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Man and Woman in Christ: An Examination of the Roles of Men and Women in Light of Scripture and the Social Sciences
Clark, Stephen B.
768 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1980
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265 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 26, 2014
The best book I have read on the this topic. To read this book is to be forced to think things through more carefully than our modern, blog world likes to.
The book is divided into three main sections
1. Exegetical analysis of Genesis 1-3 and key NT passages on male/female roles.
2. Examination of various branches of science, including a lot of feminist literature, to determine if the sciences back up the traditional reading of Scripture. They do.
3. How Scripture can be applied to the contemporary Christian setting.
Several things set this book apart. First, it is long. Clocking it at around 700 pages, Clark covers a lot of ground. Second, he is not sarcastic or biting, but he is dogmatic. Third, he is not afraid to knock down cherished modern truths, such as "Jesus interacted with women in a radical way." Fourth, he reads his opponents and gives them due credit. Fifth, he does not overreach, as many male/female role people can do.
One of the best sections in the book was where he discussed at length the transition from a relationship oriented society to a functional society. He carefully explained how the modern mindset differed from the pre-modern one and how many aspects of the modern mind work against the Biblical worldview.
The final section was helpful, though most readers will disagree on some points. To recognize a shift is helpful. But the hardest step is to know what to do in a new situation. He bridges that gap with several helpful chapters of summary and application.
It is too bad that this book does not have a broader readership. Most of us who are fighting egalitariansim would do well to marinate in it. Hopefully, in the coming years a man will rise up to write a 21st version of the book that takes into account the last 35 years.
The book is divided into three main sections
1. Exegetical analysis of Genesis 1-3 and key NT passages on male/female roles.
2. Examination of various branches of science, including a lot of feminist literature, to determine if the sciences back up the traditional reading of Scripture. They do.
3. How Scripture can be applied to the contemporary Christian setting.
Several things set this book apart. First, it is long. Clocking it at around 700 pages, Clark covers a lot of ground. Second, he is not sarcastic or biting, but he is dogmatic. Third, he is not afraid to knock down cherished modern truths, such as "Jesus interacted with women in a radical way." Fourth, he reads his opponents and gives them due credit. Fifth, he does not overreach, as many male/female role people can do.
One of the best sections in the book was where he discussed at length the transition from a relationship oriented society to a functional society. He carefully explained how the modern mindset differed from the pre-modern one and how many aspects of the modern mind work against the Biblical worldview.
The final section was helpful, though most readers will disagree on some points. To recognize a shift is helpful. But the hardest step is to know what to do in a new situation. He bridges that gap with several helpful chapters of summary and application.
It is too bad that this book does not have a broader readership. Most of us who are fighting egalitariansim would do well to marinate in it. Hopefully, in the coming years a man will rise up to write a 21st version of the book that takes into account the last 35 years.
Want to read
April 9, 2021BB: "If you read nothing else, you simply must read Clark." Here's a crowdfunding campaign to get it back into print.
June 8, 2025
I heard Aaron Renn recommend this a few years back in a positive light and I've been chipping away at this one over the past 2.5 years. Written over 40 years ago, this book is still clear, thorough, and enlightening on Men and Women's roles. It is certainly a must read for anyone who is interested in the topic and sees the encroachment of feminism in the church.
Clark, a Roman Catholic, but it seems liek the best kind, hits the topic from an exegetical, historical, sociological, and practical standpoint in some remarkable ways. Men and women's roles as described in Scripture are rooted in creation, not just social conventions of the time. One surprising conclusion that I do think makes sense is his recommendation of recovering the early church office of deaconess but notes there is no scriptural or historical evidence of the deaconess ever having authority over men. Instead, they were given leadership over the 'women's quarter' and functioned under the authority of the elders to help minister to the women.
This is a wonderful book. I don't think you will find a more comprehensive covering of the subject out there.
Clark, a Roman Catholic, but it seems liek the best kind, hits the topic from an exegetical, historical, sociological, and practical standpoint in some remarkable ways. Men and women's roles as described in Scripture are rooted in creation, not just social conventions of the time. One surprising conclusion that I do think makes sense is his recommendation of recovering the early church office of deaconess but notes there is no scriptural or historical evidence of the deaconess ever having authority over men. Instead, they were given leadership over the 'women's quarter' and functioned under the authority of the elders to help minister to the women.
This is a wonderful book. I don't think you will find a more comprehensive covering of the subject out there.
