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Divine Design: God's Complementary Roles for Men and Women
Our society today has tried to fit men and women in the same interchangeable mold. The church has begun to buy into this confusing, frighteningly secular hybrid that has led to a treacherous rift that is ruining marriages, dividing families, and splitting churches top to bottom. Yet God divinely designed each sex with unique qualities and strengths. In his thorough, no-nonsense style, John MacArthur, Jr. sets aside prevailing cultural standards and helps you understand and apply the biblical principles for men's and women's roles. Discover the beauty, balance, and benefits of God's unique role for you in this practical, well-researched tool.
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2006
404 people are currently reading
953 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,955 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 29, 2017
Frankly, when I downloaded this book I was expecting a book about gender differences from a biblical standpoint to shed light on the chaos of modern "gender free" culture. The opening lines, “The fact that men and women are different by design is no surprise to those who are committed to reality,” seemed to tell me I was heading the right direction. But the entire book ended up being about male headship/female submission. I have no problem with discussing these issues from a biblical viewpoint, but they were not what I was expecting.
You’ve got to hand it to MacArthur for tackling every difficult passage on male and female roles (Proverbs 31, Ephesians 5, Titus 2, 1 Peter 3, etc.). His very traditional views are hard for most modern women to hear since they (myself included) have been conditioned to feminist thinking in many areas. I agree with him that many women have put self-fulfillment outside the home above being faithful keepers of the home, but still found his cut-and-dry judgments to be irksome at times.
While mostly writing about marriage, MacArthur also addresses widowhood, singleness and women in ministry.
One quote: “Man’s authority over woman is delegated to him by God to be used for His purposes and in His way. As a fellow creature, man has no innate superiority to woman and has no right to use his authority tyrannically or selfishly. Male chauvinism is no more biblical than feminism. Both are perversions of God’s plan.” (p. 54)
You’ve got to hand it to MacArthur for tackling every difficult passage on male and female roles (Proverbs 31, Ephesians 5, Titus 2, 1 Peter 3, etc.). His very traditional views are hard for most modern women to hear since they (myself included) have been conditioned to feminist thinking in many areas. I agree with him that many women have put self-fulfillment outside the home above being faithful keepers of the home, but still found his cut-and-dry judgments to be irksome at times.
While mostly writing about marriage, MacArthur also addresses widowhood, singleness and women in ministry.
One quote: “Man’s authority over woman is delegated to him by God to be used for His purposes and in His way. As a fellow creature, man has no innate superiority to woman and has no right to use his authority tyrannically or selfishly. Male chauvinism is no more biblical than feminism. Both are perversions of God’s plan.” (p. 54)
May 31, 2011
This was recommended to me by my pastor because I have recently been raising questions about the roles of women. It's a strong exposition of scripture, mainly 2 Timothy. I was affirmed in my decision to stay home with my children and challenged to value the impact I have in supporting my husband and investing in my kids.
November 26, 2015
Not my favorite. I felt like this book should have been title "all the do's and don'ts of women in Christianity." Too dogmatic for my tastes. He also wasn't super consistent in his views on women in the home.... Lots of scripture quoted which I can use to look up later, but I didn't really like the tone of this book... But maybe I'm just a touchy feminist.
April 16, 2025
3.5 stars.
I love how clear and concise MacArthur's arguments are. There was nothing revolutionary in this book, but I do feel that it was a thorough fleshing-out of this issue.
Also, it's refreshing to have someone state their beliefs with so few disclaimers. It makes it so much easier to pin-point where and how I disagree with him (which was fairly frequently).
That said, I get the feeling that MacArthur hardly ever questions his own opinions once he has formed them.
I love how clear and concise MacArthur's arguments are. There was nothing revolutionary in this book, but I do feel that it was a thorough fleshing-out of this issue.
Also, it's refreshing to have someone state their beliefs with so few disclaimers. It makes it so much easier to pin-point where and how I disagree with him (which was fairly frequently).
