What's the Difference?

The most divisive issue in the church today is that of gender roles and sexuality. The culture tells men and women that there are no differences between them, that all "sexual expression" is appropriate and necessary, and that anyone who says anything different is hateful and should be silenced.

John Piper argues that the Bible (to which Christians must submit) offers a far different view. It isn't anatomy that primarily defines the sexes: it's a spiritual difference that works itself out in relational and emotional roles more than in physical distinctions.

A biblical scholar, Piper has done significant work on the issue of biblical manhood and womanhood. But What's the Difference? isn't academic; it's a practical, biblically-informed argument for lay-people to recognize the God-ordained distinctions between men and women, and to apply them.

These distinctions don't have anything to do with superiority or importance. As a complementarian, Piper argues that both sexes are equally capable and necessary,but that God designed for each specific offices within the family, the church, and the community, without which each of these social contexts will fall apart.

Piper's analysis is simple and accessible, addressing many objections readers might raise, yet always humble and helpful. Piper longs to see Christians recommitted to biblical principles, and What's the Difference? is an important introduction to the biblical arguments about gender roles, distinctions between the sexes, and dignified complementarianism.

* This book first appeared in Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he is a husband and father, teaches adult Sunday school in his Presbyterian congregation, and likes weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur.Read more of his reviews here.

Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews here.