Federal Husband

In this book, my longheld belief that the husband and father is not only the federal head of the home, but also the one who bears the responsibility for what happens in the home, was affirmed. Biblically. We are responsible for leading ourselves, our wives, and our children to truth, and not provoking them to the eternal wrath of God. We do this in various ways, beginning with the most basic. Teaching them in the Word of God, feeding them, clothing and housing them, and for the wife, providing sexual relations. Aside from addressing this enormous topic of a covenantal relationship between a man and woman as representative of God's covenantal relationship between Himself and Israel and between Himself and mankind, Douglas also addresses everything from pregnancy to piercings, the wielding of the sword to the wedding ceremony, and inheritances, occupations, discipline, punishment, women in combat, widows and countless other issues that arise out of or outside of the covenantal family relationship. A beautiful, well written book that I'm not quite sure how he accomplished within only 110 pages. You would be remiss to neglect a careful reading.

As a husband of 27 years and a father of six children, as well as, a serious student of the Bible, this book changed my life and my behavior towards my wife. Wilson sets forth the principles of a "Federal Husband" so clearly, that in the vast majority of instances, to argue with the points Wilson makes is to argue with God. Perhaps the most important lesson I learned is found on p 18 where Wilson states, "As Christ assumed responsibility for things He didn't do, so husbands should be willing to do the same for their wives." Essentially, I learned - unforgetably from this book - that I am responsible for the condition of both my marriage and my family. If anyone is to receive blame, it is to be me!

Even though Federal Husband is not Mr Wilsons best book, it is another great book truly seeking to what the BIBLE says about a man's role. Mr Wilson urges his readers to love their wives as themselves and helps the reader understand what a biblical home will look like. Mr. Wilson always works from scripture and attempts to expound upon all the impacts that will have on our lives. However, at some times he says that one must know that Paul calls all things permissable for believers but not all things are benficial. He attempts to explain what things are profitable. Mr Wilson is extremely conservative and fully relies on the innerancy of the scriptures. I would recomend this book only after having read some of Mr. Wilson's other books. Infedility is his best book, in my honest opinion.

As an avid reader of books produced by Canon Press, I have encountered Pastor Wilson on many occasions, much to my pleasure. What Federal Husband purports to be is a glance at how a husband must mold his thoughts and actions if he wishes to love his wife as Christ loves the church. What in fact we get from Pastor Wilson's book is an exhaustive work that says everything that needs to be said on the subject and leaves no further questions for his audience. If Aquinas was exhaustive in his approach with his Summa Theologica, then Pastor Wilson gives us his Summa Federalis Husbanditum. No longer is there any need to read anything else by Wilson or any other author who writes on the family. I have taken his writing to heart and put it into practice. First of all, I don't let my wife read it. That would obviously be against what the Bible and Pastor Wilson teaches. I also keep my wife buttoned up in the house, changing our kids diapers, cooking all my meals, and meeting me between the sheets when I'm feeling froggy. This way I never have to help her with the woman's work and can stick to my eight hour work day and come home and relax. It has all worked out quite well. We have well-adjusted children and a marriage that is just dynamite ... and I haven't really had to lift a finger!

The books thesis: To be a truly Christian husband is to love one's wife as Christ loves His Church.How does Wilson undertake his task?First, he points the reader to a definition of "federal headship" and the covenantal language of relationships which are based in Christ. An interesting point that Wilson makes is that many times, when husbands have marital difficulties with their wives, the men are quick to say "It's her fault. She just isn't a Biblical wife" (or some variation of blaming the wife). But as a Federal Husband, the man is ultimately responsible for all sinful activity in the house and cannot blame any in his house for any shortcomings.The second section deals with the pitfalls of husbandry. The chapter basically covers the responsibilities of husbands "as well as some of the common sins which husbands frequently commit." Wilson deals with caring for the "conjugal relations, provision of clothing and provision of food." He also details the respect due to a wife/mother and the husbands role in godly parenting, what it means to treat your wife like a lady and the role of the husband in his occupation.The third section is really, really good. Wilson takes on the masculinist, traditionalist, egalitarian and feminist views of family and headship by posing the hierarchical/Biblical view. He makes the case that women are not to submit to men "generally," nor or women subservient to men. She has a duty to her husband to provide help and submit (but only to him). Women do not have a duty to "submit" to just any person. "Submit" is handled in more detail within the book for those of you who may be a little upset right now. Next Wilson discusses feminine beauty...in the form of a pregnant wife. Pregnancy is honorable, a glory to the mother and is altogether lovely. Other matters are discussed which would simply take too long to comment on.Does the thesis match the content of the book? Yes. To be a Federal Husband entails much of the substance of Doug Wilson's material. And there is really more in this book that is worthwhile I really can not adequately comment on all of it here.Please get this book and enjoy it as much as I have.