Resources
Finding trustworthy resources on Complementarianism and Sexuality is an important yet difficult task. Below you will find the best resources that CBMW recommends.
Below you will find a recommended book list that is divided between books on biblical complementarianism and books on sexuality. Books in the first category are generally related to issues addressed in CBMW’s Danvers Statement on Biblical Complementariansm, and books in the second category address issues covered in CBMW’s Nashville Statement on Biblical Sexuality. Additionally, you can purchase individual issues of CBMW’s biannual publication, Eikon: A Journal for Biblical Anthropology, as well as subscribe to the journal. If you are interested in supporting the ministry of CBMW, you can use Amazon Smile when shopping on Amazon or navigate to Amazon through the Amazon affiliate links below for each book (as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases). You can also consider making a one-time donation or becoming a regular ministry partner.
Eikon: A Journal for Biblical Anthropology
Fall 2020
The theme of this issue is natural law, and features contributions from Carl Trueman, Oliver O’Donovan, Stephen J. Wellum, and Robert P. George, and many more.
View the Table of Contents.
Spring 2020
This issue includes contributions from Craig Carter, Wayne Grudem, Peter Gentry, Andy Naselli, Brad Littlejohn, and many more.
View the Table of Contents.
Fall 2019
This issue includes contributions from Albert Mohler, Michael Haykin, Katie McCoy, Robert Smith, Neil Shenvi, and many more.
View Table of Contents.
Spring 2019
This issue includes contributions from Joe Rigney, David Talcott, Denny Burk, Lauren Konkol, Colin Smothers, and many more.
View Table of Contents.
Biblical Complementarianism
Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (Redesign): A Response to Evangelical Feminism
A controversy of major proportions has spread throughout the church. Now more than ever before, gender roles are openly questioned in the wake of evangelical feminism―a movement that is having a profound impact on society, the home, and the church.
Anyone concerned with the fundamental question of the proper relationship between men and women will want to read this book.
50 Crucial Questions: An Overview of Central Concerns about Manhood and Womanhood
The roles of men and women are immensely contested in both society and the church today. Christians are looking for answers from the Bible regarding how God intends for men and women to relate to one another. In this concise and accessible resource, well-known authors and Bible teachers John Piper and Wayne Grudem respond to fifty crucial questions often asked in relation to biblical manhood and womanhood.
Men and Women, Equal Yet Different: A Brief Study of the Biblical Passages on Gender
This book defends, in easy-to-understand terms, the Biblical viewpoint of the gender issue with the Biblical evidence that Jesus Christ and the apostles taught that men and women are created equal, yet have been given different roles to fulfill in the family and in the church.
Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction
Men and Women in the Church is about the divinely designed complementarity of men and women as it applies to life in general and especially ministry in the church.
The Christian Family
A century ago when this book was first published, marriage and the family were already weathering enormous changes, and that trend has not abated. Yet by God’s power the unchanging essence of marriage and the family remains proof, as Bavinck notes, that God’s “purpose with the human race has not yet been achieved.”
Read our book review here.
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Man and Woman in Christ: An Examination of the Roles of Men and Women in Light of Scripture and the Social Sciences
Read our book review here.
Women in the Church: An Interpretation and Application of 1 Timothy 2:9-15 (Third Edition)
The role of women in the church is highly debated, with Christians on all sides using Paul’s teachings in 1 Timothy to justify their positions. Now in its third edition, this classic book edited by Andreas Köstenberger and Thomas Schreiner offers a robust exegesis of 1 Timothy 2:9–15, looking at the passage’s background, syntax, grammar, and enduring significance.
Read our book review here.
Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth: An Analysis of More Than 100 Disputed Questions
What does the Bible really teach about the roles of men and women? Bible scholar Wayne Grudem carefully draws on 27 years of biblical research as he responds to 118 arguments often levied against traditional gender roles. Grudem counters egalitarian and feminist critiques with clarity, compassion, and precision, showing God’s equal value for men and women while celebrating the beauty in their differences.
Countering the Claims of Evangelical Feminism: Biblical Responses to the Key Questions
Wayne Grudem offers more than forty biblical responses to the most crucial questions on this topic, showing God’s equal value in men and women and why their roles in the church are complementary, not interchangeable. This to-the-point handbook is a valuable resource enabling every Christian to grasp the issues.
Jesus and the Feminists: Who Do They Say That He Is?
This resource provides a detailed survey and critique of various feminist interpretations of Jesus and offers a biblical view of men and women in the church and home.
Read our book review here.
God’s Design for Man and Woman: A Biblical-Theological Survey
This thorough study of the Bible’s teaching on men and women aims to help a new generation of Christians live for Christ in today’s world. Moving beyond other treatments that primarily focus on select passages, this winsome volume traces Scripture’s overarching pattern related to male-female relationships in both the Old and New Testaments. Those interested in careful discussion rather than caustic debate will discover that God’s design is not confining or discriminatory but beautiful, wise, liberating, and good.
Read our book review here.
Reenchanting Humanity: A Theology of Mankind
Reenchanting Humanity is a work of systematic theology that focuses on the doctrine of humanity. Engaging the major anthropological questions of the age, like transgenderism, homosexuality, technology, and more, author Owen Strachan establishes a Christian anthropology rooted in Biblical truth, in stark contrast to the popular opinions of the modern age.
