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Men and Women, Equal Yet Different: A Brief Study of the Biblical Passages on Gender
This book defends, in easy-to-understand terms, the Biblical viewpoint of the gender issue with the Biblical evidence that Jesus Christ and the apostles taught that men and women are created equal, yet have been given different roles to fulfill in the family and in the church.
126 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 18, 2019
For this little book I wrote a review of which I was rather chuffed
I clicked 'fire away'
and it looked all okay
'til unsaved my writing got stuffed
:(
I clicked 'fire away'
and it looked all okay
'til unsaved my writing got stuffed
:(
November 19, 2020
Alexander Strauch convincingly argues for complementarianism (that men and women are equally made in the image of God with equal dignity and yet with differing roles in terms of a headship-submission framework) by providing clear explanations of all the disputed passages and defending the basic sense of Scripture.
The key insight is that Jesus and the apostles defend their views on gender based on the creation account. Differing roles are therefore according to God's design and are not culturally based or a consequence of the Fall. Still, great care must be taken to define these roles. Male dominance masquerading as complementarianism should be exposed. Our sisters who excel in accordance with their gifting should not be overlooked but honoured.
Strauch is gracious to egalitarians throughout which is a breath of fresh air in a debate that is often very polemical. This is ultimately a debate about hermeneutics and how the Bible can be understood by the ordinary person and how our church practice binds the conscience of the layperson.
The key insight is that Jesus and the apostles defend their views on gender based on the creation account. Differing roles are therefore according to God's design and are not culturally based or a consequence of the Fall. Still, great care must be taken to define these roles. Male dominance masquerading as complementarianism should be exposed. Our sisters who excel in accordance with their gifting should not be overlooked but honoured.
Strauch is gracious to egalitarians throughout which is a breath of fresh air in a debate that is often very polemical. This is ultimately a debate about hermeneutics and how the Bible can be understood by the ordinary person and how our church practice binds the conscience of the layperson.
February 25, 2021
This book was packed with scriptural evidence for why men and women are equal yet different in their roles at the same time. I can’t help but feel and act more confident in my role as a woman and a wife after diving into specific scriptures about such. I also can’t help but want to know more, simply reading this book on its own does not suffice for the fire Inside my soul. Looking forward to reading the New Testament in a slightly different light.
November 20, 2025
Helpful exegetical survey of the key passages in the egalitarian vs complementarian debate. He makes a compelling argument for the complementarian viewpoint while still explaining the alternative arguments well.
February 21, 2017
I believe that unless you've actually read a book, you have no right to have an opinion on it. I also believe it's a good thing to occasionally read books whose topics make you uncomfortable. So I read this one.
As an evangelical feminist, I found Strauch's argument a mixed bag. On the one hand, I appreciated his serious efforts to affirm the worth of women and stand up for their basic protection; when too many men use traditional biblical interpretation as an excuse to mistreat their wife, Strauch's explicit condemnation of that is a welcome self-awareness.
But on the other, and I found many places in his argument weak. Strauch has a tendency towards straw men. He overstates the feminists' case and misrepresents them in several places. He relies on circular reasoning, using previous arguments to shore up later ones in the book. He does not effectively quote from opposing sources, nor engage at length with specific arguments (such as the link between biblical approval of marital submission and approval of slavery); this lack makes his argument facile, likely to primarily convince people who already agree with him.
More troubling still, Strauch conflates marriage roles with gender roles; there is no recognition in here that in the church age, marriage is no longer the norm or the ideal situation, nor is there any discussion of what a woman's roles are other than being a wife and mother. Unmarried women (and for that matter, men), without a marriage in which to perform the gender roles Strauch outlines, are left without any clearly defined roles whatsoever.
Of course, it's possible to make a poor argument in defense of a truthful point. I'm not saying that I disagree (or that I agree) with Strauch, only that the argument he makes in defense of female submission is not a particularly strong one. It seems to come from a good heart, but perhaps not very good thinking.
