Embracing Complementarianism

I much enjoyed reading this fresh, sensitive, thoughtful, well-informed and engagingly positive treatment of what is so often seen as just a troublesome and controversial topic. The authors leave space for readers to come to different conclusions in detail, under the shelter of a glad affirmation of the goodness of the word of God in every passage of Scripture. I especially valued the tone of gentle gladness allied to a confident affirmation of essentials.

The abuse of power by some prominent church leaders in recent years has left many in our constituency wondering if the complementarian position is as toxic as many of our opponents would suggest. Certainly, those who define complementarianism purely on the basis of what women cannot do are shooting themselves in the foot and exposing their ignorance. So, what does it mean to be complementarian, and how can we be sure that our biblical convictions are having a positive rather than a negative impact on our church culture? In this book, Graham and Jane are not just asking us to consider the biblical principles but actually show us (and model for us) what it means to embrace them and live by them. If we believe that God’s design for men and women is for our good, then embracing it is not an optional extra for Christians but absolutely key if our families and churches are to flourish.

Few issues have generated more controversy in our culture and the church in recent years than the relationship between men and women. Complementarian theology has been condemned by some as abusive, and its advocates have all too often taken a defensive approach. Drawing on their many years of church ministry and training experience in Britain and Australia, the authors present a compelling, positive vision for complementarianism that rejects outdated stereotypes in favour of a holistic biblical vision of God’s creational plan for men and women. Irenic in tone, culturally sensitive and exegetically rooted, this book will help reluctant complementarians to more joyfully embrace what they believe. Egalitarians evangelicals who read it will gain a better understanding of the convictions and concerns of complementarian brothers and sisters. It unpacks the practical implications of complementarianism for church life without being prescriptive and provides helpful reflection questions for individuals and groups.