“How to respond when husband mocks Christian beliefs?”

Outline for video:

0–6:43—Scott’s question
6:44­–8:11—Katie’s thoughts on Scott’s question
8:12–12:54—Katie’s question
12:55–17:37—Scott and Katie’s thoughts back-and-forth on Katie’s question
17:38–19:17—Katie shares from Marriage God’s Way
19:18–24:56—Discussion of Christian Heritage Marriage Retreat

Scott’s question: “How should I respond when husband mocks my Christian beliefs?”

How should I respond when my husband mocks my Christian beliefs? My husband claims to be a Christian, but he randomly says the church is really his wife’s church and it’s ridiculous to believe in creation over evolution. Occasionally he does this in front of the kids too.

There’s a chance your husband might be saved, but it’s hard to reconcile your description with the behavior of a Christian. People can be saved and believe in evolution, but they wouldn’t Christianity. That sort of hostility toward the Gospel seems incompatible with regeneration.

Here are the two encouragements:

Pray for his salvation. It might be tempting to pray that he embraces creationism or stops mocking your beliefs, but these issues are symptoms and not the problem itself. If he becomes a Christian, hopefully these issues will improve or resolve themselves.
Strive for peace. When he mocks Christianity in front of the kids it will be tough not to argue with him. I would encourage you to do your best not to become hostile in return. Consider the following…

1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.

Verses such as Romans 12:18 command us to pursue peace with other believers, but in the above verse Paul specifically has marriage in mind. He says peace is so important a believer spouse shouldn’t engage in conflict over an unbelieving spouse’s departure. The two reasons for this are:

People aren’t won over through conflict. That often only causes the flesh to flare up.
Christians have a testimony to maintain, and this is especially important before your children.

You’re legitimately concerned about what your children are observing from your husband. When they see you respond lovingly toward your husband when he’s acting unkindly, that will make a big statement to them. They need to see your respect for your husband, not your anger. This is the best way for them to see Christ through you.

The alternative is your kids see you argue with your husband, which will be a poor witness to them. As it stands now, you’re the only parent influencing your children for Christ. You have to put forth extra effort as a result. Your children will look back on the way you treated your husband and know the Gospel worked through you.

Katie’s question: “What should I teach kids when husband and I disagree?”

In a situation where the husband and wife don’t agree on theological things (probably non essentials) with the wife doing most of the teaching of the children, which should she teach them? And how should EITHER husband or wife respond to the kids noticing or questioning the inconsistencies? Like if I’m talking to my kids about something theological and they say “but daddy said…” or daddy is talking them and gets ‘but mommy said…”

Scott and I have this situation!