Tuesday 5th of July 2011 | Posted by Dave Taylor
Manhood & Womanhood: Different By Design
  
What does the Bible teach about true manhood and womanhood? In what ways are men and women essentially the same? In what ways essentially different? And how do these differences affect our roles in the home & in the church?

This past Sunday we began a three-week series on marriage with a message entitled 'God's Grand Design For Marriage' taken from Ephesians 5.22-33. In that message we not only looked at God's 'Purpose' for Marriage as a God given gift through which a husband and wife get to reveal Christ's relationship with the Church. We also began to look at God's 'Pattern' for marriage, a pattern that involves very different roles for husband and wife.

You see there is no doubt that the Bible teaches that men and women are equal in value, dignity, and ability to reflect the character of God as image bearers. This is a very clear teaching of Divine order in Genesis 1, and something we should therefore be passionate about. This truth leaves no room for racism or chauvinism. Neither have any place in the life of a Christian! But likewise, neither does feminism. Genesis 2 clearly teaches us that in Divine order men and women are equal in value, dignity, and ability to reflect the character of God, and yet no doubt created distinct and different in role.

For many this can be a totally new idea (I know that feeling), and for some this can be perplexing and difficult to take on board (I totally understand). I am often approached by folk who were either raised in the cultural egalitarian position or simply assume the cultural position, and yet in a desire to study this idea of 'equal yet different' I they often ask me this question...


"As I guy who clearly believes in biblical manhood and womanhood, what books and messages would you recommend to me on this topic by way of introduction?"


I'm aware that there may be others out there with the same type of question, and so here's my answer... If you'd like to study biblical manhood and womanhood further and better consider what Scripture teaches on this topic then here's where I'd recommend you begin: two books, and a handful of messages:


BOOKS

1. What's The Difference: by John Piper


This short book covers three main questions: In what ways are men and women essentially the same? In what ways are they essentially different? And how do these differences affect our roles in the home, the church, and society?

Adapted from chapter 1 of Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood, this book takes a positive, sensitive look at these important questions. A fantastic introduction!


2. Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood: by John Piper, Wayne Grudem, & Others


Evangelical feminism has had a profound impact on the Church. In this book, 22 men and women commit their talents to produce the most thorough response yet to evangelical feminism. The writers identify their view as complementarian rather than "traditional" or "hierarchical." The book combines systematic argumentation with popular application and deals with all the main passages of Scripture brought forward in this controversy. An important and informative book for those concerned with the fundamental questions of the relationship between men and women in home, church and society.

Very comprehensive... Very good!


MESSAGES

1. Men & Women: Similarities & Differences - Wayne Grudem

2. Male & Female He Created Them In The Image Of God - John Piper

3. Manhood & Womanhood: Confusion After The Fall - John Piper

4. Manhood & Womanhood Before Sin - John Piper

5. Affirming The Goodness Of Manhood & Womanhood In All Of Life - John Piper

6. Radical Womanhood - Carolyn McCulley

7. Biblical Feminity - Carolyn Mahaney


So there we go. This list is far from exhaustive, but if you're keen to make a start then here's some ideas on where to kick things off... Hope that helps!

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