Women Shall Submit

[Flaming_Redhead]

The Apostle Paul in the Christian Bible was rather adamant about women submitting to their husbands, and being under the headship of their fathers before they marry.

In addition to the wife's complete submission to the spiritual head of the home, he is also to love her "as Christ loves the Church" (church being body of believers in Jesus as the Messiah)

I am wondering if this is comparible to the BDSM lifestyle. Do you see it that way? Or do you see that not all women are being commanded to be submissives? That women in this role are choosing it and therefore it is totally other?

Women have been rebelling against these scriptures for years, wanting (demanding) more control over their lives and spirituality. Just curious as to your thoughts on this. Do you see the D/s lifestyle having more freedom and respect for the woman than these scriptures?

*I realize submissives can be both men and women, but the Bible clearly does not put man under woman nor does it acknowledge transgenders, so it's not applicable to my question. Though feel free to give your thoughts on this.

I can see some definite similarities in certain aspects of the BDSM lifestyle. However, the lifestyle was not modeled after biblical teachings. It was actually started by homosexual veterans of WWII who enjoyed the strict military protocol. As lesbians, bisexuals and heterosexuals became involved in the scene, the Old Guard's strict rules and exclusivity were replaced by a more casual and relaxed community where couples are free to practice their own style. Interestingly enough, though, when I first started investigating BDSM, I felt that I had a higher chance of success for finding the type of man I was looking for, one suitable to be the head of the household, in this community rather than just dating random guys in the vanilla world.

God gave everyone free will, including women, so submission is always a choice. Women have been rebelling since the Garden of Eden. When Eve ate the forbidden fruit, Adam was with her. Instead of protecting her from the serpent and stopping her from disobeying, he followed her example and ate some, too. Then, he blamed it on her instead of taking responsibility. God cursed the woman, saying "Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." To Adam, he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, "You must not eat of it," cursed is the ground because of you."

I don't see the D/s lifestyle as having more freedom and respect than scripture. I see that more people in the lifestyle are practicing scripture, whether consciously or not, than vanilla people. I love the verse Rhabbi posted, Ephesians 5:22-33. I also like this one from the Old Testament. Does this sound like a woman oppressed?

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:10-31

As far as submissive men and scripture, whatever a man and his wife do in the bedroom is between them. Their bodies belong to each other. "The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife." 1 Corinthians 7:3-4