As an evangelical feminist, I found Strauch's argument a mixed bag. On the one hand, I appreciated his serious efforts to affirm the worth of women and stand up for their basic protection; when too many men use traditional biblical interpretation as an excuse to mistreat their wife, Strauch's explicit condemnation of that is a welcome self-awareness.
But on the other, and I found many places in his argument weak. Strauch has a tendency towards straw men. He overstates the feminists' case and misrepresents them in several places. He relies on circular reasoning, using previous arguments to shore up later ones in the book. He does not effectively quote from opposing sources, nor engage at length with specific arguments (such as the link between biblical approval of marital submission and approval of slavery); this lack makes his argument facile, likely to primarily convince people who already agree with him.
More troubling still, Strauch conflates marriage roles with gender roles; there is no recognition in here that in the church age, marriage is no longer the norm or the ideal situation, nor is there any discussion of what a woman's roles are other than being a wife and mother. Unmarried women (and for that matter, men), without a marriage in which to perform the gender roles Strauch outlines, are left without any clearly defined roles whatsoever.
Of course, it's possible to make a poor argument in defense of a truthful point. I'm not saying that I disagree (or that I agree) with Strauch, only that the argument he makes in defense of female submission is not a particularly strong one. It seems to come from a good heart, but perhaps not very good thinking.
August 8, 2022
In this excellent book, Men and Women: Equal Yet Different, Alexander Strauch enters the cultural fray related to gender and “…the erasure of distinctions between the sexes…” Strauch’s goal in writing the book “…is to state and defend the complementarian view point.” He seeks to expose the evangelical feminist view (also knows as Egalitarian) and demonstrate that the Complementarian view is rooted and grounded in a literal, grammatical, historical hermeneutic of Scripture. Strauch states that “The gender debate is not an abstract, impersonal, doctrinal controversy. It touches directly on our humanness our sexual identity, our ministry opportunities, the marriage relationship, family life, and life in the local church.” The author builds his argument around the creation account, how Jesus viewed the creation account, our Lord’s choosing of twelve men to lead His church, His instruction on marriage, how the apostles taught gender equality yet role differences, and the significance of women in the family and church ministry.
Strengths of the book would be: 1) the examination of all critical Scriptures supporting the complementarian view; 2) The exaltation of our Lord and His boldness against the culture of the day; and 3) the Biblical basis for the equality of men and women, yet the clear distinction between the two genders, the roles each plays in marriage, family, and in church ministry.
Weaknesses of the book are few but worth noting: 1) The unnecessary repetition of content; 2) On page 47, the author writes, “Under certain heartbreaking circumstances, a Christian wife may even have to divorce…from a wicked husband” (Matt. 19:9). The use of the words, “have to” doesn’t seem to fit the argument of Scripture; and 3) The brevity is good but more attention could have been given to the arguments put forward by the Egalitarian view.
Strengths of the book would be: 1) the examination of all critical Scriptures supporting the complementarian view; 2) The exaltation of our Lord and His boldness against the culture of the day; and 3) the Biblical basis for the equality of men and women, yet the clear distinction between the two genders, the roles each plays in marriage, family, and in church ministry.
Weaknesses of the book are few but worth noting: 1) The unnecessary repetition of content; 2) On page 47, the author writes, “Under certain heartbreaking circumstances, a Christian wife may even have to divorce…from a wicked husband” (Matt. 19:9). The use of the words, “have to” doesn’t seem to fit the argument of Scripture; and 3) The brevity is good but more attention could have been given to the arguments put forward by the Egalitarian view.
August 8, 2017
This short little book is basically the reader's digest version of the volume of work in "Biblical Manhood and Womanhood", edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem. This little work gives you a general overview of the primary biblical texts in questions when it comes to studies of men and women as well as overarching themes and theology. It is, of course, arguing for the evangelical complimentarian view of gender, though it also highlights the arguments of the opposing view points.
