Journal: Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
Volume: JBMW 21:2 (Fall 2016)
Article: A Review Of Owen Strachan And Gavin Peacock. "The Grand Design: Male And Female He Made Them." Great Britain: Christian Focus, 2016. 172 Pp. $9.99.
Author: Drew Ham

---

JBMW 21:2 (Fall 2016) p. 68

A Review Of Owen Strachan And Gavin Peacock. The Grand Design: Male And Female He Made Them. Great Britain: Christian Focus, 2016. 172 Pp. $9.99.

Drew Ham

PhD Student
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
Wake Forest, North Carolina

Our culture is adrift. We are a rudderless vessel in the sea without a compass, map, or any real idea of where we are headed. We are easily blown about by the winds of change (see Eph 4:14). Many men are increasingly effeminate; many women are increasingly aggressive.

Neither really know why. For many people, sexuality and gender issues are convoluted and suggested to be nothing more than social constructs. This is a remarkably sad commentary on the modern state of affairs, and yet we are determined to maintain our autonomy and freedom unwilling to learn from history or the truths of Scripture. This is exactly why The Grand Design is the right book at the right time. Strachan and Peacock explain, “Christians have something better to offer...The Scriptures show us that flourishing as a human means, ultimately, thriving as a man and woman” (14) This is great news and a refreshing remedy for our current state of confusion.

This important book is comprised of six chapters and a short 172 pages in length. While not an exhaustive book, it covers the core principles of biblical complementarity as well as the essential components of manhood and womanhood that are vital for the Christian community. Strachan and Peacock go back to the beginning: What does it mean that God created male and female in the “image of God”? God created man and woman different, and sometimes those differences are taken for granted. However, “there is doxology in the details.” (24) God created man and woman to be fruitful and multiply, to have dominion over the earth, to work in unity and to fulfill their different roles. (25) God created the woman like the man but distinct from him. God’s design was intentional, and the differences were intentional—equal in worth and value, yet different in role. In fact, “Biblical womanhood is the most exciting take on femininity the world has ever seen.” (34) The woman, Eve, was a special creation of God, and Adam recognized her as a special gift. His response in Genesis 2:23 demonstrates that he was “overjoyed at what God has wrought.” (37) In fact, “Eve was made for ‘one

JBMW 21:2 (Fall 2016) p. 69

flesh’ union with Adam. Their intimacy will make Adam a father and Eve a mother. This is the holy design of God.” (38)

Strachan and Peacock present a biblically based model for manhood by w...

visitor : : uid: ()