Different but Equal: Going Beyond the Complementarian/Egalitarian Debate [Paperback]

Derek J Morphew (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 29, 2008

Different But Equal poses the question: Can women exercise any leadership role in the church today, including eldership? Derek Morphew explores the dialogue between feminism and theology as one of the issues of our time. He examines both the complementarian position on gender and the alternative, evangelical egalitarianism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Vineyard International Publishing (December 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0620415819
• ISBN-13: 978-0620415811
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,760,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Derek Morphew is an itinerant bible teacher and theologian based in Cape Town, South Africa. He obtained his education at Michaelhouse, Balgowan (Matric and Post Matric A Levels), Rhodes University (BA with majors in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology) and obtained his PhD at the University of Cape Town in the field of New Testament Studies. His career has moved through three phases; first as a pastor and church planter, second as a pastor/mentor to pastors and third, focusing on theological training and education in the Vineyard association of churches.
He developed and directed Vineyard Bible Institute from 1998 to 2009.
He is married to Karin, an artist, and has two daughters, Shean and Jeanne.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beyond the typical Complementarian/Egalitarian debate, November 2, 2009

By 

Joshua Hopping - See all my reviews

This review is from: Different but Equal: Going Beyond the Complementarian/Egalitarian Debate (Paperback)

One of the "un-written rules" of reading a book is to always read the author's bio and introduction. These two things will tell you a lot about how the author is going to approach the subject matter (another rule is to check the publication date as it will give you some context for the material...).

This book is no different.

In his introduction, Morphew lays out a few foundational points that impact his view of Scriptures, which in turn affect his understanding of the women in leadership debate. The first foundational point is an understanding of how the Hebrew / Biblical worldview is different from the Western Greek / Logic worldview. Namely, under a Biblical worldview one can hold too two seemingly contradictionaries points without having to choose between them (examples: God's sovereign vs man's free will; the kingdom now, but not yet).

The second foundational point is the eschatological nature of Jesus' life and ministry.

After laying the foundation, Morphew then proceeds to look at the underlying presuppositions behind both the Complementarian and Egalitarian viewpoints. Namely, he goes back and looks at the Church's view of the Trinity; monism (God in everything), Feminist Theology, the household codes of Paul, the Creations arguments and so forth. Way, way, too much information to list out here...

Near the end of the book, Morphew takes the reader beyond the typical Complementarian/Egalitarian debate and gives the church a third way - one that uphold the Scriptures and yet allows God to work through whom He wants too.

A must read for all leaders in the church today.