The state, moreover, in certain limited cases in which family authority violates civil law in harming a family subject, is authorized to deter that sinning authority. The church and state are checks, carefully limited checks, but checks nonetheless, on the tyranny of family authority. Insurrection in the family is by far more egregious than insurrection in the church or state, since the family is the central covenantal institution. Wives who spurn their husbands or commit adultery will eschew church discipline and state sanctions. Teenagers who slander their parents or young adults who marry against Christian parents' wishes are no more inclined to heed church and state authority.
Rebels tend to be rebels in every sphere.
The province of rebels is the province of God's judgment. The Chalcedon Foundation, all rights reserved.