What do you think?
Rate this book
Discovering Biblical Equality (3rd Edition): Biblical, Theological, Cultural, and Practical Perspectives
"There is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."
The conversation about the relationship between women and men and their roles in the Christian life and the church has evolved, but the topic continues to inspire debate and disagreement.
The third edition of this groundbreaking work brings together scholars firmly committed to the authority of Scripture to explore historical, biblical, theological, cultural, and practical aspects of this discussion. This fresh, positive defense of gender equality is at once scholarly and practical, irenic yet spirited, up-to-date, and cognizant of opposing positions. In this edition, listeners will find both revised essays and new essays on biblical equality in relation to several issues, including the image of God, the analogy of slavery, same-sex marriage, abortion, domestic abuse, race, and human flourishing.
Discover for yourself God's vision for gender equality.
The conversation about the relationship between women and men and their roles in the Christian life and the church has evolved, but the topic continues to inspire debate and disagreement.
The third edition of this groundbreaking work brings together scholars firmly committed to the authority of Scripture to explore historical, biblical, theological, cultural, and practical aspects of this discussion. This fresh, positive defense of gender equality is at once scholarly and practical, irenic yet spirited, up-to-date, and cognizant of opposing positions. In this edition, listeners will find both revised essays and new essays on biblical equality in relation to several issues, including the image of God, the analogy of slavery, same-sex marriage, abortion, domestic abuse, race, and human flourishing.
Discover for yourself God's vision for gender equality.
Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2004
97 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 7, 2020
This, I submit, is probably the best one-volume compilation of essays contending for gender equality and complementarity (what has come under the label of 'egalitarianism') currently available. It is a concerted scholarly response to the 'complementarian' counterpart 'Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood' that apparently does not, IMHO, quite enjoy the level of erudition that this book presents from a plethora of leading evangelical scholars such as Gordon Fee, Craig Keener, Howard Marshall and Stanley Grenz. I especially enjoy, though not necessarily endorsing its conclusion, the article by Rebecca Groothuis "Equal in Being; Unequal in Role", which of course challenges the notion that the genders can be essentially equal and yet functionally unequal. To me, this grasps exactly the nettle whereby egalitarianism and complementarianism part ways. She argues that the supposed paradox is a red herring since the so-called 'functional hierarchy' is maintained (permanently) on the basis of gender, that is the nature/essence of being a man or woman and hence cannot be compatible with equality in being.
I am also convinced that the popular label 'complementarianism' by which the opposing camp would like to be identified with is a facade for what is really gender hierarchichalism albeit in function, because at the heart of its position is a belief in male authority (over the woman), however one softens it with concepts like 'servant leadership', 'honor of headship', 'accountability', or 'shepherding', etc. On the other hand, the egalitarian contenders are really arguing for gender *complementarity*, the kind that does away with any notion of hierarchy or authority on the basis of one's gender; it is not simply advocating equality per se, which is often confused with identity/undifferentiation. Perhaps, the revision of the respective labels is an essential first step in clearing the confusion and maintaining the integrity of what each position is really pitching for. Both views in fact advocate complementarity; the difference is that one has the principle of male functional authority worked into it and the other does not.
This book is a pleasure to read for the gracious and intelligent way in which the egalitarian (ie. complementarity without hierarchy) view is laid out from a wide variety of angles. However, for all its erudition and scholarly work in exegesis, it still remains to be seen if it has produced a persuasive case against what seems to be derived from the 'plain sense of the texts', esp in Paul (1 Cor 11, 14, Eph 5, 1 Tim 2) which appear at face value to support male headship rooted in the intent of the Creator and perhaps even the nature of the economic Trinity(?), however 'incoherent' it may seem to our modern minds. Hence, the issue remains open for me and perhaps will remain so for a long time to come. In the mean time, the old adage is ever so relevant: 'unity in essentials, liberty in adiaphora and charity in all things!'
I am also convinced that the popular label 'complementarianism' by which the opposing camp would like to be identified with is a facade for what is really gender hierarchichalism albeit in function, because at the heart of its position is a belief in male authority (over the woman), however one softens it with concepts like 'servant leadership', 'honor of headship', 'accountability', or 'shepherding', etc. On the other hand, the egalitarian contenders are really arguing for gender *complementarity*, the kind that does away with any notion of hierarchy or authority on the basis of one's gender; it is not simply advocating equality per se, which is often confused with identity/undifferentiation. Perhaps, the revision of the respective labels is an essential first step in clearing the confusion and maintaining the integrity of what each position is really pitching for. Both views in fact advocate complementarity; the difference is that one has the principle of male functional authority worked into it and the other does not.
This book is a pleasure to read for the gracious and intelligent way in which the egalitarian (ie. complementarity without hierarchy) view is laid out from a wide variety of angles. However, for all its erudition and scholarly work in exegesis, it still remains to be seen if it has produced a persuasive case against what seems to be derived from the 'plain sense of the texts', esp in Paul (1 Cor 11, 14, Eph 5, 1 Tim 2) which appear at face value to support male headship rooted in the intent of the Creator and perhaps even the nature of the economic Trinity(?), however 'incoherent' it may seem to our modern minds. Hence, the issue remains open for me and perhaps will remain so for a long time to come. In the mean time, the old adage is ever so relevant: 'unity in essentials, liberty in adiaphora and charity in all things!'
