Daughters of the Church

by Ruth A. Tucker

Rich in historical events and colorfully written, this fascinating account of women in the church spans nearly two thousand years of church history. It tells of events and aspirations, determination and disappointment, patience and achievement that mark the history of daughters of the church from the time of Jesus to the present. The authors have endeavored to present an objective story. The very fact that readers may find themselves surprised now and again by the prominent role of women in certain events and movements proves an inequality that historical narrative has often been guilty of. This is a book about women. It is a setting straight off the record -- a restoring of balance to history that has repeatedly played down the significance of the contributions of women to the theology, the witness, the movements, and the growth of the church. An exegetical study of relevant Scripture passages offers stimulating thought for discussion and for serious reevaluation of historical givens. This volume is enriched by pictures, appendixes, bibliography, and indexes. Like many of the women whose stories it tells, this book has a subdued strength that should not be underestimated.

Genres: History, Theology, Christianity, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith

560 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 1987

About the author

Ruth A. Tucker (PhD, Northern Illinois University) has taught mission studies and church history at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Calvin Theological Seminary. She is the author of dozens of articles and eighteen books, including the award-winning From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya. Visit her website at www.RuthTucker.com.

Reviews

[Kenneth Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a detailed, exhaustive survey of the presence, roles, and church offices held by women (or denied women) over the history of the church. Presented from a "open centrist position," this book serves as a solid source text in the study of women in Christian ministry.
In conclusion, the authors state, "One conclusion that seems inevitable from the preceding survey is that dogmatism is no longer an appropriate way to approach the subject of women and the church. Positions must, of course, be taken by those in responsibility, but even a strong position need not exclude the acknowledgment of legitimate and sincere differences."
Highly recommended to anyone who cares about this issue, and desires a solid survey of the issue that is neither complementarian nor egalitarian.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical March through history showcasing the lives of amazing women. I learned so much from the heartbreaking and heroic tales of these women over the last two thousand years.

[Madison Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for a Seminary class. It is what it is. Very educational. Cool tool to have.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Women too often don't get much mention in histories of the Christian church. This book then is a great resource on the role of women throughout church history, from the ministry of Jesus to the present day. There are stories in there of women who might make it into church history survey books - Theresa of Avila, Perpetua and Felicity, Catherine of Sienna - as well as lots of great stories of women I had never heard of before. This is a good reference book.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is all about the history of women in the church & in ministry positions. I've read a lot af books on the subject, and this is one of the better, more complete and more neutral of the books I've read. I got my first copy from Amazon and it came without an index or bibliography in the back, so the publisher, (Zondervan) sent me a free copy to replace it! That was nice of them.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been many years since I read this book, but I remember liking it. However, I remember a professor of mine not liking it and telling me I should read something else to provide a different point of view.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

everyone should read this.

[Andrea Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like it out there...yet.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

c1987. Gosh, the UGA went absolutely ballistic with this book. Lots and lots of sentences underlined all to do with women ministering I think. The book claims not to be written as a Christian woman's manifesto but it did read like that at times. Some very interesting entries though some I have come across before and others that were completely unknown. Enjoyed the book and considered it a worthwhile read so can recommend to certain members of the crew. "Pressure for Catholic laywomen to convert to Protestantism came in some instances from their husbands.