Federal Husband

This book is for the Christian man who seeks to be a godly man in his household as a husband and father. I highly recommend the reading of this book by all married Christian men and those who are seeking to or will be married in the future. I found this book reaffirming to my Christian beliefs about husbands and their role in their households while also convicting me on the areas where I am lacking and need to repent. Doug Wilson has been an incredible blessing to my family and I over the years and this book, Federal Husband, has added to that blessing as well as been a needed rod of correction to me. Don’t be a sissy, man up and read this book!

Wilson’s little book is full of ancient and practical wisdom. It is easy to read and understand but communicates some of the most profound truths that can be known about human society. He avoids simplistic or reactionary answers to our problems with manhood, and instead explains and promotes that natural and gracious approach we find in the Word of God. His emphasis on living by faith in God’s promise, with a firm confidence in his Word and humility under it, is a joy to read.I think it is a perfect book to give young men who are preparing for marriage, or a book for discussing with Christian brothers who tend to swerve into ditches. If you have already dedicated yourself to serve the Lord in marriage, it will confirm and clarify what you have already known from God’s Word, and it will push you forward in faithfulness.

Recently married, I wanted a better understanding of what my husband ‘s role really is, and thereby understanding my role as his wife better. This book helped a lot. Also, great section on raising kids, as well as what weddings should look like. Definitely recommend it.

I’ve attended baptist churches all my life, so this book was very helpful for teaching me how to think convenantly - not something baptists are normally good at!

Wilson’s books are read like they are for a specific audience, usually men. This book is recommended for men whom need to hear a polemicist rebuke of what is a cultural malaise of irresponsibility; said another way, an abdication by men of all responsibility.I am an egalitarian. Wilson is complementarian……I read Wilson’s books because, while I think women have been granted access to any leadership role within the kingdom, the relationship between a husband and wife, man and woman, has a sacred mutuality to it. Men need to learn to love; women need to learn to respect. The Bible gives us some clear guidance on the innate temperamental differences between men and women. Wilson touches upon these points poignantly, albeit sporadically.Still, if most women were to read this book it would be a mixture of elation and horror. I agree with Wilson’s assertion that a husband has responsibility for his wife; after all, the two are now one flesh. Wilson’s extrapolation that a woman’s place is clearly the home and a man’s the workplace fails to understand Biblical roles. Women are allowed to work; and make money; and be successful.

Great sequel to Reforming Marriage. I used this book in our church to teach and encourage husbands how to see their brides through Christ's eyes. I found it helpful to have a Bible rich text written for husbands describing our role from Eden to eternity.

Straightforward. No minced words. A great great book. Every Christian husband should read this, and read it again.

All men need to read this little book so they are better equipped to be a godly federal head of their household.

A convicting call for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, explaining what this truly means by focusing on the federal or covenantal responsibility of the husband and father for his family. A crucial read for all husbands and fathers in our day, where taking responsibility for your family is not only a requirement that is ignored, but is also seen as largely sexist and regressive. When husbands recover this sense of Christ-like covenantal responsibility for their families the church will be strengthened, the gospel will be advanced, society will be transformed, and women and children everywhere will flourish.

The book was less about being a biblical husband, and more an anti-feminist manifesto. Though Wilson has some helpful things to say, the book does not present an orderly treatment of the subject; it reads more like loosely connected ramblings than a sustained defense of his thesis, namely that a man ought to love his wife as Christ loved the church, i.e., federally.

La démarche de l'auteur est bonne : examiner comment être cohérent dans notre vie de mari et de père d'après le commandement divin d'aimer nos femmes comme Christ aime son Église. Les propositions et observations pratiques qu'il fait sont intéressantes et bibliques, le style est souvent drôle, mais on a du mal à dégager un fil conducteur, ce qui manque à la lecture. Certains points semblent aller trop loin ou être secondaires mais il a le mérite de ne pas esquiver les questions difficiles.