For me, this subject has been a particular area of focus for me and I've been working through Piper & Grudem's larger volume of work. Because of that, I found this particular book unnecessary and repetitive for me. Also, the first part of every chapter was an attempt to relate it to real life, and I found the jump to be cheap and useless. However, as a whole, and for someone who is just being introduced to this subject and ideas, this is a great resource to begin with. It's a short read for gathering the arguments and positions and can either cover all you desire to know, or give you a launching place for deeper study.
For me, this subject has been a particular area of focus for me and I've been working through Piper & Grudem's larger volume of work. Because of that, I found this particular book unnecessary and repetitive for me. Also, the first part of every chapter was an attempt to relate it to real life, and I found the jump to be cheap and useless. However, as a whole, and for someone who is just being introduced to this subject and ideas, this is a great resource to begin with. It's a short read for gathering the arguments and positions and can either cover all you desire to know, or give you a launching place for deeper study.
February 22, 2025
Even in 2025, 26 years after it was published, this book is still relevant. Why? Because it looks at the Bible and the Bible continues to be and will always be relevant and applicable to today's world.
While this book took the position of a complementarian and explained what they believe, it also mentioned the Evangelical Feminists' opinions and explained why these weren't doctrinally sound. With Bible verses to back up every point made as well as giving extra attention to the main phrases and words used in this study, I would consider this a good starting point when considering the discussion of gender roles and how men and women are equal yet different.
While this book took the position of a complementarian and explained what they believe, it also mentioned the Evangelical Feminists' opinions and explained why these weren't doctrinally sound. With Bible verses to back up every point made as well as giving extra attention to the main phrases and words used in this study, I would consider this a good starting point when considering the discussion of gender roles and how men and women are equal yet different.
December 5, 2018
This book was a very good summary of the complementation point of view. The scriptures that defend that beliefs were well expressed. A open view to other beliefs wasn't really addressed. It leaned toward the more conservative side of the debate but was an interesting read.
December 12, 2019
What I do like about this one is it's a short theology of men and women's roles. It's a little dry and harder to get through at some points. Definitely glad I read it, but have found other resources more helpful.
July 31, 2017
Conflates wife-hood with womanhood a few times, but super strong book, soaked in scripture, defending complementarianism!
October 23, 2017
Good exegesis with sound arguments. A must-read if you are serious in applying the truth in your life.
April 8, 2018
Brief, biblical, and accessible introduction to complementarianism.
October 17, 2023
I recommend especially for people in the engaged and single season.
November 22, 2023
Equal but different
A well researched scripturally sound discussion on the equality of worth and the different function of masculine and feminine roles prescribed by God.
A well researched scripturally sound discussion on the equality of worth and the different function of masculine and feminine roles prescribed by God.
August 29, 2025
This is a succinct book that thoughtfully expounds upon the foundational passages about men and women in the Bible. I appreciate this book.
October 14, 2025
I struggled with the structure/layout of the book, but solid content regarding the complementarian position on gender.
May 8, 2021
Strong exposition of the NT passages on gender. In my opinion, the book could have used the following:
A woman’s perspective on how this works in real life. Although I realize this is outside the scope of the author’s work, as a female reader this is something I desired all through the book. I think this would be relatable for all female readers and also more convincing to evangelical feminists whom Strauch is trying to persuade.
A more extensive discussion of Proverbs 31. I would argue that it is a “core passage” on gender just as much as the NT ones he covered.
A more extension discussion of 1 Corinthians 7. This is also a significant passage on gender, particularly dealing with singleness, and it was very lightly covered.
Overall I appreciated the author’s forthright expression and clear exposition. Definitely worth reading.
A woman’s perspective on how this works in real life. Although I realize this is outside the scope of the author’s work, as a female reader this is something I desired all through the book. I think this would be relatable for all female readers and also more convincing to evangelical feminists whom Strauch is trying to persuade.