That said, I get the feeling that MacArthur hardly ever questions his own opinions once he has formed them.
September 16, 2021
*3.5 stars*
Overall this book is more of a response to the Feminist movement than what the title suggests, but still has a lot of biblical wisdom for women's roles (men's roles aren't discussed very much except in how they relate to their wives or as elders in the church).
Mainly focuses on Wives, Singles/Widows, and Elders/Deacons. Still good for the content, but maybe not what you're expecting from the title.
Overall this book is more of a response to the Feminist movement than what the title suggests, but still has a lot of biblical wisdom for women's roles (men's roles aren't discussed very much except in how they relate to their wives or as elders in the church).
Mainly focuses on Wives, Singles/Widows, and Elders/Deacons. Still good for the content, but maybe not what you're expecting from the title.
March 12, 2022
This is a wonderful resource for anyone who seeks to understand God’s purpose for our lives, as men & women. Dr. MacArthur covers all ages & stages of life, from singleness to widowhood, & unpacks scriptures that speak to each stage of life.
September 12, 2022
This book was helpful and readable. I do have to say that I differ with the author on the issue of remarriage, which comes up once in the book, and that I personally think he goes past what Scripture intends when he argues that the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3:11 are for an official class of female deacons, rather than being qualifications for a deacon’s wife. Other than that, the book seems Biblical and well-researched.
May 11, 2015
As always, MacArthur brings a STRONG exposition of scripture and backs up everything that is said in the book win scriptures that aren't taken out of context but rather have been taken back to their original roots and meanings. There is no possibility of misunderstanding the intent of the Bible when discussing male/female roles after reading this book. MacArthur's Biblical stance is always the same and one hat I admire: one may not LIKE what it says, but that doesn't make it less true or one less responsible for living its precepts if one claims to be a Bible-believing Christian. Highly recommend.
July 29, 2017
I thought this was very well done. It provided a lot of useful insight into the topic of manhood and womanhood. It even went into roles within the church. I appreciated the discussion about eldership. The discussion about deacons was good except I was very surprised that MacArthur held the view that women could be deacons. The two passages in question (Romans 16:1 and 1 Tim 3:11) just dont seem to point to a clear connection for women to be deacons. It's clear that men are to fulfill this role but I find those passages as weak in making a case for women as deacons. I did appreciate this book though and highly recommend it!
July 23, 2018
Not even worth the time it would time me to write a scathing review.
December 3, 2018
Infuriating!!
January 23, 2019
I have very mixed feelings about this book. First, I struggle with John MacArthur and his style. He just has a tone of legalism and harshness that I don't find winning. Things are one way only and if you don't see it that way you are sinning. I think he could convince more people if he had a more winsome tone. On the other hand, he did say some things I agree with, so it's not that I hate everything he said.
I do think that he sees marriage as looking one way only: you must home school, Mom must stay at home, and if Dad isn't the main bread winner he's not doing his job. In my family, raised by very godly people, my parents were very much a team. They both worked outside the home, they both worked on chores in the home (my dad was just as likely to cook supper as my mom), they talked through every major decision together, they both gave 100% to their marriage, and they both deeply loved and respected each other. John and I are pretty much the same way. And I don't feel that a Team approach to marriage is not biblical. I think that is what God intended when he gave Eve to Adam.
Yes, it's true that Eve sinned and a tension of leadership/submission was introduced. Pain in childbirth entered the arena and work became a struggle and a toil. But just as it is not wrong to use methods in childbirth to reduce pain or methods in the work place to reduce the struggle to work, I don't think it's wrong to work in marriage to restore the Team Relationship.
I think that MacArthur also thinks that adultery happens because women in the church are not dressing modestly. One could almost believe that only immodest people have affairs. And maybe he didn't mean to make it sound like it's usually the woman's fault, but that's how it sounded to me.
I do agree that men and women aren't the same and there is no reason to try to force us to be each other. We just never will be and we are happier when we accept our differences.
