EDITOR'S NOTE

Megan Greulich

As evangelicals, I believe most of us would say that while Scripture holds the highest authority in our lives, we cannot deny the influence of culture. This is the balance we seek out when we read that we should be in the world but not of it—that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). In preparing for this issue and having discussions with individuals whom I greatly respect on both sides of the egalitarian/complementarian debate, two things struck me. First, I was hit by how important this balance of Scripture and culture really is in regards to our families and relationships. And second, I will admit that I was surprised by how heated and personal the topic of family values is. It is an unavoidable buzz word in politics, in which “family values” are often too quickly narrowed down to a specific stance on homosexuality and abortion. That is not what this issue of E-Quality seeks to address. Nor does it intend to create a strict set of guidelines for Christian marriages and families. I hope that instead, through these four thoughtful articles on Scripture, experience, and culture, we can continue to search out what it means to follow the challenging call of Romans 12:2.

Our first article, by Catherine Clark Kroeger, examines Scripture in light of family and feminism, with a particularly interesting discussion on the Proverbs 31 woman. Second, Kathy Nesper provides highlights of her interviews with several egalitarian parents, who openly share the ups and downs of holding to biblical equality in their homes. Next, Robert Hicks shares his family’s own personal and painful experience while emphasizing that marriage often requires flexibility rather than strict hierarchical roles. And finally, Susan and Dwayne Howell present their dual-career, dual-parenting lifestyle with practical and honest tips for families in the same situation.

On the right side of the page, there are several other features you will not want to miss. I am particularly excited to present a book review on the beautiful children’s book, Clare and Francis, as well as 25% off on Equality Depot’s entire selection of children and youth books! You also may wish to explore the featured audio excerpt from Coralee Murray and Kathy Nesper’s lecture, "Eve Becomes Mother: Childbirth as a Positive Spiritual Event," and a brand new feature of E-Quality—a link to CBE’s blog, The Scroll. There you will have an opportunity to read posts and share your own thoughts on family values with other E-Quality readers and those interested in biblical equality.

We at CBE wholeheartedly believe that God has designed each of us in a unique way and that He beautifully knits together groups of people with different gifts and interests to bring greater glory to Himself. We believe this is a clear teaching in Scripture, and that it has important implications for our families—mutual submission, genuine respect, and sacrificial love for one another. While preparing this issue I have prayed that this would be evident in my own family, and it is what I am praying will be true for all of the families that read these articles. Many, many thanks go to the entire staff of CBE for their support and hard work on this issue of E-Quality. I’m so blessed to work with all of you! And I would also like to thank my parents, who, I am recognizing more and more as I reflect on this issue’s theme, helped to foster an environment in which I could grow and be empowered to use my gifts for Jesus.

Grace and Peace,

Megan Greulich
CBE Social Sciences Intern

Perhaps you would like to share your story with the readers of E-Quality. If you have an article you would like to submit for consideration, send it to cbe@cbeinternational.org. We also welcome any other feedback, comments, or suggestions you may have.