The Bottom Line
Pastor Howerton’s sermon wasn’t controversial because he talked about sex in church—Christians across traditions do that. It was controversial because he presented one specific interpretation of marriage as the biblical view, when millions of Christians who love Scripture just as much reach completely different conclusions.
The debate isn’t between “biblical” and “worldly” Christians. It’s between Christians who read the same Bible and see different things—some seeing permanent gender hierarchy as God’s design, others seeing temporary cultural accommodation that Christ’s coming has transformed.
What both sides agree on: Marriage is sacred, difficult, and worth fighting for. Sex should be celebrated. Husbands and wives should love, serve, and honor each other.
Where they disagree: Whether “submit” goes one direction or both, whether leadership is gendered or gifted, and whether the “be aggressive” cheer is biblical wisdom or potentially harmful advice that oversimplifies the complexity of marital intimacy.
Your marriage—and your theology—will reflect which vision you find most faithful to Scripture.
And that’s a decision worth making with both eyes open.
