A KUYPER ON HEADSHIP
Rev. P. DeJong, Sioux Center, Iowa 4855 Starr Street, S.E. November 2, 1981 Grand Rapids, Mich. 49506
Dear Brother:
Recently, I have been studying about “headship” in the works of Dr. A. Kuyper. I thought it might be interesting for the readers of The Outlook. I will quote a few statements from Dr. A. Kuyper.
“The Scriptures clearly indicate that she may not hold an ecclesiastical office. I Cor. 14:34, I Timothy 2:12, I Cor. 11:8-9 and Ephesians 5:22, 24, 25, maintain that man is the head of the woman. This headship is not only effective for earthly relations but also for the church. The emancipation of women, involving the rejection of the headship of man is a terrible sin. If it comes to the point that man becomes feminine and the woman become masculine, the judgments of God will fall upon society and society will disintegrate. Therefore, the headship of man must be maintained both in the marriage relation and in the. church. Women may not hold office in the Church. (Loeus Creaturis, p. 57)
“The word ‘head’ in many instances refers to one who has the authority to make decisions, as a head of a firm, the head of a company, the bead of a school etc. In marriage it means that man is vested with authority to make final decisions. This authority is placed on the same line, as the authority which Christ exercises over the church. Eph. 5:22–23, “Wives submit yourselves to your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; 1or he is the Savior of the body” (E. Voto II, p. 48–51 and IV p. 74.)
“The institution of marriage is a wonderful artifice of God. Thru marriage all of society becomes an organism. From the family comes the human race and necessitates the building of cities and towns. Governments in every city and state are determined by the contrast between men and women. Women bring forth life and become it’s guardian. If Adam did not receive a helpmeet, there was practically nothing for him to accomplish. Sympathy, emotional warmth and feelings would not be possible, if Adam had remained alone. There is no harmony without contrast. And if human life is to be developed harmoniously, then the difference between men and women must be maintained. The emancipation of women is therefore a heinous sin. The masculinizing of women and the feminizing of men is a punishment sent by God for apostasy.” Isaiah 3:12 (Locus de Homine, p. 59.)
Rev. DeJong, many congratulations for the very fine work accomplished through The Outlook in the midst of the many problems facing our denomination today. Greetings to you and yours and your staff.
C. Van Schouwen
DUTCH CASSETTE LIBRARY
Dear Editor:
Would you please pass on the following information to the readers of The Outlook.
Of all the Dutch emigrants who came to Canada and the United States since World War II, at least 5000 families joined the Christian Reformed Church . Although many of them became quite fluent in the English language, most of them have not forgotten their native language. Especially at an older age the mother tongue seems to come back more and more. At the same time, problems with vision and difficulty with reading may occur; in addition, many elderly are shut–ins and not able to regularly attend church services, church programs and other church related activities. It is for this group of people that the CASSETTE LIBRARY LUISTERPOST was developed. This library contains over a thousand tape cassettes of good Reformed Dutch sermons, lectures, and religious musical programs. This service is FREE of charge. Anyone interested may borrow as many tape cassettes as they would like, provided they pay for their own postage. An up-to-date catalog listing all the available tapes will be furnished upon request. Call or contact: Cassette Library Luisterpost, N.A., 2638 Alger, S.E., Grand Rapids , Michigan 49506. Telephone: (616) 949-7423.
Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation. Please receive my heartiest greetings.
Yours in Christ,
Theresa H. Meester (Mrs. W. D.)