Journal: Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
Volume: JBMW 06:1 (Spring 2001)
Article: Executive Director’s Column
Author: Randy L. Stinson

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JBMW 6:1 (Spring 2001) p. 3

Executive Director’s Column

Exposition of the Danvers Statement: Affirmations 1–3

Randy L. Stinson

Executive Director, Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood Louisville, Kentucky

The first three affirmations of the Danvers Statement begin where the Bible itself begins—in the Garden of Eden, prior to the Fall. It is here that we see a picture of manhood and womanhood before sin entered the world.

1. Both Adam and Eve were created in God’s image, equal before God as persons and distinct in their manhood and womanhood.

Statement number one affirms that men and women are equally made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 declares that God made man in his own image as male and female. The equality of men and women, then, is the necessary foundation from which to deal with all gender-related issues. In the creation account it is seen that men and women are, in their essence, equal in the sight of God. Neither has more or less value in their standing before their Creator.

2. Distinctions in masculine and feminine roles are ordained by God as part of the created order, and should find an echo in every human heart.

Statement number two affirms that roles between men and women originated in the pre-Fall garden and subsequently apply to all human beings. Since roles are a part of the original creation, then they are inherent in the lives of all men and women and thus should find an echo in every human heart. The idea that men and women are equal yet different, though rejected by modern feminism, is indeed a result of God’s purposeful and beautiful design.

3. Adam’s headship in marriage was established by God before the Fall, and was not a result of sin.

Statement number three affirms that the roles mentioned in statement number two involve the headship of Adam before the Fall. There are several reasons why it is asserted that headship is taught in Genesis 1 and 2.

First, Adam is created first. The concept of derivation and birth order comes into play here and Adam’s headship is assumed in as much as Eve is created subsequently. The fact that Adam is created first is clearly a very important part of the narrative. He has a natural precedence by order of creation (cf. 1Cor. 11:3, 7–9; 1 Tim. 2: 11–13).

Second, man’s headship ...

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