Male & Female: Embracing Your Role in God's Design

by Concordia Publishing House, Christa Petzold, Jonathan Petzold

Our culture is nearly consumed by the question of male and female. Incorrect views on the two sexes result in confusion, hurt, and even abuse. There is no lack of books on how to view gender. What is often lacking in even Christian books on the issue of male and female is the actual perspective of Scripture. The biblical view assumes and emphasizes the unique differences between man and woman as an expression of God’s design. In this book, the Petzolds present God’s design for the right relationship of the two sexes as foundational and essential for all human understanding and thriving. The Petzolds apply the biblical framework for masculinity and femininity to the everyday lives and relationships that are part of one’s God-given role as a man or a woman. Explore how men and women together bear God’s image and how one’s sex is an inescapable part of understanding one’s identity in Christ.

Genres: Religion

168 pages, Paperback

First published July 13, 2021

Reviews

[Kati Gaschler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally a book on the traditional Christian gender views that isn’t harsh or incredibly law-heavy. This book was written lovingly and I found it very refreshing.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This book is intended to be a 'third use' book. It is not intended to condemn the unbelieving world or to oppress believers with feelings of guilt and hopelessness, but rather to point the redeemed children of God to the heart of God and to His design for our lives. However, the Holy Spirit uses the Law on us as individuals differently at different times. What we intend as a guide may be experienced as a curb or mirror as the Holy Spirit wills."

There was really sound and helpful sections on the role of Man and Woman based on the Genesis Creation account, as well as strong sections on marriage and children (the roles of husband and wife and mother and father).

I was most excited for the chapter "A Compassionate Response to Homosexuality", but I found that chapter to be lacking in firm theology on what to do and how to handle such instances. As this chapter ended the book, I found myself disappointed in the book as a whole. However, the previous chapters are a great resource to have in your hands.

[Sharla Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a clear and biblical view of the roles of men and women. The authors spoke of the headship and helper roles but made it clear that a helper is not inferior. That, in fact, the same Hebrew helper term is used both for women and for God. I thought the chapter on women in the church gave an excellent explanation of why some denominations do not ordain women but that does not lessen their roles in the church or make them less valuable. The last chapter, "A Compassionate Response to Homosexuality" outlined a helpful response to a very controversial subject. This book would be an excellent resource for an adult Bible study, guiding people to think deeply and discuss the complex topic of male and female roles in our confusing world.

[Spencer Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

In our postmodern age, when increasingly our culture rejects truth for its own version of "truth", the Petzolds book brings us back to the eternal truth that we have been given in the Scripture, inspired by the Holy Spirit, fulfilled by Jesus, and promulgated through the ages by our Father in heaven. As Jesus says in John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This truth starts in the Garden, where man falls into sin because of pride, a rejection of God's will, and through passivity, man rejects his role in God's creation as head, by rejecting Jesus as our head. This book calls us back to the Garden, it calls us back to dependence on Jesus, and back to our identity as men and women, created in God's image, for the purpose of serving Him. The Petzolds remind us that our identity is rooted in our baptism, and through the work of the Holy Spirit, we can be confident of our salvation, of our identity as men and women, and of our God's promises for us. The Petzolds do not try to comfort us with platitudes, empty promises, prosperity, possessions or status. They call us to repent and trust in God's promises. They call us to live out our roles as head and helper in a world full of confusion and disorder. Through our roles as men and women, and through our vocations, we can bring good order to our marriage, family, church, community and to our neighbors.

[Jessica Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for biblical man and womanhood written in a time when our culture is telling us there is no truth. I will recommend this book to any Christian wanting a guide through their role as head and helper. It was a wonderful read.

[Amy Genszler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and Scripturally sound.

[Rebekah Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Male & Female pushes past the stereotypes of men and women and rejects the tantalizing bait of social and political hot topics surrounding gender and sex. Instead, the authors simply look to the Bible for answers on God’s design and purpose for men and women. By focusing on Biblical interpretation, rooted in sound theology, the authors are able to discuss our vocations as men and women and God’s design for our relationships, especially marriage as a reflection of Christ and His Church. They also don’t shy away from the brokenness of our sinful world, and so their book offers us hope for discerning how to live in hurting relationships and an imperfect world. Written for all people, whether married or single, this book points us to Christ and offers a clear, Biblical perspective on several topics surrounded manhood and womanhood. It will be a blessing for individuals to read and also provides helpful questions (and answers!) for groups that are ready for in-depth and thoughtful discussion.

[Tara Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sections of this book deeply resonated with me as a woman, wife, mother, divorcee, and as a called female church worker. Jonathan and Christa do an excellent job of addressing sensitive topics with clear Scriptural teachings. Men and women in all vocations would benefit from their clear writings on our identity in Christ as male and female, The theological concepts are broken down without being watered down and presented with grace and love. I see this text being helpful for couples' Bible studies, premarital counseling, and team ministry settings, I look forward to using it in my own family and congregation!

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful and accessible book that looks at gender from a macro-level. It is also a perfect book for bible study as the authors include scripture passage to reflect on as they pick apart the important roles of the two genders: male and female from the view of church and society. Though the authors refer to Lutheran beliefs, most Christians can find plenty to ponder since the ideas rely heavily on scripture. I really enjoyed this book because it doesn't bring up the tired and obvious talking points on gender that so many books seem to hammer down into people who long for more depth.

Thanks to the publisher for the advance reading access.

[Tara Darling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sections of this book deeply resonated with me as a woman, wife, mother, divorcee, and as a called female church worker. Jonathan and Christa do an excellent job of addressing sensitive topics with clear Scriptural teachings. Men and women in all vocations would benefit from their clear writings on our identity in Christ as male and female, The theological concepts are broken down without being watered down and presented with grace and love. I see this text being helpful for couples' Bible studies, premarital counseling, and team ministry settings, I look forward to using it in my own family and congregation!

[Josh G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars. There are some great insights in this book. The sections Genesis 1–2, abuse in the church, and women in ministry are very good. One great insight was how Egalitarians utilize a Law-Gospel reductionism that flattens role distinctions in the name of the gospel (eg. by using Galatians 3:28).

My quibbles, however are:
-- Pretty shallow exegesis of 1 Timothy 2:8ff.
-- Lutheran convictions about Baptism, Communion, and the mediating role of Pastors.

These criticisms aside, this is a good book that is worth reading in our cultural moment.

[Stephanie Neugebauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and easy to read! Well-organized, logical, articulate, and accessible to all readers. A beautiful reflection of what the whole of Scripture states regarding the order of creation, manhood and womanhood, marriage and singleness. A clear look at the self and relationships under the cross and in light of our future glory.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that is easy to read and Biblically based! The perfect book to read if you want to understand what the Scriptures say about masculinity and femininity and how to embrace the way you were created in the image of God! If you need some encouragement to embrace your role as a man or woman— read this book!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

For school

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for any Christian who is married or considering marriage. Biblically sound and a great reminder of the roles that were created for men and women. I'll be recommending this to friends for years to come.