# The Reverend Thomas Broad’s Exposition of Romans 8:7 explained — The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane

> Chapter companion for The Revolution in Tanner’s Lane by Mark Rutherford.

## What happens

Thomas Broad, a newly minted student minister, visits the Coleman household and preaches his first sermon to an indifferent rural congregation. During his visit, he makes inappropriate advances toward Pauline, who rebuffs him by cutting a cross into his hand with scissors. The chapter contrasts Broad's self-satisfied piety with the empty spiritual lives of his listeners and highlights Pauline's fierce independence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Hypocrisy

Thomas Broad's self-congratulation and empty sermonizing contrast with his predatory behavior, exposing the hypocrisy of religious authority.

### The Role of Women

Pauline's decisive and physical rejection of Broad's advances asserts her agency and challenges the era's expectations of female passivity.

## Character check-ins

### Thomas Broad

Visits the Coleman household after preaching his first sermon; makes unwanted advances toward Pauline.

### Pauline

Receives Thomas Broad; defends herself from his advances by cutting a cross into his hand.

### Zachariah Coleman

Absent during the visit; Pauline later tells him about the encounter.

## Key lines

> The carnal mind is at enmity with God.

The natural human mindset is hostile to God.

_Text of Thomas Broad's first sermon, from Romans 8:7._

> Neither indeed can be.

It is impossible for the carnal mind to submit to God's law.

_Broad's added 'head' to his sermon, emphasizing the impossibility of the carnal mind obeying God._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters/xx-the-reverend-thomas-broad-s-exposition-of-romans-8-7
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_revolution_in_tanner_s_lane_se/chapters