This sermon introduces the subject of patriarchy and the legalism and problems associated with it in the church today. Please also listen to the second sermon in this series, Patriarchy and Education, where clarifications and definitions are offered to better understand this subject. (This sermon has been revised. New audio was uploaded on 4 February 2004.)
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“ YES IT IS LEGALISM!!! ” amen and amen. Patriarchy as it is taught viz. Vision Forum, Doug Phillips, Sovereign Grace Ministries, and Nancy Leigh DeMoss style is legalistic. They have distorted truth and made it a set of rules. There are so many patriarchy followers now in reformed circles, not sure why. Bill Gottard was/is also heavy into this stuff. Those courtship books did nothing to discourage this unbiblical extremist view that is demeaning to women and putting families in bondage everywhere...
Jennifer (12/15/2004)
from Australia
“ Great Sermon! ” I was introduced to patriarchy through a website, where I was quickly condemned and ganged up on because 1) I was a woman with an opinion, 2) I was divorced (from an abusive husband) and remarried and 3)I worked part-time (through necessity). It seems to me that patriarchy has all the hallmarks of a cult, as they are elitist, think they are the true church, think other Christians are wrong, and say that their way is the only way. I believe patriarchy needs to be isolated and identified as a cult. They are hurting so many good Christians, and in so many ways are like the Jehovas Witnesses and Boston Church of Christ, as they too are elitist and back everything they say up with scripture, but are in error.
I was actually told that I HAVE TO divorce my husband, because our marriage is not valid, because my ex-husband didn't commit adultery, and that the abuse was irrelevant (and trivialised). How disgusting is this!
This sermon set me free!! I hope more people like Pete Hurst will identify patriarchy and the errors of its ways and make it known to all Christians.
Daniel Urroz (1/18/2004)
from So Cal
“ Great Sermon! ” Thank you for your attention in this matter. My prayer is that you remain faithful with all boldness,in contending for the faith, and in stopping this fast growing corruption of the church.
Philip Lancaster (1/17/2004)
from Willis, Virginia
“ Great Sermon! ” Allow me to respond to some specific points in Rev. Hurst's sermon. Contrary to what he claims about our teaching:
—Biblical patriarchy is most decidedly not "familyolatry." We specifically teach that the family is NOT "ultimate" in this world. We teach that the church is the central institution of history, not the family.
—We constantly teach that fathers should be under the authority of church elders and should submit to that authority.
—Husbands should listen to the correction of their wives. We teach that wives should appeal to their husbands and then to the church if their husbands are in sin or failing in their covenanted obligations.
—Fathers should not leave a church to flee authority. That would be anarchy. They are subject to the authority and discipline of the elders.
—Fathers do not hold the keys of the kingdom, church elders do. Fathers may not administer the sacraments within their families.
Kenny (1/17/2004)
from Marietta, Georgia
“ Great Sermon! ” Based on my experience, most of the men who would find a problem with Biblical patriarchy have their wives out earning them a living, usally to the neglect of their home and kids.
Michael Holloway (1/17/2004)
from Yorktown, Virginia
“ Legalism is Legalism, not matter what the results. ” If people listen closely to this sermon, they will notice that Pastor Hurst goes out of his way to talk about how many supporters of Patriarchy live godly lives. The issue is not whether following Patriarchy's rules and ideas gives good results, either in adults or in children. The issue is whether Patriarchy's rules and ideas are *required* by Scripture. To the extent that Patriarchy claims that something is required that God has not required in His Word, or that something is prohibited that God has not prohibited in his Word, to that extent Patriarchy is legalistic. And legalism should be exposed and condemned wherever it is found. I thank God for Pastor Hurst's courage on this issue.
Matt Chancey (1/17/2004)
from Bridgewater, VA
“ Why??? ” With great respect to Pastor Hurst and the excellent work of his church, I believe he has missed the mark on the issue of Patriarchy. And I take particular exception to his comments made regarding the ministry of Doug Phillips and Phil Lancaster. Although I am more acquainted with the writings of Mr. Lancaster than the man himself, Doug Phillips has been a dear friend for years and I have read his writings, listened to his sermons, and followed his career. Although I have not always agreed with these men, I do know one thing for sure: they are certainly NOT legalists in any sense. Nor are they men with little respect for the authority and jurisdiction of the Church. There may be some men who see the concept of biblical Patriarchy as a license to become their own Archbishops, but there are a hundred times as many men in the Church today who see “Christian Liberty” as a license to be antinomian. Both positions must be condemned.
The simple message of biblical Patriarchy is for men to be men as God intended them. While most teachers are too timid to get specific on child-rearing, loving a wife, providing for a family, etc., Doug and Phil have “stuck their necks out” so to speak and addressed the practical applications of God’s Word. Some may disagree with their applications, but, in my opinion, a charge of “legalism” in this regard reflects a lack of sufficient exposure to the men and their message.
I also find it disturbing that so much energy is spent on attacking so-called “legalism” in the church, when we are afloat on a sea of antinomianism. We have far more dead-beat dads in the Church than we have over-zealous “Patriarchs.” Lastly, I have spent countless hours of blessed fellowship with the Phillips family and if their family life is a product of “legalism” then I want heaps and heaps of it in the Church.
Philip Lancaster (1/12/2004)
from Willis, Virginia
“ Thanks, but... ” As the author of the book (Family Man, Family Leader: www.visionforum.com) which is the chief foil for Rev. Hurst in this sermon, I am thankful for some of his criticisms that will help improve and clarify the message of biblical patriarchy. However, much of what he attributes to me and others of like mind is simply not an accurate portrayal of what we teach.
Alfredo Smythe (1/12/2004)
from Hampton, Virginia
“ Great Sermon! ” This is an excellent sermon, which everyone should hear. I pray that God will use it to keep some people from falling victim to the errors of patriarchy.
Kerry W. "Pete" Hurst was born and reared in the small coal-mining town of Grundy, VA. A graduate of King College and Reformed Theological Seminary, he has pastored churches in Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama. He served as senior pastor of Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church...
