The Kramers are one of the most beloved families on social media. So far, they have over 8 million Facebook followers who have shown their love for them through liking and sharing their posts. But one post dated October 17 where they shared an infographic detailing “instructions for Christian households” has drawn mixed reactions.
Using a bible passage from the book of Colossians, the Kramers explained their stance on the proper marriage roles based on their faith using an illustration to explain what they believe to be the right heirarchy.
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them” they wrote. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.”
screenshot: Team Kramer facebook page
Many netizens took offense, calling out the Kramers for being sexist and dated.
“It’s 2017. Let’s get rid of this archaic concept and emancipate our women from roles assigned to them by the patriarchy,” wrote one user.
“This is so archaic. It is not reflective of present situations. There are happy families of same-sex marriages and single parents. Not all families are as perfect as you, Kramers. Please try to be sensitive,” wrote another. “The wife having a smaller umbrella is just preposterous. If anything, she should have a bigger one having a double burden.”
“So what happens where in a lot of families now the wives provide while the husbands take care of the home? Are they not compliant with the Bible,” echoed one follower.
“I have no problem with Christ being the center and guiding force for any marriage. But the roles dictated on the husband and wife are a bit troubling. Both can protect and provide for the family, as well as take care of the children and household. Both the people in this commitment submit to each other and not just one person. Why does it have to be a hierarchy between two people in a marriage to make it work?” added another, in response to the diagram used to illustrate their point
The post has garnered over a thousand comments in less than a week. But not all of them were negative remarks. A few netizens backed the Kramers, saying that they are simply sharing their faith without pressuring others to follow suit.
screenshot: Team Kramer facebook page
Chesca later updated her original post and added her own take on the matter.
“When God established marriage and the roles of husband and wives he did not make us any less or inferior to each other. We are created equal but we have different responsibilities. In a corporation what would happen if you had two CEO’s? Would the company run smoothly?” she wrote, emphasizing how she believes God designed specific roles for men and women to fill, and rules to follow for life to flow smoothly. “But again, it’s our choice to accept and obey this or not.”
Continuing, she clarified how she does not think being a woman makes her less of a person, as she possesses an important “role as a life giver.”
“The word helper in the Bible when referring to how Adam didn’t have a suitable helper, is not the modern day understanding of helper,” she explained. “The word is lifegiver, ezer kenegdo is the Hebrew name – so we actually bring life to our families and our marriages.”
The mom of three added that she respects her husband for never abusing the privilege given to him to be the head of the household.
“I also understand the reversal of roles. I have friends who are in that situation,” she shared. “As long as they agree wholeheartedly with their roles and are happy with it. I do not see anything wrong with it. In the end all I pray for is that, as married couples that we may love each other well. Together protecting our marriage, be an example to our children and give them a loving and intact family.”
What do you think about Team Kramer’s facebook post? Let us know in the comments below.
READ: 5 things we can learn from Doug and Chesca Kramer for a lasting marriage