July 11, 2022
Summary: A compendium of scholarly essays addressing gender differences in marriage and the church supporting an egalitarian perspective.
One of the divides among evangelical churches is over the question of the roles of women and men in the home and the church. One group would contend that the Bible teaches distinctive roles for women and men, teaching the subordination of women to the headship of men in marriage, and that men alone may lead and teach in the church, except in the case of ministry with women or children. This position has been variously termed traditional, hierarchical or most popularly, complementarian. It is represented by the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW). The other group would maintain that the Bible teaches mutual love and service of husband and wife in marriage and open all roles in ministry to both men and women on the basis of gift rather than gender. This position is most often referred to as biblical equality or egalitarian, and as evangelical feminism by its opponents. This position is most publicly represented by Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) International.
Each has published compendia of scholarly articles serving as resources in support of their respective positions. CBMW’s publication is Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem, now in a revised edition. Discovering Biblical Equality represents the scholars who would identify with CBE International, including Mimi Haddad, its president. It is in its third edition, with Cynthia Long Westfall taking the place of Rebecca Merrill Groothuis, co-editor of the first two editions and an essay contributor, who passed away in 2018. Christa L. McKirland also joined the editor team as an associate editor and contributes one of the most thought provoking articles on gender essentialism.
The work is set up in four sections. It is not meant to be read straight through necessarily, as I did, but to serve as a reference work. For the sake of brevity, I will summarize the content of each section, highlighting essays that particularly caught my attention.
Looking to Scripture: Essays in this section address questions of exegesis of the relevant passages on gender in marriage and the church. I particularly appreciated Aida Besancon-Spencer’s study of Jesus’s treatment of women in the gospels and his affirmation of women as learners, disciples, and laborers alongside men, while also addressing reasons for the male apostles. Lynn Cohick’s study on Ephesians 5:21-33 and Colossians 3:18-19 addresses historical and exegetical concerns and supports the idea of mutual love and submission within marriage. Linda L. Belleville’s exceptionally thorough essay on 1 Timothy 2:11-15 discusses the translation of authentein and contends that Paul is addressing a particular occasion in which the Ephesian women were trying to gain advantage over men by teaching in a domineering fashion, and thus that Paul is not prohibiting all teaching but only that striving for the upper hand.
Thinking it Through: Theological and Logical Perspectives: Christa L. McKirland argues against the gender essentialism of Piper and Grudem that roots maleness and femaleness with distinctiveness of roles in being created in the image of God. She argues that dominion and reflection of the divine presence are not gender dependent, and that genderedness connects us not with the image of God but other creatures. Hence, personhood is not essentially male nor female. That doesn’t mean there are no differences, but these are not essential differences. There are interesting questions this essay raises about gender identity, particularly in cases of intersexuality or gender dysphoria that I would like to see developed further. Kevin Giles offers a helpful summary of the theologically questionable use of hierarchical arguments about the subordination of the Son to support the subordination of women, noting that other complementarians have refuted this position. Finally, the essay by the late Rebecca Merrill Groothuis on “Equal in Being, Unequal in Role” shows the logical fallacies in this view, often invoked by complementarians and reminds us of the fine scholar we lost in her.
Addressing The Issues: Interpretive and Cultural Perspectives: Jeffrey Miller offers a helpful, data-based essay on the impact of gender-accurate translation and how our contemporary translations differ in this regard. Heidi R. Unruh and Ronald J. Sider offer a highly relevant essay on gender equality and the sanctity of life, written pre-Dobbs. They argue for a compassionate, pro-life feminism. They argue for a whole of life approach to being pro-life, and argue for how pro-life and pro-choice advocates may work together to seek the flourishing of women.
Living It Out: Practical Applications: I appreciated Mimi Haddad’s essay of how at the church level, people might be helped to understand biblical equality through: speaking biblical truths in understandable language, emphasizing how mutuality improves marriages, connect this message to core Christian beliefs, model the message, and allow simple, safe ways for people to try out their Christian freedom with regard to gender. Kylie Maddox Pidgeon’s essay on “Complementarianism and Domestic Abuse” makes a powerful case that intended or not, complementarianism creates systemic discrimination, and “implicit and explicit biases that disadvantage women.” Alice P. Mathews concludes this section with an essay titled “Toward Reconciliation.” She calls for honest discussions between those holding competing paradigms with both biblical rigor and courtesy, the paradigms must be explained at many levels, and we need to work at embracing each other across the chasm, centering our relations in the gospel.
