Equal in Essence; Different in Function (pt.3)

COMPLEMENTARIANISM

The term complementarian “describes those who understand manhood and womanhood as distinct and yet complementary roles that have been divinely appointed by God for both the home and the church.”[1] This view teaches that God created men and women equal with different gender-defined roles.[2] The term “complementarian” was chosen by scholars in order to “emphasize both the equality of the sexes and the complementary differences between men and women.”[3] Most people would agree that men and women are different in some respects. For instance, one can usually tell a man apart physically from a woman with relative ease, especially since women and men do not possess the exact same parts of the anatomy.[4] According to this viewpoint, God created men and women equally in His divine image.[5] Perhaps the best explanation of what is meant by the term “complementarianism” has been penned by John Piper:

“In the home when a husband leads like Christ and a wife responds like the bride of Christ, there is a harmony and mutuality that is more beautiful and more satisfying then any pattern of marriage created by man. Biblical headship for the husband is the divine calling to take primary responsibility, for Christlike, servant-leadership, protection and provision in the home. Biblical submission for the wife is the divine calling to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts…when we follow his idea of marriage we are most satisfied and he is most glorified.”[6]

Indeed, the word “submission” and “leadership” have a negative connotation in the present culture. With the advent of the modern feminist movement, these terms are looked at as being patriarchal and derogatory. Complementarianism is an attempt to defeat this evangelical view of egalitarianism. The basic definition of an egalitarian is “one who believes in the equality of all people.”[7] Complementarians would certainly agree to this principle as well. However, these biblical feminists argue that hierarchically structured relationships serve a condition of inequality and that “different means unequal.”[8] Biblical feminists have rejected the traditional view of equality and have redefined the meaning of what equality is.[9]

This view, also referred to as Evangelical Feminism, is simply birthed out of the present culture. Even though the modern militant feminist movement of the 1960’s and 70’s has lessened its influence on the public scene, its influence still permeates culture. Sharon James correctly notes:

“People are nervous of comments about men and women that might be construed as sexist. It is still said that any differences between the sexes are probably only the result of societal conditioning. Enlightened parents have earnestly tried giving their little boys dolls to play with, hoping that they would grow up intuitive and empathetic, the next generation of ‘new men.’ Small girls have been presented with trucks and trains, as if they might then give up their girlish dreams of marrying Prince Charming and go and join the army instead.”[10]

James correctly affirms what the present society is all about: gender equality. Even though complementarianism also espouses gender equality, the egalitarian belief is misconstrued as a form of gender merging. Apparently, the present society would be quite happy with asexual beings that were no different from each other in any way. However, the Bible firmly states that God created men and women in His image.

Egalitarians also profess that the Bible is their sole authority, however, if that is the case, there is a broad disconnect between their claim and their actions. Their view of biblical equality is that it refers to the “fundamental biblical principal that there is no moral or theological justification for permanently granting or denying a person status, privilege, or prerogative solely on the basis of that person’s race, class, or gender.”[11] This definition of equality seems to be confused with one of prejudice. Egalitarians view a person’s status (i.e. that of a pastor, leader of the family, etc.) as being equivalent to self-worth. This is a semantic error that will eventually distort every major doctrine of Christianity. As will be seen below, when the theology of the doctrine of man is altered, then the doctrine of the Trinity, and that of God, is also altered. Thus, the doctrine of salvation will also be misunderstood and then Christianity at its core is subject to revision as was the case of the Arian controversy of the 4^th century.

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[1] Peter R. Schemm, “A Call to Clarity: Understanding Gender Roles,” in Christian Theology Lecture Outlines, (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fall 2005), 101.

[2] Alexander Strauch, Equal Yet Different, (Littleton, Colorado: Lewis and Roth, 1999), 6.

[3] Ibid.

[4] The surgical alterations present with transsexuals can somewhat distort this claim however, all transsexuals were at some point born with either male or female parts of the anatomy and not both.

[5] Strauch, Equal Yet Different, 6-7.

[6] John Piper, “A Vision of Biblical Complementarity” in Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, ed. John Piper and Wayne Grudem, (Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 1991), 52-53.

[7] Mary Kassian, The Feminist Gospel, (Wheaton: Ill: Crossway, 1992), 206.

[8] Ibid.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Sharon James, God’s Design for Women, (Auburn, MA: Evangelical Press, 2002), 17-18.

[11] Rebecca Merrill Groothuis, Good News for Women (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1997), 19