I do think that he sees marriage as looking one way only: you must home school, Mom must stay at home, and if Dad isn't the main bread winner he's not doing his job. In my family, raised by very godly people, my parents were very much a team. They both worked outside the home, they both worked on chores in the home (my dad was just as likely to cook supper as my mom), they talked through every major decision together, they both gave 100% to their marriage, and they both deeply loved and respected each other. John and I are pretty much the same way. And I don't feel that a Team approach to marriage is not biblical. I think that is what God intended when he gave Eve to Adam.
Yes, it's true that Eve sinned and a tension of leadership/submission was introduced. Pain in childbirth entered the arena and work became a struggle and a toil. But just as it is not wrong to use methods in childbirth to reduce pain or methods in the work place to reduce the struggle to work, I don't think it's wrong to work in marriage to restore the Team Relationship.
I think that MacArthur also thinks that adultery happens because women in the church are not dressing modestly. One could almost believe that only immodest people have affairs. And maybe he didn't mean to make it sound like it's usually the woman's fault, but that's how it sounded to me.
I do agree that men and women aren't the same and there is no reason to try to force us to be each other. We just never will be and we are happier when we accept our differences.
September 26, 2020
In a world that’s so confused about biblical manhood and womanhood, it was refreshing to hear a clear, biblical perspective that celebrates the design of both men and women to complement each other in marriage and the body of Christ.
The opening chapters were a little heady, but the rest of the book was very practical, so don’t let the beginning weigh you down!
I appreciated how he articulated God’s high standard for holiness for both genders, both for lay people and those in ministry, and the wonderful blessings that result. He discusses the role of men and women in the church, which I found very helpful. Some may disagree with his personal interpretation of a woman’s place in the home, but I believe his over-arching principles are biblical and well-presented. As a single, I greatly appreciated his biblical view of singleness and his inspiring challenge to use it to the full for the kingdom.
Would highly recommend to all Christians as we try to articulate God’s design for men and women in a world that’s very confused!
The opening chapters were a little heady, but the rest of the book was very practical, so don’t let the beginning weigh you down!
I appreciated how he articulated God’s high standard for holiness for both genders, both for lay people and those in ministry, and the wonderful blessings that result. He discusses the role of men and women in the church, which I found very helpful. Some may disagree with his personal interpretation of a woman’s place in the home, but I believe his over-arching principles are biblical and well-presented. As a single, I greatly appreciated his biblical view of singleness and his inspiring challenge to use it to the full for the kingdom.
Would highly recommend to all Christians as we try to articulate God’s design for men and women in a world that’s very confused!
May 20, 2022
MacArthur defines men and women’s rolls in the church and in their home lives. He takes us through passages like Titus and 1 Timothy, going word by word and exegeting the Scriptures to show what our Lord really teaches on these subjects.
He talks on the perfect design, and how men and women are meant to serve in perfect contrast to one another, balancing the whole church.
At the end, he highlights why it’s so important the church doesn’t waver on this issue.
I loved this book so much, and would recommend it to anyone.
I especially found it helpful as a single girl. He has a chapter set aside for how a single person ought to act and how they can serve God in this time.
I also found it helpful in that as it highlighted how a man and how a woman ought to be, it also showed what kind of a man you should be looking for in a husband, and how you should start to act, preparing yourself to be a wife.
He talks on the perfect design, and how men and women are meant to serve in perfect contrast to one another, balancing the whole church.
At the end, he highlights why it’s so important the church doesn’t waver on this issue.
I loved this book so much, and would recommend it to anyone.
I especially found it helpful as a single girl. He has a chapter set aside for how a single person ought to act and how they can serve God in this time.
I also found it helpful in that as it highlighted how a man and how a woman ought to be, it also showed what kind of a man you should be looking for in a husband, and how you should start to act, preparing yourself to be a wife.
February 1, 2023
This was a book that has been languishing on my shelves for awhile, and with all the gender debates coming into the political realms, and all the confusion over gender and the roles of males/females in our society, I figured now was a good time to read it.