July 25, 2021
I’m fascinated by the fact that all but one of the positive reviews on here have been written by men. That says a lot. No woman exercising critical thinking would endorse this book and the fact it is still in print is shocking to me. Personally, as a Christian woman with qualifications in Biblical theology, I don’t believe it has anything useful to say that is relevant or helpful to my life. I have read it and have since thrown it away. Having lived under Stephen Clark’s very patriarchal and archaic system for community I can attest that the fruit of this book has been toxic for many people.
December 13, 2016
Though I owned it, I put off reading this for many years. When I finally did, I was not surprised by what I found. IMO, Clark presents his exegesis as social science whereas it is really nothing more than an apologetic for his biblical world view and the assumptions contained therein. It has no real value from a sociological perspective unless one is looking for a certain explanation of Christianity.
March 29, 2025
New review: This book went down a star, mainly because of some criticisms I hope to write more about.
The short version is that Clark's vision of lay reclamation of community is a bit rosy-tinted. This comes out more in Clark's other works, but it's here too insofar as he presents the solution as elders with a personal relationship with individuals who chose to submit to them. But this creates a weird dependency on the leaders and the neglect of individual personal responsibility, and when put into practice leads to abuse due to individuals putting all their faith in the community, rather than in Jesus.
Clark's proposal also could be supplemented by Stephen Wolfe's proposals in Christian Nationalism for extra-church groups that are focused on limited goals, such as masculine formation.
At the same time, Clark's exegesis and critiques of modernity are still great. I want to read more primary sources about this, but it's clear modernity has taken a wrong turn and anything that makes Ephesians 5 choke in our craw should be cause for alarm. Clark's work is still very helpful and the problems he points out need work from Christians. But we need to accept a lot of modernity as we try to deal with the problems it creates.
Old review: The best book on the topic of gender roles you will ever read, and the best summary of how the family has been weakened by modernity.
The short version is that Clark's vision of lay reclamation of community is a bit rosy-tinted. This comes out more in Clark's other works, but it's here too insofar as he presents the solution as elders with a personal relationship with individuals who chose to submit to them. But this creates a weird dependency on the leaders and the neglect of individual personal responsibility, and when put into practice leads to abuse due to individuals putting all their faith in the community, rather than in Jesus.
Clark's proposal also could be supplemented by Stephen Wolfe's proposals in Christian Nationalism for extra-church groups that are focused on limited goals, such as masculine formation.
At the same time, Clark's exegesis and critiques of modernity are still great. I want to read more primary sources about this, but it's clear modernity has taken a wrong turn and anything that makes Ephesians 5 choke in our craw should be cause for alarm. Clark's work is still very helpful and the problems he points out need work from Christians. But we need to accept a lot of modernity as we try to deal with the problems it creates.
Old review: The best book on the topic of gender roles you will ever read, and the best summary of how the family has been weakened by modernity.
July 29, 2020
Perhaps one of the best books on a complementarian view of gender roles that I've read in a long time - and, surprisingly, written before the complementarian movement began in earnest with Grudem and Piper's work. One of his best insights is that the question of men's and women's roles is tied with a larger vision of how God intends human society (and, after the fall, that is God's new human society created in Christ) to be structured. Thus, question of roles are difficult to consider if they are abstracted from a larger social arrangement with a God-ordained structure. This book provided as much stimulus to my thinking about the church as the original "counter-culture" as it did to my thinking on gender roles.
Also read in April 2018.
Also read in April 2018.
May 21, 2022
In our modern, "Hot Take" world, this nearly 700-page tome ends up being something more than itself. Clark presents himself as a model for how to think through something thoroughly from many angles, some of which are rarely taken into account. There is something deeply powerful in a mammoth-sized "Cold Take" that I wish was more characteristic of society as a whole (and myself).
But enough meta-commentary. This book is really about two things. First and obviously, it is about the roles of men and women in Scriptural teaching. Second and crucially, it includes a sustained discussion about how society has shifted in a technological/functional direction and how this shift is beneath much of the modern erosion in our understanding of the social roles of men and women. Understanding this shift allows us to respond wisely.
In John Frame's Systematic Theology, he defines theology as application stating that "the theologian [re]states the facts and truths of Scripture for the purpose of edification (emphasis his)." He later concludes, "Scripture commands to us a kind of teaching that has people's needs in mind." This is the real strength of Clark's book. He does a great deal of work in trying to understand modern society (and how Christians relate to it), and his insights bring a great deal of clarity to the issue. To use Frame's triperspectivalism framework, while Clark does go through the normative principles involved, the real strength of his work is his focus on the situational perspective. It is worth discussing each part in some detail.
