As a woman and Bible teacher, I am wholeheartedly committed to teaching and defending a complimentarian view of womanhood, which asserts that men and women, though equal in worth in the eyes of God, are distinct in function both in the home and the church. These distinct functions as outlined throughout Scripture compliment one another and serve to advance the mission of God’s people, the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
The following resources have been a tremendous help to me in my exploration of what the Bible says about my role as a woman, both in my home and as I serve in the church. Many of these resources read more like a textbook in that they have very few, if any, illustrations or funny stories. I challenge you to exercise that brain of yours and read them anyway! Others are what I call “pool friendly,” meaning that they are easier to read and a bit more “fun” - something you could throw in your beach bag and enjoy along with an ice cold Coke while watching the kids splash around in the pool. I’ve noted those books that are “pool friendly.”
A Woman’s High Calling, Elizabeth George
In this book, Elizabeth George explores 10 essentials for godly living: godliness, godly speech, personal discipline, encouraging others, loving your husband, loving your family, wisdom, purity, homemaking, and goodness. If you are like me, you could use some encouragement in all of these areas! Pool friendly.
Beautiful in God’s Eyes, Elizabeth George
I love this book on the Proverbs 31 woman. It’s a very practical look at what it means to be a woman who fears the Lord. Pool friendly.
Biblical Womanhood in the Home, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, ed.
This is a compilation of the writings of seven different gifted Bible teachers on the subject of biblical womanhood. Among the contributors to this book are Dorothy Kelley Patterson, Mary Kassian, and Carolyn Mahaney. Pool friendly.
Evangelical Feminism: A New Path to Liberalism?, Wayne Grudem
In this book Dr. Grudem considers 25 different patterns of argument put forth by evengelical feminists, demonstrating that every single one of them undermines the authority of Scripture. This is not a long book (263 pages), but it is packed full of incredibly insightful commentary on the serious ramifications of embracing a feminist perspective on manhood and womanhood.
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Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth: An Analysis of More than 100 Disputed Questions, Wayne Grudem
This is essentially an encyclopedea of biblical (complementarian) responses to egalitarian claims (claims of those who deny that their are God-ordained differnces in roles of men and women in the home and church). It's not one I'll ever read from cover to cover (it's over 800 pages - way past my limit!), but it has been an invaluable "go to" resource for me.
Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother, Carolyn Mahaney
This book offers a thorough, insightful, and challenging exmaination of Titus 2:3-5. Through this book, you will uncover practical insight into the value and practice of loving your husband, loving your children, developing godly character traits, and making your home a safe haven for your family. The author includes wonderful illustrations throughout the book, which makes it fun to read. Pool friendly.
Fifty Crucial Questions: An Overview of Central Concerns about Manhood and Womanhood, John Piper and Wayne Grudem
What does submission really mean? Why is the man supposed to be the head of the home? What about mutual submission? When is it okay for a woman to teach the Bible? All of these questions and so many more are answered in this wonderful booklet. It’s a great “go-to” resource for me.
Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, John Piper and Wayne Grudem
You may not realize it, but secular feminism is quickly making its way into evangelical churches. This book addresses why it is so important to take a stand against this trend and reclaim a biblical perspective on manhood and womanhood. It also clarifies and expounds upon what the Bible says about the issue. This book is several hundred pages, so it’s not one you take to the pool. However, it will serve you well in giving biblical answers to questions that you and those around you might have about gender roles. If I had the money I would buy one for every Christian I know.
The Family, Dorothy Kelley Patterson
In this book, Dorothy Patterson expounds on the importance of the family and the unique role that each member – father, mother, children, and grandparents – ought to play according to God’s design as set forth in His Word
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The Feminist Mistake, Mary Kassian
This book traces the history and development of feminist thought and gives a reliable, biblical critique of feminist ideology. It was incredibly eye-opening for me! A very interesting read.
Women in the Church: An Analysis and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15, edited by Andreas Kostenberger and Thomas Schreiner
This book is very technical and assumes some knowlege of Greek, which I do not possess. However, I was still able to wade through it and glean a tremendous amount of information about a passage I have wondered about for a long time. Any woman who feels a strong call to ministry, especially Bible teaching, would greatly benefit from the last chapter which is Dorothy Patterson's personal reflection entitled, "What Should a Woman Do in the Church?"
What’s the Difference? John Piper
This short book (less than 100 pages) is a great resource addressing what the Bible teaches about true manhood and womanhood.