My sense is that the “sides” of this discussion operate as echo chambers, each amplifying its own voice and muting the others. Certainly with regard to this book, egalitarians could use this work as just such an echo chamber. Yet this work is important, especially for women in contexts where they receive little encouragement for their gifts or support for their personhood in their marriages. I pray for the days when scholars on both “sides” of this discussion engage with each other rather than writing about each other in separate tomes like this one or the CBMW counterpart. I look forward to the days when what scholars of color are saying is heeded in what has been a predominantly white discussion. I look forward to the day when there is one less instance of the “pervasive interpretive pluralism” that evangelicalism’s critics have observed of us. And I hope this work will serve to promote understanding rather than unfruitful argument.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
One of the divides among evangelical churches is over the question of the roles of women and men in the home and the church. One group would contend that the Bible teaches distinctive roles for women and men, teaching the subordination of women to the headship of men in marriage, and that men alone may lead and teach in the church, except in the case of ministry with women or children. This position has been variously termed traditional, hierarchical or most popularly, complementarian. It is represented by the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW). The other group would maintain that the Bible teaches mutual love and service of husband and wife in marriage and open all roles in ministry to both men and women on the basis of gift rather than gender. This position is most often referred to as biblical equality or egalitarian, and as evangelical feminism by its opponents. This position is most publicly represented by Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) International.
Each has published compendia of scholarly articles serving as resources in support of their respective positions. CBMW’s publication is Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, edited by John Piper and Wayne Grudem, now in a revised edition. Discovering Biblical Equality represents the scholars who would identify with CBE International, including Mimi Haddad, its president. It is in its third edition, with Cynthia Long Westfall taking the place of Rebecca Merrill Groothuis, co-editor of the first two editions and an essay contributor, who passed away in 2018. Christa L. McKirland also joined the editor team as an associate editor and contributes one of the most thought provoking articles on gender essentialism.
The work is set up in four sections. It is not meant to be read straight through necessarily, as I did, but to serve as a reference work. For the sake of brevity, I will summarize the content of each section, highlighting essays that particularly caught my attention.
Looking to Scripture: Essays in this section address questions of exegesis of the relevant passages on gender in marriage and the church. I particularly appreciated Aida Besancon-Spencer’s study of Jesus’s treatment of women in the gospels and his affirmation of women as learners, disciples, and laborers alongside men, while also addressing reasons for the male apostles. Lynn Cohick’s study on Ephesians 5:21-33 and Colossians 3:18-19 addresses historical and exegetical concerns and supports the idea of mutual love and submission within marriage. Linda L. Belleville’s exceptionally thorough essay on 1 Timothy 2:11-15 discusses the translation of authentein and contends that Paul is addressing a particular occasion in which the Ephesian women were trying to gain advantage over men by teaching in a domineering fashion, and thus that Paul is not prohibiting all teaching but only that striving for the upper hand.
Thinking it Through: Theological and Logical Perspectives: Christa L. McKirland argues against the gender essentialism of Piper and Grudem that roots maleness and femaleness with distinctiveness of roles in being created in the image of God. She argues that dominion and reflection of the divine presence are not gender dependent, and that genderedness connects us not with the image of God but other creatures. Hence, personhood is not essentially male nor female. That doesn’t mean there are no differences, but these are not essential differences. There are interesting questions this essay raises about gender identity, particularly in cases of intersexuality or gender dysphoria that I would like to see developed further. Kevin Giles offers a helpful summary of the theologically questionable use of hierarchical arguments about the subordination of the Son to support the subordination of women, noting that other complementarians have refuted this position. Finally, the essay by the late Rebecca Merrill Groothuis on “Equal in Being, Unequal in Role” shows the logical fallacies in this view, often invoked by complementarians and reminds us of the fine scholar we lost in her.
Addressing The Issues: Interpretive and Cultural Perspectives: Jeffrey Miller offers a helpful, data-based essay on the impact of gender-accurate translation and how our contemporary translations differ in this regard. Heidi R. Unruh and Ronald J. Sider offer a highly relevant essay on gender equality and the sanctity of life, written pre-Dobbs. They argue for a compassionate, pro-life feminism. They argue for a whole of life approach to being pro-life, and argue for how pro-life and pro-choice advocates may work together to seek the flourishing of women.
Living It Out: Practical Applications: I appreciated Mimi Haddad’s essay of how at the church level, people might be helped to understand biblical equality through: speaking biblical truths in understandable language, emphasizing how mutuality improves marriages, connect this message to core Christian beliefs, model the message, and allow simple, safe ways for people to try out their Christian freedom with regard to gender. Kylie Maddox Pidgeon’s essay on “Complementarianism and Domestic Abuse” makes a powerful case that intended or not, complementarianism creates systemic discrimination, and “implicit and explicit biases that disadvantage women.” Alice P. Mathews concludes this section with an essay titled “Toward Reconciliation.” She calls for honest discussions between those holding competing paradigms with both biblical rigor and courtesy, the paradigms must be explained at many levels, and we need to work at embracing each other across the chasm, centering our relations in the gospel.
My sense is that the “sides” of this discussion operate as echo chambers, each amplifying its own voice and muting the others. Certainly with regard to this book, egalitarians could use this work as just such an echo chamber. Yet this work is important, especially for women in contexts where they receive little encouragement for their gifts or support for their personhood in their marriages. I pray for the days when scholars on both “sides” of this discussion engage with each other rather than writing about each other in separate tomes like this one or the CBMW counterpart. I look forward to the days when what scholars of color are saying is heeded in what has been a predominantly white discussion. I look forward to the day when there is one less instance of the “pervasive interpretive pluralism” that evangelicalism’s critics have observed of us. And I hope this work will serve to promote understanding rather than unfruitful argument.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
December 15, 2021
This is a solid work of biblical scholarship that aims to respond to RBMW and build a positive case for Egalitarianism. I was first alerted to this work by Doug Groothuis (a stellar Christian philosopher/apologist) who is the widower of one of the co-editors of this book.
