Biblical Manhood and Womanhood—Stressing the differences -- By: W. Ward Gasque

Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 04:1 (Winter 1990)
Article: Biblical Manhood and Womanhood—Stressing the differences
Author: W. Ward Gasque


Biblical Manhood and Womanhood—Stressing the differences

W. Ward Gasque

W. Ward Gasque, the E. Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies at Regent College, Vancouver, BC is the editor of the New International Biblical Commentary (Hendrickson).

A double-paged ad costing thousands of dollars began to appear two months ago in Christianity Today and other Christian magazines in the United States promoting what it alleges to be the “biblical teachings on the relationship between men and women, especially in the home and in the church.”

In answer to the question, “What do you stand for?” the response is given: “We hold that God made men and women to be equal in personhood and in value, but different in roles.” The splashy advertisement goes on to assert that “Scripture affirms male leadership in the home, and that in the church certain governing and teaching roles are restricted to men.”

According to the framers of the “Danvers Statement” —26 men and 4 women are listed as “Council Members” and 18 men and 3 women, as “Board of Reference” —the idea of “God-given distinctions” between men’s and women’s roles in marriage and the church is under strong attack, not only by the “secular humanists” but also by books, articles and speeches stemming from within the evangelical Christian community.

Their goal is to restore traditional views, and they appeal for the support of the Christian community at large.

Male headship

The text of the “Danvers Statement” lists a ten-point statement of rationale, a five-point statement of purpose, and ten affirmations. The bottom line is “male headship” (which is interpreted as being in charge of making the decisions) in the family and in the church.

Scripture, it is suggested, promotes “the glad harmony... between the loving, humble leadership of redeemed husbands and the intelligent, willing support of that leadership by redeemed wives.”

“Distinctions in masculine and feminine roles are ordained by God as part of the created order…” “Adam’s headship in marriage was established

by God before the Fall…” “Sin inclines... women to resist limitations on their roles…”

“Wives should forsake resistance to their husband’s authority and grow in willing, joyful submission to their husband’s leadership.”

Although men and women share equally in the blessings of salvation, “some governing and teaching roles within the church are restricted to men.” In spite of the statement that the CBMW has been established “for t...

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