Part 1 “The Scriptural Teaching” represents his discussion of the major texts of scripture involved. If only this part existed, the book would have been worth it. Two things make Clark unique and helpful here. One is, again, his commitment to understanding the situational perspective of the early church. He understands that to fully comprehend Scripture, you need to have a clue as to the social situation it is addressing. Clark provides that context and brings it to bear on his interpretation. Second, Clark shows admirable restraint, coupled with intense methodical thinking. Where he is sure, he pulls no punches. Where he is uncertain, he lets you know. Clark is no bluffer, so he sets himself apart as trustworthy. This is a great reference book to keep on the shelf and pull down if you want to consider any passage he addresses.
Part 2 “Assessing the Scriptural Teaching” is probably the “lowest yield” portion for reformed readers in the 2020s. Don’t get me wrong, this represents great work, especially his sections on Jesus, Paul, and church tradition. However, the main thrust of this part of the book is to show that liberals really ought to be taking Scripture seriously, and that most of their dodges are laughable. He is right on, and his work here is commendable, but will be preaching to the choir for most of his modern readers.
Part 3 “The Scriptural Teaching in Contemporary Society” represents much of the situational “meat” of his argument. He first goes on a jaunt through the “modern” (i.e. prior to 1980 when this book was written) social/psychological sciences simply seeing what those academics were saying about the differences between men and women. This part is, obviously, a bit time-bound but is interesting regardless. He then discusses the switch from “traditional” societies to modern functional, “technological” societies,* and talks about how this interacts with several modern ideologies opposed to Christianity. This part of the book is outstanding and represents the foundation of Clark’s originality and helpfulness in discussing application of Scripture’s teaching.
Finally, Part 4 “A Christian Approach for Today” represents a “How Should We then Live” pastoral, landing point for Parts 1-3. Clark’s thoughtfulness and situational awareness are on high display here, so his thinking is both helpful and unique. One of his biggest insights (present also in other parts of the book) is that one of the primary reasons we struggle to apply manhood and womanhood to individuals is that we live in a technological/functional society that passively undermines those differing roles. As such, we have to rebuild Christian community to create an environment where applying the Scriptural teaching makes sense and is naturally reinforced. Personally, I think I already live in such a community (in many ways), but Clark’s vision really helped me understand what we should be shooting for.
Last question: should you read it? Honestly, this book is long enough that realistically, most people won’t. However, if you do, you will not regret it.** Further, I think Christian leaders (elders, pastors, etc.) should especially consider it, as it will help focus their work in helpful directions (in my humble opinion as a layperson). There is a reason high-powered individuals like Renn, Frame, Bayly, and Poythress have reviews with words/phrases like “one of the very best sources,” “foremeost,” “classic,” “premier,” and “greatest book.”
*Readers of Aaron Renn and CR Wiley will recognize a lot of ideas here.
**Arguably, one could read a TLDR version, by reading Part 1, half of Part 3, and Part 4, which would cut the book down to 437 pages. The book would obviously lose some of its comprehensiveness if you do it this way, but trust me, better to read some of this book than none of it.
But enough meta-commentary. This book is really about two things. First and obviously, it is about the roles of men and women in Scriptural teaching. Second and crucially, it includes a sustained discussion about how society has shifted in a technological/functional direction and how this shift is beneath much of the modern erosion in our understanding of the social roles of men and women. Understanding this shift allows us to respond wisely.
In John Frame's Systematic Theology, he defines theology as application stating that "the theologian [re]states the facts and truths of Scripture for the purpose of edification (emphasis his)." He later concludes, "Scripture commands to us a kind of teaching that has people's needs in mind." This is the real strength of Clark's book. He does a great deal of work in trying to understand modern society (and how Christians relate to it), and his insights bring a great deal of clarity to the issue. To use Frame's triperspectivalism framework, while Clark does go through the normative principles involved, the real strength of his work is his focus on the situational perspective. It is worth discussing each part in some detail.
Part 1 “The Scriptural Teaching” represents his discussion of the major texts of scripture involved. If only this part existed, the book would have been worth it. Two things make Clark unique and helpful here. One is, again, his commitment to understanding the situational perspective of the early church. He understands that to fully comprehend Scripture, you need to have a clue as to the social situation it is addressing. Clark provides that context and brings it to bear on his interpretation. Second, Clark shows admirable restraint, coupled with intense methodical thinking. Where he is sure, he pulls no punches. Where he is uncertain, he lets you know. Clark is no bluffer, so he sets himself apart as trustworthy. This is a great reference book to keep on the shelf and pull down if you want to consider any passage he addresses.
Part 2 “Assessing the Scriptural Teaching” is probably the “lowest yield” portion for reformed readers in the 2020s. Don’t get me wrong, this represents great work, especially his sections on Jesus, Paul, and church tradition. However, the main thrust of this part of the book is to show that liberals really ought to be taking Scripture seriously, and that most of their dodges are laughable. He is right on, and his work here is commendable, but will be preaching to the choir for most of his modern readers.
Part 3 “The Scriptural Teaching in Contemporary Society” represents much of the situational “meat” of his argument. He first goes on a jaunt through the “modern” (i.e. prior to 1980 when this book was written) social/psychological sciences simply seeing what those academics were saying about the differences between men and women. This part is, obviously, a bit time-bound but is interesting regardless. He then discusses the switch from “traditional” societies to modern functional, “technological” societies,* and talks about how this interacts with several modern ideologies opposed to Christianity. This part of the book is outstanding and represents the foundation of Clark’s originality and helpfulness in discussing application of Scripture’s teaching.
Finally, Part 4 “A Christian Approach for Today” represents a “How Should We then Live” pastoral, landing point for Parts 1-3. Clark’s thoughtfulness and situational awareness are on high display here, so his thinking is both helpful and unique. One of his biggest insights (present also in other parts of the book) is that one of the primary reasons we struggle to apply manhood and womanhood to individuals is that we live in a technological/functional society that passively undermines those differing roles. As such, we have to rebuild Christian community to create an environment where applying the Scriptural teaching makes sense and is naturally reinforced. Personally, I think I already live in such a community (in many ways), but Clark’s vision really helped me understand what we should be shooting for.
Last question: should you read it? Honestly, this book is long enough that realistically, most people won’t. However, if you do, you will not regret it.** Further, I think Christian leaders (elders, pastors, etc.) should especially consider it, as it will help focus their work in helpful directions (in my humble opinion as a layperson). There is a reason high-powered individuals like Renn, Frame, Bayly, and Poythress have reviews with words/phrases like “one of the very best sources,” “foremeost,” “classic,” “premier,” and “greatest book.”
*Readers of Aaron Renn and CR Wiley will recognize a lot of ideas here.
**Arguably, one could read a TLDR version, by reading Part 1, half of Part 3, and Part 4, which would cut the book down to 437 pages. The book would obviously lose some of its comprehensiveness if you do it this way, but trust me, better to read some of this book than none of it.
April 25, 2025
This is a best-in-class type of book on the complementary roles of men and women. I have a few minor quibbles with his angle on deaconesses, and I thought he had a few modern and secular applications that could have been a bit stronger. But all in all, this is a stellar book that helps to translate the Scriptural and creational view of men and women to the modern, technological society that we find ourselves in. It should still be widely read and utilized.
December 5, 2021
Heard a lot of good things about this, but haven't read it yet.
Free electronic version here: https://mwc.warhornmedia.com/
Free electronic version here: https://mwc.warhornmedia.com/
January 12, 2023
If you love misogyny, this book is great. Otherwise a terrible book.
October 5, 2022
Offers essential categories for thinking through the issues of Christian sex roles as well as a Christian approach to social life and community in general. Follows the general format of 1) what are the Biblical teachings on sex roles, 2) how does modern society differ from the society of the NT era, 3) given the first two points, what should modern Christian communities and sex roles look like?
I put this up there with A Secular Age and Rise & Triumph of the Modern Self for most important books I've read recently.
I put this up there with A Secular Age and Rise & Triumph of the Modern Self for most important books I've read recently.
Want to read
October 16, 2024Twitter
April 20, 2025
Useful
July 3, 2014
This is a very good book. It does a good job at examining the scriptures and discussing all of the possible meanings of the passage and then explaining each in great detail pointing out the reasoning behind each and then presenting the most logical. The author builds up a great logical, commonsense, and realistic basis for the importance of men and women having different roles as ordained by God, through his creation and plan for man and woman. It can be dull to read at times or difficult to understand but it is a good read and very educational.
February 11, 2021
Some collected quotes:
https://scottmoonen.com/2018/12/30/fu...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/01/13/cu...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/01/13/tr...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/02/03/di...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/02/03/ex...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/03/22/tr...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/03/22/mo...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/03/27/au...
https://scottmoonen.com/2018/12/30/fu...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/01/13/cu...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/01/13/tr...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/02/03/di...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/02/03/ex...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/03/22/tr...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/03/22/mo...
https://scottmoonen.com/2019/03/27/au...
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August 18, 2009Man and Woman in Christ: An Examination of the Roles of Men and Women in Light of Scripture and the Social Sciences by Stephen B. Clark (1980)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews