God's Good Design: What the Bible Really Says About Men and Women (2nd Edition)

Although Claire Smith was a young adult when she came to know Jesus, it wasn't until she went to theological college that she noticed parts of the Bible that challenged her feminist views. Studying these passages led to radical changes in her life. 

Too often we put these same passages in the 'too hard basket', or we make up our minds without taking a close look at them for ourselves. But we must let God's word determine these issues, and not the culture in which we live.

Claire takes us through the same process she went through herself, looking closely at seven key Bible passages about men and women and how they should relate together in God's purposes. Along the way she deals with many common objections, and applies the teaching of the Bible simply and practically to our relationships at home and in church. 

The warmth and simplicity of the book means it will benefit every Christian—whether you have looked at these passages a thousand times, or you've never thought about them in your life.

View excerpt here.

"Is it possible to say anything fresh or new about Christian feminism and Christian complementarianism? Not only has the debate been thrashed out in countless essays and books that begin to sound painfully predictable, but each ‘side’ is convinced it has ‘won’. Into this maelstrom of publications, Claire Smith’s little book comes with a refreshing sanity, a happy eagerness to let Scripture speak, and a simple style that will frustrate the pundits and make many ordinary Christian readers rejoice over this breath of fresh air, this godly and biblically faithful call to rejoice in God’s Good Design."

—DA Carson , Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield

"Gallons of ink have been spilt over issues of male and female roles in church leadership and the home. Few authors have provided such a careful, accurate and convincing treatment of the biblical texts
involved. This outstanding book is comprehensive, thoroughly readable, full of useful application and apologetic, and will provide us with a magnificent resource for our churches for many years to come. I could not commend it more highly!"

—William Taylor, Rector of St Helen’s Bishopsgate, London