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Summary of the concepts of the book
Christians need to understand the issues of biblical manhood and womanhood as the two issues if well understood will help Christians to co-exist peacefully especially in the context of marriage. The book, Recovering biblical manhood and womanhood, as edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem (Crossway Books, 2006) goes a long way in helping its readers to understand the two issues of manhood and womanhood in a relationship especially in the marriage between a man and a woman from a biblical perspective. The book also addresses the issues of gender and the responsibilities of a man and a woman in and out of marriage. It goes further to address the issue of singleness and that of same-sex marriages. In all these issues, the two writers give their views from a biblical perspective and thus give their explanations as guided by the Bible and the will of God. The book, therefore, becomes a powerful guide to Christians and more so to people aspiring to be in relationships of marriage and also those that want to remain single. It gives guidelines on where to find refuge when the relationships are not working due to quarrels and disagreements. The book also brings out the issue of gender equality among men and women without undermining the authority and responsibility of either the male or the female in the relationship and marriage. The writer, John Piper, gives an illustration of his own family. He narrates how he learned a lot from his mother. He describes how strong and hardworking his mother was. He describes how his father on the other hand was also strong and masculine working equally as hard as his mother to raise their child. There was an unmistakable difference between the man and the woman of the house when the parents of the writer undertook their household chores. The mother undertook responsibilities that were of equal measure to those of the father. The writer grew up knowing that there was a difference between his father and mother. He says that his parents prayed and loved reading the Bible. The writer says that he could clearly distinguish the different roles that his parents played in their household. His father was the leader of the house and led in decision-making while not overlooking his mothers opinion. His father protected the household and disciplined him whenever he misbehaved or was disrespectful to his mother. His mother too was a leader and so there was no manner of superiority or inferiority in the leadership of that home. It was not about who was stronger or more skillful than the other but rather the leadership in the house was based on the understanding of the purpose of creating both the male and female human beings.
Strengths
In perspective, the writers family described in this book is a true description of Gods values and his intention and purpose of relationships and marriages. God designed human beings with their profound differences. The arguments as depicted in the book are based on the Bible and are not creations of an independent mind. The book also outlines how the Bible addresses and commends the vision of manhood and womanhood. As the writer depicts, deep inside every woman and mature femininity, there is a burning and free desire to receive, affirm and nurture strength and leadership from a mature and worthy man. In affirming the mentioned concept, the writer sees femininity as a complement to affirm the strength and leadership of a worthy man. Any woman will gladly accept these thoughtful initiatives and feels honored and put at liberty by his caring servant-hood. In nurturing this, the writer brings out the picture of the nature of a woman as not just a passive receiver but also as a caretaker who will naturally nurture the resources provided by the man. She becomes an assistant and a partner and they can perform tasks and reason together in a way neither would manage on their own. She joins in the act of leadership and therefore, the writer highlights that the woman is not just a subject to the authority and leadership of the man. The writer on the other hand also describes masculinity as the act of possessing a sense of leadership and compassionate traits. The man possesses a responsibility to lead, care for, provide and protect the woman and this gives him a sense of satisfaction and pride. The writer invokes the use of the word, benevolent in his description of a man deliberately to highlight that the responsibility and leadership of the man are in every way meant to uplift and care for the woman and not in any way meant to undermine her ability or portray authoritarianism. The major idea that the writer postulates is that both male and female human beings have their merits and demerits and that both sexes should appreciate each others strengths and weaknesses. He also highlights the key responsibilities of both the male and female partners in a relationship.
Weaknesses
There is an argument on whether what the writer describes as the meaning of the words of the apostle Paul are correct when Paul states that the man is the head of the family just as Christ is the head of the Church. It raises the argument whether the word head denotes authority in the family or just a leader in the family setting. This definition has become very unpopular in todays society and the writer does not give a clear picture or evidence of its meaning. In defying this meaning, critics have cited that the word could mean something else. Saying that the husband has pre-eminence over his wife is to suggest that he has more importance and honor than the wife according to its meaning and thus contradicts the true meaning of the same as taught in the New Testament. As seen from the New Testament, men and women are both heirs of the grace of life and are described as all one in Christ Jesus.
Implications
In using this book, a Christian can become a better disciple of Jesus Christ by teaching important lessons on the topic of manhood and womanhood to fellow believers and people in relationships. The book gives a clear perspective of the behavior, morals, and responsibilities of a man and a woman whether in marriage or not in marriage. It also highlights how being single would go a long way in making one more devoted to the work of Christ hence becoming a better disciple of Jesus Christ.
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