As I read through the essays in this volume, I found them eminently informative and engaging. These essays provide a robust case for egalitarianism that is based upon careful exegetical, theological, historical, and practical considerations. It's actually surprising (to me, at least) how little credit this book gets in the debate around gender roles in the church.
Many of the arguments listed in this book have found their way into more recent books on the subject (i.e. Beth Allison Barr's recent book: The Making of Biblical Womanhood). While Barr elaborates more on the history of women in the church than the authors of DBE, her basic arguments and (especially) her exegetical case is in substantial alignment with the content found here.
Ultimately, I disagree with most of the conclusions in this book: the exegetical arguments were unconvincing, the hermeneutical approach was troubling/problematic, and the logical fallacies were clear. In some ways, I don't want to admit this. On the practical level, I have always wanted to be an egalitarian—my personal upbringing and relationships with sisters in the church have given me a deep respect and love for women in the church. My first interpretations of 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 and 1 Timothy 2:12–15 were decidedly egalitarian, rooting Paul's prohibition of women teaching in the pastoral office as decidedly ad hoc and culturally conditioned. But over the years (for reasons I won't explain here) I've become persuaded that this is not a sound exegetical conclusion.
With this in mind, I still believe there is much I (we) can learn from our in-house opponents who approach the Scriptures differently and who come away with different conclusions. Especially when these subjects have people's hearts, families, gifts, and ministries involved, we would all do well to check our assumptions, revisit our conclusions, and listen to alternative voices. To that end, I commend this book to anyone who wants to understand the best case for egalitarianism. It is, in my estimation, the most comprehensive study on the subject. The contributors are charitable, sophisticated, and informed. I walked away better educated and grateful for this contribution from my brothers and sisters in Christ, many of whom have passed away and are rejoicing in glory with our great King.
As I read through the essays in this volume, I found them eminently informative and engaging. These essays provide a robust case for egalitarianism that is based upon careful exegetical, theological, historical, and practical considerations. It's actually surprising (to me, at least) how little credit this book gets in the debate around gender roles in the church.
Many of the arguments listed in this book have found their way into more recent books on the subject (i.e. Beth Allison Barr's recent book: The Making of Biblical Womanhood). While Barr elaborates more on the history of women in the church than the authors of DBE, her basic arguments and (especially) her exegetical case is in substantial alignment with the content found here.
Ultimately, I disagree with most of the conclusions in this book: the exegetical arguments were unconvincing, the hermeneutical approach was troubling/problematic, and the logical fallacies were clear. In some ways, I don't want to admit this. On the practical level, I have always wanted to be an egalitarian—my personal upbringing and relationships with sisters in the church have given me a deep respect and love for women in the church. My first interpretations of 1 Corinthians 14:34–35 and 1 Timothy 2:12–15 were decidedly egalitarian, rooting Paul's prohibition of women teaching in the pastoral office as decidedly ad hoc and culturally conditioned. But over the years (for reasons I won't explain here) I've become persuaded that this is not a sound exegetical conclusion.
With this in mind, I still believe there is much I (we) can learn from our in-house opponents who approach the Scriptures differently and who come away with different conclusions. Especially when these subjects have people's hearts, families, gifts, and ministries involved, we would all do well to check our assumptions, revisit our conclusions, and listen to alternative voices. To that end, I commend this book to anyone who wants to understand the best case for egalitarianism. It is, in my estimation, the most comprehensive study on the subject. The contributors are charitable, sophisticated, and informed. I walked away better educated and grateful for this contribution from my brothers and sisters in Christ, many of whom have passed away and are rejoicing in glory with our great King.
August 20, 2020
Discovering Biblical Equality est un ouvrage collectif édité par Ronald W Pierce et Rachel Groothuis, qui se veut être la réponse égalitarienne à Recovering Biblical manhood et womanhood de Piper et Grudem. Et il accomplit bien sa tâche.
Les éditeurs ont fait un bon travail de sélection des sujets à aborder: ils sont allés bien au delà de la pure éxégèse, et ont pensé à inclure le contexte historique et les conséquences systèmatiques/pratiques de l'égalitarianisme.
La partie I traite du contexte historique: très informative et intéressante. Je suis en train de les intégrer en ce moment même.
La partie II traite de l'exégèse égalitarienne: il y a aussi bien des chapitres consacrés entièrement à chacun des passages "chauds" du débat, que des chapitres abordant des sujets plus généraux (par ex: une approche globale de la Loi de Moïse). Très au point, avec de grands noms dedans (Keener, Fee)
La partie III fait un peu de théologie systématique: par exemple, sur la nature de l'office pastoral, de l'autorité, du lien entre prêtrise (exclusivement masculine de l'AT) et pastorat. Il y a des chapitres dont le raisonnement est branlant -celui de Gregor McKnight par exemple, où il va jusqu'à nier que "homme" et "femme" existent réellement. Et d'autres qui sont au contraire de bonne qualité (Rachel Groothuis est efficace dans sa critique de la cohérence du complémentarianisme).
La partie IV est plus méthodologique: on y aborde les questions de méthode d'interprétation, et de si la méthode égalitarienne valide ou non l'homosexualité et le soutien à l'avortement (réponse: non). Les chapitres sont tous également intéressants et bien faits.
La partie V vise à une sorte d'application: dans l'épanouissement personnel, le mariage, la vision du genre, et comment sortir de l'impasse frustrante de ce débat.
Malgré quelques chapitres faibles, le livre atteint bien son objectif: en une seule lecture, vous avez tout l'ensemble de la théologie égalitarienne, du contexte historique à l'application, en passant par l'exégèse et la systématique. C'est une lecture utile et recommandable pour qui veulent l'explorer.
Les éditeurs ont fait un bon travail de sélection des sujets à aborder: ils sont allés bien au delà de la pure éxégèse, et ont pensé à inclure le contexte historique et les conséquences systèmatiques/pratiques de l'égalitarianisme.
La partie I traite du contexte historique: très informative et intéressante. Je suis en train de les intégrer en ce moment même.
La partie II traite de l'exégèse égalitarienne: il y a aussi bien des chapitres consacrés entièrement à chacun des passages "chauds" du débat, que des chapitres abordant des sujets plus généraux (par ex: une approche globale de la Loi de Moïse). Très au point, avec de grands noms dedans (Keener, Fee)
La partie III fait un peu de théologie systématique: par exemple, sur la nature de l'office pastoral, de l'autorité, du lien entre prêtrise (exclusivement masculine de l'AT) et pastorat. Il y a des chapitres dont le raisonnement est branlant -celui de Gregor McKnight par exemple, où il va jusqu'à nier que "homme" et "femme" existent réellement. Et d'autres qui sont au contraire de bonne qualité (Rachel Groothuis est efficace dans sa critique de la cohérence du complémentarianisme).
La partie IV est plus méthodologique: on y aborde les questions de méthode d'interprétation, et de si la méthode égalitarienne valide ou non l'homosexualité et le soutien à l'avortement (réponse: non). Les chapitres sont tous également intéressants et bien faits.
La partie V vise à une sorte d'application: dans l'épanouissement personnel, le mariage, la vision du genre, et comment sortir de l'impasse frustrante de ce débat.
Malgré quelques chapitres faibles, le livre atteint bien son objectif: en une seule lecture, vous avez tout l'ensemble de la théologie égalitarienne, du contexte historique à l'application, en passant par l'exégèse et la systématique. C'est une lecture utile et recommandable pour qui veulent l'explorer.
November 27, 2018
I am seriously impressed with this book. It covers everything I could think to ask and then more - a lot more! There are so many contributing authors and yet it feels very cohesive. I read the whole thing and was glad for every bit of information in learning more on this subject, but it will also be a great reference for when I need to go back and think more on certain points.
August 21, 2020
Having a complimentarian hermeneutic of Scripture, I decided to read this book on order to gain perspective on what are the beliefs of the egalitarian perspective of Scripture. While I wouldn't say this book changed my mind on how I interpret crucial passages of Scripture, I did benefit greatly from reading this book. The scholars that wrote the various chapters in the article did an incredible job at arguing their beliefs in this book, and I knew of many names in this book before I read it without knowing they believed in an egalitarian hermeneutic. I now see the train of thought in an egalitarian perspective and I respect the devotion to the text and the primary place of Christ and the Gospel in the book. While, again, my beliefs differ on the passages mentioned in the book I was greatly blessed in reading this book and it made me have to think more of what I believe about this topic. Overall, I would recommend the book to any that want to learn a comprehensive overview of the egalitarian hermeneutic of Scripture.
December 16, 2023
4.5. This is the most comprehensive one-volume compilation of essays that outlines the biblical basis for gender equality and complementarity (known as egalitarianism) I've read. At its core, the volume is a response to its hierarchical counterpart, "Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood."
The book traverses a lot of ground, covering everything from interpretation of key biblical texts to the logical inconsistencies of the hierarchical perspective to the relationship between gender equality and issues like abortion, racism, homosexuality, and domestic abuse. The authors are diverse and all share a commitment to the authority of Scripture, the lordship of Jesus Christ, evangelical theology, and unity in the Church. The tone throughout was respectful, consistent, and grounded in a desire to accurately understand and apply the Bible.
I found myself agreeing with much of what was written. The storyline of the Bible clearly points to gender equality as prescriptive (as opposed to patriarchy which is descriptive) and one essay in particular reveals the logical inconsistency of the "equal worth, different roles" (how can equal ontology be true when an entire group of people is restricted from positions of authority based solely on an unchanging, unchosen quality i.e. gender?).
As we in the American church seek to come to Scripture with an open mind, this book can serve as a guide to understanding what the Bible truly teaches, all with the goal of maintaining unity and living according to the upside down values of Jesus's kingdom.
The book traverses a lot of ground, covering everything from interpretation of key biblical texts to the logical inconsistencies of the hierarchical perspective to the relationship between gender equality and issues like abortion, racism, homosexuality, and domestic abuse. The authors are diverse and all share a commitment to the authority of Scripture, the lordship of Jesus Christ, evangelical theology, and unity in the Church. The tone throughout was respectful, consistent, and grounded in a desire to accurately understand and apply the Bible.
I found myself agreeing with much of what was written. The storyline of the Bible clearly points to gender equality as prescriptive (as opposed to patriarchy which is descriptive) and one essay in particular reveals the logical inconsistency of the "equal worth, different roles" (how can equal ontology be true when an entire group of people is restricted from positions of authority based solely on an unchanging, unchosen quality i.e. gender?).
As we in the American church seek to come to Scripture with an open mind, this book can serve as a guide to understanding what the Bible truly teaches, all with the goal of maintaining unity and living according to the upside down values of Jesus's kingdom.
December 11, 2024
An invaluable collection of scholarly works that would benefit anyone who is interested in taking an honest, thoughtful, and thorough look at the complementarian/egalitarian debate.
I read the 3rd edition, which was published in 2021. There were a few instances where I took issue with some of the more stereotypical depictions of men and women in the “Marriage as a Partnership of Equals” chapter, but not enough to knock off any stars.
I particularly found the following chapters to be especially insightful and thought-provoking:
ch. 25) Gender Equality and the Sanctity of Life,
ch. 28) Complementarianism and Domestic Abuse, and
ch. 29) When We Were Not Women: Race and Discourses on Womanhood.
I read the 3rd edition, which was published in 2021. There were a few instances where I took issue with some of the more stereotypical depictions of men and women in the “Marriage as a Partnership of Equals” chapter, but not enough to knock off any stars.
I particularly found the following chapters to be especially insightful and thought-provoking:
ch. 25) Gender Equality and the Sanctity of Life,
ch. 28) Complementarianism and Domestic Abuse, and
ch. 29) When We Were Not Women: Race and Discourses on Womanhood.
July 8, 2024
It took me over a year to finish this tome but it was like taking a whole grad class on biblical mutuality. Highly recommend.
February 6, 2025
This is definitely the best book I’ve read on the subject of women in Christian leadership. It’s a deep dive but well worth the time if this topic interests you.
April 13, 2013
5 stars is not enough to give this book! It is essentially a collection of essays, and every pro-complentarian argument/scripture is addressed in a thoughtful, gracious way. I LOVE the fact that the essays are written by a collection of different authors (including women - something you don't always see in complementarian books), and the organization of the chapters builds the overall argument very effectively. Everything is dealt with: the interpretation of scripture, the applications of various texts to our modern setting, the history of women's roles in church ministry, and even solid philosophical basis and theological arguments. I STRONGLY recommend this book to anyone in church leadership, as well as anyone who has opinions on this important topic.
November 17, 2019
Excellent book describing men and women's roles from an egalitarian perspective. Strengths of this book: it is edited by both a man and a woman, and all the authors of different chapters are strongly committed to the inerrancy of Scripture and to its logical, consistent application. Even if we don't end up fully agreeing, it's important to really hear and wrestle through what they bring to the table.
January 9, 2013
This book is a collection of different authors writing on the topic of Biblical equality (Complementarianism) and Egalitarianism. My favorite chapters were definately by Gordon Fee, the editor. He is an excellent writer and has a good perspective.
September 4, 2020
I disagree with the basic egalitarian position, and my opinion was not changed by reading this book. But I found some of the articles helpful in clearly stating the issues.
January 28, 2023
A COMPREHENSIVE COLLECTION OF EGALITARIAN ESSAYS
Editors Ronald W. Pierce and Rebecca Merrill Groothuis wrote in the Preface to this 2004 book, “[This book] is the result of a collaborative effort of a diverse group of evangelical scholars united here by two convictions: that the Bible is the fully inspired and authoritative Word of God, and that it teaches gender equality in church, home and society.”