A more extensive discussion of Proverbs 31. I would argue that it is a “core passage” on gender just as much as the NT ones he covered.
A more extension discussion of 1 Corinthians 7. This is also a significant passage on gender, particularly dealing with singleness, and it was very lightly covered.
Overall I appreciated the author’s forthright expression and clear exposition. Definitely worth reading.
March 9, 2012
This book is a great book for any serious person who is looking for the truth about what God teaches on the position of our roles as God ordained it at the beginning of creation. The author brings us to see through the scriptures just how badly sin and our culture has influenced us among other things. He also shows us how coming back to God’s original plans helps exalt and glorify Him and proclaim His Holy name.
This can not be compared of course to anything like Wayne Grudem would write on Biblical manhood and womanhood but it is excellent for a beginner who just wants to read something more easy and light, all the while being solid and based on the truth of God. This is a complementarian view, which comes prepared by pointing out his arguments to the egalitarians. A must read book for any serious person who wants to grow in knowledge as to her God given role as a women and men.
It is translated in French; Égaux mais différents
Ann L Beaulieu
This can not be compared of course to anything like Wayne Grudem would write on Biblical manhood and womanhood but it is excellent for a beginner who just wants to read something more easy and light, all the while being solid and based on the truth of God. This is a complementarian view, which comes prepared by pointing out his arguments to the egalitarians. A must read book for any serious person who wants to grow in knowledge as to her God given role as a women and men.
It is translated in French; Égaux mais différents
Ann L Beaulieu
May 13, 2009
If you want to know more about the complementarian views of women in church leadership, this is a good introduction to the issues and objections surrounding key passages.
It does not dive as deep on any of the issues as any Grudem book, but gives good answers to Egalitarian positions and objections.
The only annoying thing about the book IMHO is that it is presented in a kind of dialog between a questioner and teacher. It reminds me of a Ken Blanchard book like "Who Moved My Cheese." The made up conversations did nothing to add to the content and seemed fairly unnecessary, but that was how the author saw fit to present the information.
It does not dive as deep on any of the issues as any Grudem book, but gives good answers to Egalitarian positions and objections.
The only annoying thing about the book IMHO is that it is presented in a kind of dialog between a questioner and teacher. It reminds me of a Ken Blanchard book like "Who Moved My Cheese." The made up conversations did nothing to add to the content and seemed fairly unnecessary, but that was how the author saw fit to present the information.
February 5, 2023
A solid read for those interested in learning about the “complementarian” position - meaning, that God’s design for humans comprises men and women who are distinct from one another in their roles within the home and church, with no greater worth given to one over another.
I give 5 stars to this short read not because I do or do not agree with the truth of it’s content (that is between me, God, and His Bible; it shouldn’t affect a book review I give, haha) but rather, that it was well-presented in its organization and thorough research, specifically pertaining to Scriptural basis.
I give 5 stars to this short read not because I do or do not agree with the truth of it’s content (that is between me, God, and His Bible; it shouldn’t affect a book review I give, haha) but rather, that it was well-presented in its organization and thorough research, specifically pertaining to Scriptural basis.
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June 3, 2008I was intriuged by the arguments on the subject. Especially chapter two where Strauch argues that Jesus had to be a man. He states that "The God of the Bible reveals and defines Himself in Holy Scripture in almost exclusively masculine language, titles, offices, images, and roles" thus as "Jesus Christ is the fullest revelation of God" it only follows that "He had to be male" (31). It gave me a place from which to draw ideas when confronted with differing ideas.
December 17, 2014
This will not be an "easy read" for many, but when believers allow the Scriptures to speak for themselves the truth is easy to accept.
May 2, 2015
Strauch is excellent as usual. This fair and intelligent introduction to the gender controversy is the go-to book on the issue, an absolute must-read for all Christians.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews