Why Can't Women Do That?: Breaking Down the Reasons Churches Put Men in Charge

by Philip Payne, Vince Huffaker

A casual, clear, and compelling Biblical case for male/female equality in the church and home!

Embark on a transformative journey into the age-old debate on women's roles in the church and family. In "Why Can't Women Do That?" Philip Payne (renowned author of "The Bible vs Biblical Womanhood" and “Man and One in Christ”) presents his easiest-to-understand book, offering a compelling and accessible perspective on male/female equality. With co-author Vince Huffaker, they have crafted the definitive book for laypeople seeking clarity on this crucial issue, navigating every relevant Bible passage, revealing God’s resounding affirmation that women can indeed lead alongside men.

In this groundbreaking work, Payne and Huffaker address the concerns that trouble many Christians. The first part of the book delves into general principles and church traditions. The second part analyzes relevant Bible passages used to limit women's leadership. They present a simplified-yet-complete, straightforward case for the inclusion of women, dismantling centuries-old mistranslations and misconceptions that have perpetuated the subjugation of women.

"Why Can't Women Do That?" is for all members of the Christian community, regardless of their stance. Written in an engaging, non-confrontational manner, it invites readers to explore the issue in a casual and thought-provoking style. Perfect for individual reflection, small group discussions, pastors, and churches, "Why Can't Women Do That?" offers a refreshing perspective on the leadership roles of women. With clear language and profound insights, this book is an indispensable resource for navigating the intricacies of male/female equality.

Genres: Gender, Womens, Theology, Nonfiction

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2021

Reviews

[Anne Gould · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I felt the structure of this book (a supposed series of letters from an uncle to a nephew who was concerned about female leadership in the uncle’s church) was a little silly and unbelievable, it didn’t really affect the value. It meets its goal of being a theologically rich and compelling argument while being readable for the layperson.
I couldn’t rate the book lower for that small complaint because it managed to get me thinking differently about something I was quite settled about going in. I am convinced I need to spend more time considering his explanation of several key texts on female leadership in the church. I truly didn’t realize there was such a strong case for his argument. Huge props for the amount of research and clarity provided here. Highly recommend!

[Frank Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an excellent survey of biblical arguments for egalitarianism – that is, fully equality between the sexes in the church. It is very east to find excellent articles on the web or excellent books on the opposing view (e.g. Piper / Grudem on complementarianism). Since I am interested in comparing views and understanding what the best arguments are from all perspectives, this book was highly satisfying. Were all questions answered? No, but that was not expected. The disagreement in the church on this topic between people that I respect shows that there are questions that may never be adequately answered in this life. This book by Payne is an accessible summary of his much larger, more academic book on the same subject. For anyone who is interested in biblical (in contrast to emotive, political, or philosophical) arguments for egalitarianism, this book is highly recommended.

[Courtney Naka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a slightly cheesy letter format, but ultimately a great survey of the arguments against equality between men and women in the church and an exegetical rebuttal of those arguments. Now I want to pick up Payne’s The Bible vs Biblical Womanhood to dive deeper into the analysis.

My favorite little nugget from this one was learning the other, more accurate translation of 1 Timothy 2:15 (often translated as “but women will be saved through childbearing”) is “but women will be saved by the birth of the Child” and gosh how much does that shift the meaning from this view of women being relegated to a role of procreation (while a really good thing, but def should never be viewed as the only value we bring) to highlighting the incarnate God as infant Christ come to heal the broken. And THAT is beautiful.

[Gwen Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight Forward & Thorough

After a few years studying egalitarian theology, I was able to successfully tackle Man and Woman, One in Christ by Payne. I am so happy to see a short & easy to understand corresponding book. I can recommend this book whole heartedly to anyone.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the format used to approach this topic, that of essentially a conversation between friends/relatives that really respect each other, but have different beliefs. Payne explains the passages, them addresses the frequent arguments about the approaches to those passages. Some of it gets a little dense (apparently he has another book that's even MORE detailed!) but it's actually a pretty short read, and VERY informative. Definitely worth reading, thinking about, and processing over with others. I've seen a couple of refutation of a few of the points Payne makes (which is fine, as good scholarship involves reading many points of view and taking it all under consideration) but most of it makes just darn good sense, especially when compared with the overall themes of Scripture.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really solid, well-organized, clear, direct summary responding to the most frequently heard arguments against the equal participation of women in church and home life. It reads somewhat like "bullet points."

I know Phillip Payne has more complex books that dig deeper into this topic, including _Man and Woman, One in Christ_ and _The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood_ - reading this book made me want to read those deeper analyses.

[Kat Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

A readable and enjoyable - and at times witty - take on the "difficult" passages in the Bible regarding women. Based on Philip B. Payne's Man and Woman: One in Christ, which is now on my list of books to get.

Spoiler: men and women CAN work together, live together, minister together in mutuality, respect, love and honor as coheirs with Christ!

[Angie Barfield]

I did not care for the organizational format the authors used, an uncle and nephew writing to each other debating opposing views on the subject of women's leadership. The content, however, was extremely well researched and explained. It is a short, very readable book, jam packed with notes and resources for anyone who wishes to continue his/ her study on the topic. Highly recommend.

[Judge Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for something to support my belief that men and women should be equal partners and co-leaders in the church; teaching, preaching, serving as elders. This well researched book provides a good case for that belief and uncovers the weaknesses in the scriptures relied upon for the belief to the contrary.

[Rebecca Taft · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I might be a little biased since I know Vince Huffaker, but I loved that the book was easy to follow but also delved into details like the Greek and Hebrew to talk about each passage.

[Josh · Rating 2 out of 5]

The authors set up strawmen portraits of “complimentarian” and argue against that, rather than scholarly complimentarian arguments. Furthermore, they make non-sequitur conclusions throughout.

[Tim Wester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well done and a must read for all church members and Christians. Biblically sound and relying on inerrancy of the Bible

[Anne Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4, 4.5⭐️

[Amanda Buhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Very clear and easy to understand overview of the passages from the Bible that pertain to women. Written in conversational letter format from an uncle to a nephew.

[Ashley Walkup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the conversational, letter style the story is told in. It wasn’t confrontational and I felt like they were sharing their heart along with the message.