Read our book review here.
(A)Typical Woman: Free, Whole, and Called in Christ
In a culture that can belittle womanhood on the one hand―making it irrelevant―and glorify it on the other―making it everything―it’s hard to know what it really means to be a woman. But when we understand womanhood through the lens of Scripture, we see that we need a bigger category for what God has called “woman.” This book breathes fresh air into our womanhood, reminding us what life in Christ―as a woman―looks like.
Read our book review here.
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Paperback (paid link)
God’s Design For Women in an Age of Gender Confusion
Men and women are absolutely equal in dignity. They are also significantly different. Women are only honored (and fulfilled) when both truths are celebrated. The positive impact Christianity has had on women throughout history – The various waves of feminism right up to the #MeToo movement – The Bible’s teaching about equality and complementarity – A survey of views on women’s ministry – An overview of biblical ministries of women – A biblical perspective on work, singleness, marriage and motherhood
Biblical Sexuality
What Is the Meaning of Sex?
We live in a world that loves it without understanding it. This book clearly explains the truth about sex and winsomely responds to society’s evolving views on human sexuality and gender. From marriage to birth control, homosexuality to singleness, What is the Meaning of Sex? sets forth a distinctly Christian perspective, equipping you to engage our confused culture with a God-glorifying vision of human sexuality.
Transforming Homosexuality: What the Bible Says about Sexual Orientation and Change
Faithful Christians today agree that the Bible forbids homosexual behavior. But when it comes to underlying desires, the jury is out. Some Christians view homosexual desire as morally neutral, while others believe it calls for repentance and gospel renewal.
Gender Ideology: What Do Christians Need to Know?
The world has embraced the idea that gender is something that can be decided by individuals. As Christians encounter colleagues, friends and family members who identify as a gender other than the one they were born, we need to be informed and equipped with knowledge about what the issues are, what different terms mean and what the Bible has to say about these things.
Read our book review here.
What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?
In this timely book, award-winning author Kevin DeYoung challenges each of us―the skeptic and the seeker, the certain and the confused―to take a humble look at God’s Word regarding the issue of homosexuality. After examining key biblical passages in both the Old and New Testaments and the Bible’s overarching teaching regarding sexuality, DeYoung responds to popular objections raised by Christians and non-Christians alike, making this an indispensable resource for thinking through one of the most pressing issues of our day.
Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God’s Grand Story
Dr. Christopher Yuan explores the concept of holy sexuality–chastity in singleness or faithfulness in marriage–in a practical and relevant manner, equipping readers with an accessible yet robust theology of sexuality. Whether you want to share Christ with a loved one who identifies as gay or you’re wrestling with questions of identity yourself, this book will help you better understand sexuality in light of God’s grand story and realize that holy sexuality is actually good news for all.
Listen to our interview with the author here.
Openness Unhindered: Further Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert on Sexual Identity and Union with Christ
Before you can resolve the issues of our day, you must be able to clarify them. Terms like same-sex marriage, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gay Christian are part of the discourse of daily life; yet enormous controversy surrounds them. They are the stuff of news headlines and vitriolic social media posts. But they also reflect stirrings of the heart in real people with real questions and concerns.
Read our book review here.
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: Expanded Edition
Rosaria, by the standards of many, was living a very good life. She had a tenured position at a large university in a field for which she cared deeply. She owned two homes with her partner, in which they provided hospitality to students and activists that were looking to make a difference in the world. In the community, Rosaria was involved in volunteer work. At the university, she was a respected advisor of students and her department’s curriculum.
True Sexual Morality: Recovering Biblical Standards for a Culture in Crisis
Daniel Heimbach examines the biblical teachings on sexual morality as well as four counterfeit views that have crept into our “sexually revolutionized” society. He gives us an in-depth look at the moral relativism that has spread through our culture and opens our eyes to the effects that nonbiblical sexual choices have on individuals, the family, the church, and the culture.
Unchanging Witness: The Consistent Christian Teaching on Homosexuality in Scripture and Tradition
This book addresses the arguments from the gay Christian movement and revisionist theologians and exegetes on a single point: Can they withstand the evidence of the primary sources? In Unchanging Witness, Donald Fortson and Rollin Grams articulate the consistent orthodox view on homosexuality by presenting primary sources throughout Christian history and by interpreting the biblical texts in their cultural contexts.
God and the Transgender Debate
What is transgender and gender fluidity? What does God’s Word actually say about these issues? How can the gospel be good news for someone experiencing gender dysphoria? How should churches respond? This warm, faithful and careful book helps Christians understand what the Bible says about gender identity. It will help us to engage lovingly, thoughtfully and faithfully with one of the most explosive cultural discussions of our day.
On the Meaning of Sex
Our society is obsessed with sex—and yet we don’t understand it at all. Acclaimed philosopher J. Budziszewski remedies the problem in this wise, gracefully written book about the nature, meaning, and mysteries of sexuality.
On the Meaning of Sex corrects the most prevalent errors about sex—
particularly those of the sexual revolution, which by mistaking pleasure for a good in itself has caused untold pain and suffering.
Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality
“In Love Thy Body, best-selling author Nancy Pearcey goes beyond politically correct talking points to offer a riveting exposé of the dehumanizing secularist ethos that shapes critical moral and socio-political issues of our day.”
Read our book review here.
Listen to our interview with the author here.