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While I am not ashamed of complementarian theology, I am sometimes ashamed of complementarians. Our demeanor toward those who oppose us has been mean-spirited and churlish at times. Throughout history, theological disputes have often been uncivil. John Calvin titled one of his theological treatises, "A Brief Reply in Refutation of the Calumnies of a Certain Worthless Person." But the Bible prescribes a different approach to handling such disputes: 2 Timothy 2:24 says, "The Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."

Complementarians accuse egalitarians of not taking the clear teaching of Scripture seriously enough. Let us take a dose of our own medicine and move the discussion to a higher level.

John Koessler is chair of the pastoral studies department at Moody Bible Institute and author of A Stranger in the House of God.

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Sarah Sumner wrote from an egalitarian perspective on how her movement should rely more on careful exegesis and less on political ideologies.

Timothy George addressed egalitarians and complementarians in "A Peace Plan for the Gender War" and "A Modest Proposal."

Other articles on gender roles include:

Christian History Corner: Is Christianity Oppressive to Women? | Sometimes our Christian heritage must be overcome, not celebrated. (March 1, 2004)

Adam and Eve in the 21st Century | "When it comes to gender roles, CT readers oscillate between complementarian and egalitarian ideas." (March 11, 2002)

A Different Kind of Women's Lib | A dispatch from the Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood conference. (October 10, 2001)

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June 2008, Vol. 52, No. 6