[R]igid cultural gender roles have no biblical warrant. Christians cannot make a scriptural case for masculine and feminine stereotypes. Though social scientists have made good cases about abiding gender differences . . . different individual personalities and different cultures will express those distinctions in somewhat different ways. . . . We must find ways to honor and express our gender roles, but the Bible allows for different freedom in the particulars, while still upholding the obligatory nature of the principle. (Hardcover, p. 186; paperback, p. 210)
FLIPPED TASKS, NOT ROLES. Elisabeth Elliot reported about her time living among the Waorani people, a small, isolated body of people who lived deep in the Amazon rain forest, completely cut off from modern civilization. There “everyone knew” that it was women’s work to go out into the field to plant and harvest food, while it was men’s work to make poetry and decorative objects. Nevertheless, the basic idea of a husband’s leadership was still discernible.131 The roles were there, but the cultural incarnation through tasks can differ widely. God has made us to bear his image, and we do so with glorious variety.
Reflection: Are there any ways our culture still acknowledges gender roles as good? Think of some. What evidence do you see that Western culture would rather erase gender distinctions?
Thought for prayer: Meditate on Revelation 7:9, which shows that racial and cultural differences are so important that they will extend into God’s renewed universe. Now thank God for the cultural flexibility of our faith, its wise and gracious openness to difference, even while affirming truths that are true for everyone.