Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth: An Analysis of More Than 100 Disputed Questions

by Wayne Grudem

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.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion, Gender, Christian Living

864 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Wayne Grudem (PhD, University of Cambridge; DD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is research professor of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary, having previously taught for 20 years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Grudem earned his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, as well as an MDiv from Westminster Seminary. He is the former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, a cofounder and past president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, a member of the Translation Oversight Committee for the English Standard Version of the Bible, the general editor of the ESV Study Bible, and has published over 20 books, including Systematic Theology, Evangelical Feminism, Politics—According to the Bible, and Business for the Glory of God.

Reviews

[Paul]

Disappointed. The author seems to be on a rant, although some may say he is passionate about the subject, but in the process commits the same logical fallicies he accuses egalitarianism and it's adherents of committing. I have found the author's other works quite educational. This one is bad enough to force the reader to revisit his other books with a bit more caution.

[Jeremy]

60+ pages available here.

[Kirst]

Despite 800 pages to the contrary, I still am not able to see the logic in many of Grudem's positions. I found this particularly true in the passages discussing Deborah and whether or not she was a prophet and a judge. In attempt to cover a wide spectrum of disputed questions, Grudem made many hasty generalizations and neglected to provide the full context of specific biblical passages.

[Mike]

I don't agree with the premise of the book but I am amazed at the systematic dealing with the relevant issues and the biblical texts. This is a great reference for persons on either side of the debate of womens' roles in the church. For egalitarians it shows what arguments you will have to deal with. For those not sympathetic women in ecclesiastical roles, then the book will serve to provide you with arguments.

[Iria Enahoro]

I bought this book upon recommendation from a post of John Cooper from the Christian Metal Rock Band “Skillet” and it did not disappoint! Although you study the book more than breezing through it, it’s more of an encyclopedia to dive deeper into the biblical truth and what evangelical feminism is all about by discussing the most common arguments against it, along with analyzing the misconceptions one often has after interpreting the Bible verses. Great to have in your home!

[Nicholas Quient]

I noticed I'm giving a lot of 2's to Wayne Grudem. I do not think this is a one star book, as Grudem does some impressive systemic research.

[Kinslee Clark]

the thing i love the most about this book is how much research he did. i was shocked by how in depth he searched to fully understand people’s opinions and how they related to the Bible. overall though, this book made me feel so loved, it describes the biblical value of women so well. i love how he gives his opinion on what he feels are biblical and not biblical ways for women to serve in the church, and his responses to common arguments about equality in the church are so caring and well thought out.

[Ylva]

Finally finished this absolute behemoth of a book that maquerades as a comprehensive resource on women in the church... but it just makes you wonder why Grudem cares so much that women shouldn't be fully equal in the church that he would write a whole ass 800 page volume about it. Most answers are quite short, often insult the egalitarian authors, and he makes no difference between very solid and proven points or those on shaky grounds, he states them all with the same certainty. And he's a sexist who thinks that men are naturally more suited for leadership.

[Josh G.]

Immensely helpful: biblical, thoughtful, and pastoral. Grudem engages with important egalitarian scholars (Groothuis, Bilizekian, Belleville, Spencer, etc.) on all the relevant questions. He provides detailed answers by engaging with them at various levels of hermeneutics, Greek/Hebrew word studies, exegetical fallacies, cultural background, and more.. Even if you disagree with his conclusions, his method, arguments, and biblical focus are well-worth considering.

[JR Snow]

Really Short Summary: egalitarian arguments cannot be reconciled with scripture, and because of this, they are a gateway to other forms of liberalism since they must reject the traditional views of scripture (inerrancy).

Read the long summary from booksataglance.com

[Josh]

A massive tour-de-force, that manages to be devastating in its argumentation while charitable in tone. A model for careful, godly theological engagement over key issues.

[Pristine]

at this point i need to live at the library

[amanda gardiner]

Well, it MUST be good if i was able to finish a book this long ;)

Superbly written, answering literally EVERY objection and question one could possibly dream up on the topic. It seems impossible one could walk away from this read an egalitarian. Highly recommend.

[Laura]

Evangelical Feminism and Biblical Truth: An Analysis of More Than 100 Disputed Questions by Wayne Grudem (2004)