I will be exploring how religious language can contribute to a sense of emotional and erotic unequalit ybetween spouses. This is a topic that has been largely ignored by scholars and yet it is one that can have profound effects on the dynamics of a marriage. I hope to shed light on some of the ways in which religious language can create an imbalance of power within a relationship.
Let's look at the concept of submission and authority within a Christian marriage. In Christian marriages, husbands are expected to be the spiritual leaders of their families, while wives are supposed to submit to their husband's leadership. This means that the wife must defer to her husband in all matters related to faith, including decisions about church attendance, prayer, and Bible study. While this may seem like a benign arrangement, it can lead to problems if one partner feels more strongly about their beliefs than the other. If the husband feels that he should make all the decisions regarding faith, then the wife may feel pressure to go along with his wishes even if she disagrees. This can create a situation where the wife feels like she is always being told what to do and never able to express her own opinions or feelings.
This can lead to resentment and frustration on both sides.
Another way in which religious language can obscure emotional and erotic inequality between spouses is through the use of "spiritual intimacy." Many couples believe that they need to maintain a strict division between their physical and spiritual lives, and this often leads to a lack of sexual communication. The idea of "purity" becomes so important that partners become afraid to talk about their desires and needs for fear of violating their beliefs. This can lead to a sense of distance and disconnection between the two partners. It also makes it difficult for them to communicate openly about their sex life, as they don't want to risk being judged by their partner or by God.
I will discuss how religious language can reinforce traditional gender roles within marriage. In many Christian marriages, the husband is expected to be the breadwinner while the wife takes care of the home and children. This can lead to an imbalance of power, as the husband has financial control over the household. This can make it difficult for the wife to speak up when she wants something or needs help. She may feel like she is constantly asking her husband for things instead of negotiating for herself. This can lead to tension and frustration, particularly if the wife feels that her needs are not being met.
Religious language can contribute to a sense of emotional and erotic inequality within marriages. By promoting submission, restricting communication, and reinforcing traditional gender roles, it can create an environment where one partner feels powerless and unheard. While it is not always possible to completely eliminate these issues, couples should be aware of the potential pitfalls so they can work together to create a more balanced relationship.