This was a thorough, easy-to-read exposition on the biblical doctrine of men and women, and focused mainly on their roles in the church. Pastor MacArthur took us back through history to answer how we got here today, and where we're headed if the church doesn't step up and take the lead in this debate. I really appreciated how he didn't focus *only* on the married people, but also included the single people and widows, showing what the roles are for them and giving practical, Biblical advice on how to fill them.
I agreed with much of what he said -- dare I say, all of what he said -- and would encourage all evangelical Christians to read this book.
This was a thorough, easy-to-read exposition on the biblical doctrine of men and women, and focused mainly on their roles in the church. Pastor MacArthur took us back through history to answer how we got here today, and where we're headed if the church doesn't step up and take the lead in this debate. I really appreciated how he didn't focus *only* on the married people, but also included the single people and widows, showing what the roles are for them and giving practical, Biblical advice on how to fill them.
I agreed with much of what he said -- dare I say, all of what he said -- and would encourage all evangelical Christians to read this book.
December 9, 2021
The book stands out because of two things. First, the meaning of the words from the root word (original language) is exceptional. Second, it is full of Bible references that explain the Divine Design for Complementary Roles for men and women. I enjoyed reading many quotes and data that represent the present condition of the family and marriage in today's world. One more highlight of the book is it continued to remind the readers how Satan attacks the Divine design of Marriage and Family. It is simple, clear, and straightforward.
January 1, 2019
I agree with MacArthur's assessment about roles, overreach of the radical feminist movement and how it's tainting the church and its ministry. I read this as a e-book and didn't realize it had discussion points for each chapter until I was finished with the whole book. Seeing it now, I would like to have studied it with others. I'm sure with the influence feminism has had in society, it would be a lively discussion!
July 15, 2020
I really appreciate how he went back to the Greek text frequently and taught context and culture in his Biblical exposition. I didn't expect him to go into roles of elders, deacons, etc; but he did spend some time on that. He pointed out the errors of feminism, but also stressed that our value and position in Christ is equal with that of men. It wasn't a super interesting book, but from what I remember, I would say it was Biblically sound.
January 2, 2024
Interesting book, a bit repetitive but definitely don't agree with some of the other reviews mentioning that the author is just criticising women, I believe the author critcises both women and men in their failure to follow biblical roles. I did get a bit of insight but wouldn't consider a transformative book.
August 10, 2019
Great Book on how Men and Women are Created Differently
Great book how God has created us differently. Men are not superior or women inferior; we are created differently. We complement one another and make up the beautiful body of Christ.
Great book how God has created us differently. Men are not superior or women inferior; we are created differently. We complement one another and make up the beautiful body of Christ.
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November 10, 2022It was good. I liked all the cultural research. The research only included some of the topics, not all of the topics was the cultural research talked about. The book would have been better if all topics had the cultural research in the book.
March 5, 2023
Great read on the roles of women and men as reflected in scripture. This book dives into the importance of sharing the Gospel and our lives as Christian’s being a reflection of the Glory of God bringing unbelievers to salvation.
December 6, 2018
Great book for all Family
I like the context supported with bible verses historical references and reference authors. The study section as great to go through with my spouse
I like the context supported with bible verses historical references and reference authors. The study section as great to go through with my spouse
April 1, 2019
Helpful thoughts, but I think more attention should be given to exploring the subject, especially scriptures, within today's culture.
October 31, 2020
2020 A book about a controversial subject
December 21, 2020
This book is an apologetics against feminism. This is already an old issues, nearly 30 years ago, but in some area, this issues still became a debate in the miniatry.
April 30, 2021
This book covers the roles of men and women throughout the Bible and the church. I highly recom-mend it for all readers.
June 8, 2021
This is a thought provoking book. I couldn't put the book down.
July 20, 2021
I will definitely be rereading this book. It's a keeper.
December 16, 2022
Excellent.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews