I guess I'm a complementarian. I just didn't know it.

Owen Strachan and Gavin Peacock lay out an introductory overview to complementarianism in The Grand Design. Complementarity is "the way in which men and women find happiness inning their God-given identity and filling their God-given roles. Equal in dignity and worth, men and women share much in terms of Christian discipleship. But we are not the same" (12). This biblical framework for understanding gender identity honors the value of each sex while upholding the gender distinctions the Bible lays forth.

Complementarity is not a popular position in this age of egalitarianism. "Anything you can do, I can do better" is the cry of feminism. But is this the position of Scripture? Strachan and Peacock lay out a case to the opposite effect. Their case is strong. They employ sound hermeneutics and faithful exposition to come to their conclusions.

Strachan and Peacock address biblical manhood, biblical womanhood, and the role of the church in declaring the glory of God in his perfect design. My previous studies had not provided me the opportunity to read from those entrenched in the complementarian camp. The Grand Design is a good starting point. It is solidly biblical, gracious in tone, and uncompromising in conviction. ( )