They add in the Introduction, “The essential message of biblical equality is simple and straightforward: Gender, in and of itself, neither privileges nor curtails one’s ability to be used to advance the kingdom or to glorify God in any dimension of ministry, society, or family. The differences between men and women do not justify granting men unique and perpetual prerogatives of leadership and authority not shared by women. Biblica equality, therefore, denies that there is any created or otherwise God-ordained hierarchy based solely on gender. Egalitarianism … rejects the notion that any office, ministry, or opportunity should be denied anyone on the grounds of gender alone.” (Pg. 13)
They continue, “A threefold goal has guided the writing and editing of this collection… First, we have sought to present a positive explanation and a fresh defense of biblical equality… for teachers, students and laypersons… Second, we have sought to foster a dialogue that will draw in those who share our evangelical heritage yet disagree with or have questions about the biblical equality position.. Third… we wish to encourage women as well as men to celebrate God’s gift of gender complementarity… without the trappings of male hierarchy that traditionally have accompanied such relationships.” (Pg. 14-15)
Janette Hassey explains, “Evangelical women preached, pastored and taught the Bible in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries because they and other evangelicals were convinced that their ministry entailed obedience to God’s Word, not rebellious disobedience… Why did so many evangelical women find pulpits and pastorates open to them for the first time in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? Evangelical theology, a charismatic style of church leadership, and social activism provide keys for understanding the phenomenon.” (Pg. 45-46)
Linda L. Belleville observes, “most of the women named as church leaders in the New Testament surface in [Paul’s] letters. This is especially true of his letter to the Roman church… English translations stemming from the 1940s to the 1980s tend to obscure this fact… the esteemed apostle Junia becomes the masculine ‘Junias’ (Rom 16:7)… Among the leaders … at Rome, she receives highest marks. Paul greets her and a coworker Andronicus as ‘my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. they are outstanding among the apostles.’ (Rom 16:7 TNIV)” (Pg. 116)
Aida Besancon Spencer outlines, “The way Jesus affirmed women can be summarized under four broad categories. First, Jesus’ conversations with women indicate his esteem for them… Second, Jesus’ teachings are favorable to women… Third, women form an important part of Jesus’ ministry… Fourth, Jesus’ teachings and comments often take into consideration a women’s perspective. He uses female images for himself—a hen desiring to gather her chicks under her wings (Mt 23:37)…” (Pg. 128-129)
Judy L. Brown suggests, “To attach gender significance to any of the references to God… is to assign to God qualities belonging to humanity and the created order. This is what the ancient cults did… Knowing the truth about God, Israel was to do no such thing… it is just as wrong to depict God as malelike as it is to depict God as femalelike.” (Pg. 289)
William J. Webb notes, “As one compares the biblical texts about women to their surrounding context… a certain impression emerges…1. Improved rights for female slaves and concubines… 2. No bodily punishment of a wife… 3. Women gain inheritance rights… 4. The right of women to initiate divorce… 5. Grounds for divorce favor Judeo-Christian women… 6. Fairer treatment of women suspected of adultery… 7. Elevation of female sexuality…: (Pg. 389-390)
Mimi Haddad and Alvera Mickelsen suggest, “When we discuss biblical equality, we often use words like complementarianism… traditionalism … hierarchical and egalitarianism. Many people have only vague concepts of what these words mean. To reach the average person in the pew, we must use language that is comprehensible. For example, instead of using the term ‘egalitarianism,’ we can speak of ‘gift-based ministry.’” (Pg. 483)
This book will be “must reading” for Christians seriously studying such gender issues.
Editors Ronald W. Pierce and Rebecca Merrill Groothuis wrote in the Preface to this 2004 book, “[This book] is the result of a collaborative effort of a diverse group of evangelical scholars united here by two convictions: that the Bible is the fully inspired and authoritative Word of God, and that it teaches gender equality in church, home and society.”
They add in the Introduction, “The essential message of biblical equality is simple and straightforward: Gender, in and of itself, neither privileges nor curtails one’s ability to be used to advance the kingdom or to glorify God in any dimension of ministry, society, or family. The differences between men and women do not justify granting men unique and perpetual prerogatives of leadership and authority not shared by women. Biblica equality, therefore, denies that there is any created or otherwise God-ordained hierarchy based solely on gender. Egalitarianism … rejects the notion that any office, ministry, or opportunity should be denied anyone on the grounds of gender alone.” (Pg. 13)
They continue, “A threefold goal has guided the writing and editing of this collection… First, we have sought to present a positive explanation and a fresh defense of biblical equality… for teachers, students and laypersons… Second, we have sought to foster a dialogue that will draw in those who share our evangelical heritage yet disagree with or have questions about the biblical equality position.. Third… we wish to encourage women as well as men to celebrate God’s gift of gender complementarity… without the trappings of male hierarchy that traditionally have accompanied such relationships.” (Pg. 14-15)
Janette Hassey explains, “Evangelical women preached, pastored and taught the Bible in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries because they and other evangelicals were convinced that their ministry entailed obedience to God’s Word, not rebellious disobedience… Why did so many evangelical women find pulpits and pastorates open to them for the first time in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? Evangelical theology, a charismatic style of church leadership, and social activism provide keys for understanding the phenomenon.” (Pg. 45-46)
Linda L. Belleville observes, “most of the women named as church leaders in the New Testament surface in [Paul’s] letters. This is especially true of his letter to the Roman church… English translations stemming from the 1940s to the 1980s tend to obscure this fact… the esteemed apostle Junia becomes the masculine ‘Junias’ (Rom 16:7)… Among the leaders … at Rome, she receives highest marks. Paul greets her and a coworker Andronicus as ‘my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. they are outstanding among the apostles.’ (Rom 16:7 TNIV)” (Pg. 116)
Aida Besancon Spencer outlines, “The way Jesus affirmed women can be summarized under four broad categories. First, Jesus’ conversations with women indicate his esteem for them… Second, Jesus’ teachings are favorable to women… Third, women form an important part of Jesus’ ministry… Fourth, Jesus’ teachings and comments often take into consideration a women’s perspective. He uses female images for himself—a hen desiring to gather her chicks under her wings (Mt 23:37)…” (Pg. 128-129)
Judy L. Brown suggests, “To attach gender significance to any of the references to God… is to assign to God qualities belonging to humanity and the created order. This is what the ancient cults did… Knowing the truth about God, Israel was to do no such thing… it is just as wrong to depict God as malelike as it is to depict God as femalelike.” (Pg. 289)
William J. Webb notes, “As one compares the biblical texts about women to their surrounding context… a certain impression emerges…1. Improved rights for female slaves and concubines… 2. No bodily punishment of a wife… 3. Women gain inheritance rights… 4. The right of women to initiate divorce… 5. Grounds for divorce favor Judeo-Christian women… 6. Fairer treatment of women suspected of adultery… 7. Elevation of female sexuality…: (Pg. 389-390)
Mimi Haddad and Alvera Mickelsen suggest, “When we discuss biblical equality, we often use words like complementarianism… traditionalism … hierarchical and egalitarianism. Many people have only vague concepts of what these words mean. To reach the average person in the pew, we must use language that is comprehensible. For example, instead of using the term ‘egalitarianism,’ we can speak of ‘gift-based ministry.’” (Pg. 483)
This book will be “must reading” for Christians seriously studying such gender issues.
November 18, 2021
“Discovering Biblical Equality: Biblical, Theological, Cultural & Practical Perspectives, 3rd Ed.” is an excellent reference work that covers a variety of facets of often-asked questions about men and women in Scripture, church, and Kingdom. I appreciated the way this reference work was laid out, with articles focused in four sections: Looking to Scripture, Thinking it Through, Addressing the Issue, and Living It Out.
This is not a “read through” type of resource, although it can be. Rather, the many contributors aim to tackle the issue of gender in the church from as many angles and depths as possible to provide every questioner with the resources they are seeking.
Worth checking out. This reference book will help to answer questions and provide a substantial foundation for the treatment of men and women in the Christian faith.
This is not a “read through” type of resource, although it can be. Rather, the many contributors aim to tackle the issue of gender in the church from as many angles and depths as possible to provide every questioner with the resources they are seeking.
Worth checking out. This reference book will help to answer questions and provide a substantial foundation for the treatment of men and women in the Christian faith.
August 30, 2025
Like any collection of essays, there were some really great essays and some not so great ones. My personal favourite was Rebecca Groothius’ “‘Equal in Being, Unequal in Role’:Challenging the Logic of Women’s Subordination,” as I find that argument just absolutely illogical. If someone is permanently subordinated due to their very nature (I.e. being a woman), they are unequal. When “roles” are permanent and unchangeable structures in which one group always has authority and one group always submits to that authority, there is inequality. Just call it like it is. As it is, I doubt this essay collection would have convinced me of egalitarianism on its own; the Biblical passages just weren’t treated in enough depth for that (which is unsurprising, because these are essays). I’ve personally found books written on this topic by a single author much more compelling.
December 28, 2023
This book, Discovering Biblical Equality, is the best and latest of evangelical scholarship which comprehensively argues for gender equality in the home, church, and society. At over 700 pages it is a reference book (designed to be dipped in and out of) and offers 31 self-contained chapters (from various contributors), ranging from biblical studies, theological reflection, interpretive methods (hermeneutics), and practical applications. Whether your interest is theological, exegetical, social or pragmatic, you will find this resource something of a “one-stop shop” for a robust egalitarian outlook. Even if you disagree, at least you will be doing so having read some of the best scholarly and evangelical explanations of egalitarianism available.
April 1, 2025
This review is for the second edition, published in 2024. An excellent, comprehensive survey of the case for women serving in the church on an equal basis with men. A few chapters are mediocre, but most are very good. The chapters on biblical interpretation are particularly strong. But there are also chapters based on theology, philosophy, sociology, and more. Sent real chapters point to practical implications as well. I highly recommend it.
February 19, 2018
This is an incredibly comprehensive book. It covers all of the scriptural basis for things I used to disagree with, even though I was uncomfortable with the hierarchical system.
Fair warning, it is both much longer than you think, and much shorter due to a very large bibliography and associated addendum.
Fair warning, it is both much longer than you think, and much shorter due to a very large bibliography and associated addendum.
July 16, 2020
An absolute must-read for all evangelicals, especially those who grew up in male-leadership churches. This volume is humble, pointed, biblical, and full of grace and truth. A sobering reminder that insistence of hierarchical complementarity (patriarchy) in churches is not only theologically unsound---it is deeply damaging to women (and also to men).
June 1, 2022
Ok, this is a big one, but really worth the effort to go through. It is brilliant, deep, clear, and treats of various subjects around the main thesis. I highly recommend it to whoever wants to know more about christian relationship between men, women and scriptures. Personally, it gave me a revelation of gender equality and equiped me to step into this vision of God’s kingdom, life and family.
May 7, 2023
A collection of essays written by Bible-believing evangelical scholars responding to what is commonly called 'complementarianism', this book is definitely required reading for anyone getting into this debate.
February 13, 2024
A good overview of the theological stance of "Biblical Equality" or "complementarity without hierarchy". This is a view I don't agree with 100%, but it is a good resource to understand this view and be challenged in some interpretative issues.
October 18, 2020
pretty good
January 1, 2021
Great anthology of egalitarianism. Biblically, culturally, and logically sound.
December 31, 2022
Haven’t finished yet but I wanted it to be in this year’s wrap up
April 20, 2024
Death of 1k nuances and erroneous conclusions yet helpful at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews