, yippy-skippy worship, and make-it-up-as-you-go-along
theology; but the heads of Christian homes have been willing to have
it so. As the expectations for men in the evangelical world have gotten
lower, men have not objected—they have breathed a sigh of relief.”^6
In his Institutes,John Calvin referred to a prophet as a supplier of
useful doctrine. In addition to hearing from God, a husband should
fill that role in his home.
He faithfully proclaims the truth of God.On long drives, late at night,
when the kids are sleeping in the back, Mary Ann and I have found
ourselves reviewing things we’ve learned together in church, or
rehearsing concepts we’ve picked up from reading or from listening
to tapes. “What is the Latin phrase that means ‘at once sinful and jus-
tified?’” I’ll ask.
“I’m too tired to play this,” she’ll say.
“I’m too tired not to play!” I’ll coax her. “Help me stay awake.”
We’ll mentally review books of the Bible, or we’ll toss out a verse
and see if the other one knows where it is found. We may listen to a
teaching tape and discuss what we’ve heard. As the drive wears on, the
game will usually deteriorate to the point where I’m asking questions
like, “Name three hits by Herman’s Hermits.”
For many Christian men, the idea of some formal time of Bible
study or instruction with our wives is in our “top ten” list of threaten-
ing activities. We feel inadequate and unsure of ourselves. We’re not sure
how to do it or what to say when we’re finished. We’re not eloquent like
the pastor. We’re afraid we’ll be exposed for what we don’t know, or for
the shallowness of our own spirituality, or that we’ll be convicted of
hypocrisy by a wife who knows too well that we don’t always practice
what we’re preaching. So many of us have abandoned any attempt to
lead our wives in any kind of informal study of the Scriptures. We may
make a stab at some kind of family devotions once the children are old
The Husband as Prophet, Priest, and King 107