I see no loopholes or backdoors here. I see a point-blank commandment to follow. Verse 5 says it all: you must be subject not only because of avoiding the wrath of God but also for your conscience's sake. I see no "ands, ifs or buts" here. If we start interpreting the Bible according to what WE think it should be saying, we run into trouble and will be judged accordingly.
Dear Brother, We are called to reason and wisdom when applying the scriptures. Otherwise we will end in absurdity, and may even deny the faith as the cults do.
I think your answer is a cop out. Have you no answer to my scenario? What of Buckeye’s point? Does a child or a wife have no right to self-protection if the sphere of authority they are under is delinquent in its responsibility? Of course they do. Every sphere of authority must keep its place. Why? Because all authority is derived. Only God’s is absolute. The State is not my absolute just as my parents are not my absolute. Because all authority is derived authority it must fulfill its God given purpose and keep its place. God gave me a life, not the state, not the church, not my parents. God. I am responsible to God first.