March 2nd, 2009
Introduction
Voddie Baucham has been called an “evangelist to intellectuals.” He is an author, a Bible teacher, a churchman, and an apologist. His unique blend of sound biblical exposition and cutting-edge relevance make him one of the most unique and compelling voices in modern evangelical circles. He has rapidly become one of the most sought-after preachers of his generation.
Dr. Baucham has served on numerous church staffs and currently serves as an elder at Grace Community Church in Magnolia, Texas. He is an adjunct professor at the College of Biblical Studies in Houston, Texas and Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He has authored three books and a number of academic journal and magazine articles. Baucham and his wife, Bridget, have been married since 1989. They and their five children currently live in Spring, TX.
Summary
Baucham offers a hard-hitting, bible-centered, apologetic for the role of a man in the marriage relationship. In What He Must Be to Marry My Daughter, Voddie gives us five non-negotiables in the form of chapter titles that most every Christian would agree with. First, he must be a follower of Christ. Obviously, the command this is based upon the command to not be unequally yoked (2 Cor. 6:14).
Second, He must be prepared to lead followed with the third non-negotiable that he must be prepared to lead like Christ (Eph. 5:22-32). In today’s society, many men do not want to lead and would rather do the “honorable” thing and let the wife lead. Baucham argues that not only is this unbiblical, it is pure laziness on the part of man.
Fourth, he must be committed to children. This includes being open to having as many children as God will bless you with as well as investing in their lives. There is a tyranny of child abuse taking place that goes unreported in this nation because it is viewed as normal today. That child abuse is simply not being an active father in your child’s life.
Finally, he must practice the four P’s: provider, protector, prophet, and priest. In other words, he must be able to provide the income his family needs to live on which means he must not be lazy, he must protect his family in all situations to the best of his ability, and finally, he must lead his family in the worship of God each day. Ultimately, the father is held responsible for training up a child in the way he should go (Prov. 22:6).
Conclusion
This book is sure to cause a controversy, but is one that is needed in our churches today. If you are a parent, then you need to read this book to either know how to raise your son so that he can be a godly husband/father or your daughter so you can teach her what to look for in a man. If you are new to the Christian faith and are single, this book would be an excellent place to start as you seek to follow Christ and His commands. If you are a believer and looking to get married, this book would make an excellent diagnostic tool to see if you “measure up.” I highly recommend this book to all parents and ministers as well.
Christian Book Notes 