How God Sees Women: The End of Patriarchy

by Terran Williams

"This is, in my opinion, the best book on the complementarian / evangelical egalitarian debate. Buy a copy, buy copies for friends, lend it widely. It highlights the truth that the gospel sets the oppressed free. The Bible from cover to cover is good news for men and women." —Dr. Kevin Giles, author of What The Bible Actually Teaches on Women

"Terran Williams develops a meticulous case that shows God’s moral compass always points to the unity of men and women, in creation, in the church, and in Christ. A terrific resource for anyone wrestling with this topic.” —Dr. Michael Bird, author of Evangelical Theology

“In a landmark book of our generation, Terran plumbs the depths of Scripture to reclaim the heights women (and men) are called to.” —Starla and Dan Webster, senior pastors of City Lights, Dubai

“A compelling narrative of one dedicated theologian’s search for truth as well as a full-scale study in complementarian and egalitarian theologies and practices. ” —Kadi Cole, author of Developing Female Leaders

“With his relentless and honest logic, I gained fresh insights as I read the evidence that compelled Williams to change his own view.” —Dr. Craig Keener, editor of NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible

“What Lee Strobel did to atheism in writing The Case for Christ, Terran does here to making it an increasingly indefensible position for any who seek to be shaped by the evidence.” —Dr. Katia Adams, senior pastor of The Table Boston, author of Equal

“Terran Williams takes us on a journey of theological, exegetical, and personal transformation. With an uncompromising commitment to the authority of Scripture, his conversational and engaging approach makes his complex research accessible.” —Dr. Cynthia Westfall, author of Paul and Gender

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

400 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2022

Reviews

[Simon Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are lots of books which do a good job of laying out the theology behind the Bible endorsing women serving everywhere in the life of the church. What sets this one apart is the authors personal journey out of ‘soft complementarianism’ (an understanding that there are some teaching / leadership roles within church which only men should perform, while seeking to release women as fully as possible within those confines), into embracing the full mutuality of male / female relationships in both the church and in marriage.

His identification of the pain and damage his previous position caused to women, even in a church which was attempting to release women in ministry as fully as possible, resonates strongly with the conversations I have had with women in a range of complementarian churches. Women are left with a sense of shame that somehow they aren’t enough, uncertainty as to what teaching and leadership roles they can and can’t perform, and confusion as to why they would be encouraged to be leaders in the secular world but couldn’t be the senior leaders in a church.

The book also does a good job of exposing complementarian teaching as a relatively new theological position which was a response to the feminist movement. Most theologians through history have (sadly) taught that women shouldn’t lead because they are weaker or inferior, not the different but equal complementarian teaching.

I would encourage any leader of a complementarian church to read this book. Yes to engage with the theological arguments, but also to consider the fruit of the position you hold, not only from your point of view but also by hearing the perspectives of women in your community. Ask them to read the book and then hear their response to it.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a fair number of books out these days reexamining the proper role of Christian women. Even the most benevolent complementarians are being forced to admit lately that there is perhaps something a little wrong with current (male) Christian leadership, due to the number of scandals and pastoral abuses that have been reported on in recent years. I’ve read a few books supporting egalitarianism, but I have to say that this one the most thorough I've ever seen. Terran Williams has written a book I’ve been looking for for over a decade now. I may not agree with everything he says, but How God sees Women is nonetheless essential reading for Biblical feminists.

Williams pairs concern for the well-being of the church with concern for the well-being of its women, and he takes a high view of scripture where other authors like Rachel Held Evans simply dismiss whatever parts of the Bible they don’t like. As a result of his view of scripture, he takes the time to address each argument against egalitarianism (which he calls mutuality), and examines every passage used to defend complementarianism, as well as several positive examples of female authority in the Bible. I was not convinced by all of his arguments, but I appreciated his thoroughness and found every chapter to be thought-provoking.

This is a book that should perhaps be read more than once, and always with a Bible to hand. I hope it spawns discussions among churches about what is informing their beliefs, and emboldens women who have been unduly silenced by a misled church.

[Amy Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for anyone at all interested in the role of women in the church (whatever side of that issue you fall on).

I was looking for a book that would give an in-depth, comprehensive look at the arguments and evidence for egalitarianism (or “mutualism”, the term preferred by the author), and Williams does exactly that.

While he does spend significant time in the typical Pauline texts, Williams goes far beyond that; he examines evidence from the whole of scripture, from Genesis to Romans, as well as pointing out important cultural and hermeneutical considerations.

It would be nearly impossible to do a completely exhaustive look at this issue, but Williams does an admirable job. The appendices and endnotes are full of good stuff, as well.

If you consider yourself to be
complementarian, I urge you to read this book if only to better understand the reasons your egalitarian brothers and sisters disagree (and that these reasons do have grounding in scripture.) Williams, a former (soft) complementarian himself, on the whole represents his former views generously and engages with complementarian scholars respectfully, while remaining firm in his present convictions.

For those who, like myself, agree with Williams, it is a welcome exploration of the breadth and depth of why we believe what we do about women’s roles in the church.

And if you are on the fence about this issue, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for all those who have any questions around gender roles and/ or gender roles in a spiritual setting. For Christians, this book should be essential reading, as one's theology on gender affects every other doctrine and theology. It is very technical in parts, and the footnotes and appendices are excellent additional material for those wanting to go deeper. However, this book gets equally practical in application, and it is possible to only read the application chapters without getting into the technical details (if you're not inclined to get into the Greek). At the end of reading this book, the real question is not whether you agree with Terran's interpretation, but whether or not your actions will be consistent with your belief, because Terran does not leave room for you to have half-measures. I sobbed through the first 3 chapters as years of pain from being denied the use of my gifts by virtue of my gender came to the fore, but this is never-the-less a book I will re-read many times in the years ahead. The clarity of Terran's writing is phenomenal, yet it is very accessible to the non-academic (me) - even the technical chapters. The grace and respect with which he writes is also not something many Christians get right when arguing a different perspective, which makes his arguments all the more compelling.

[Sara Mersek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so incredibly thorough in dissecting the prevailing view of women in the church. It was eye opening on so many levels! There are a couple of chapters that are very very dense in terms of the subject matter, but apart from those, I would describe it as “accessibly academic.” This book is for everyone to read, whether you’re a complementarian, egalitarian, or somewhere in between. Williams holds a high view of the Bible.

This quote at the end of the book is an excellent summary of the book: “Male-female mutualism takes the theological position, informed by Scripture, that men and women are distinct and yet equal, created to serve and partner alongside each other in all spheres of life. Each person’s God-given authority, gifting, and expertise can and should be recognized and celebrated, regardless of their gender.”

Lastly, if research is your jam, you will love all of the footnotes, appendices, and reference pages. Williams cites from a wide range of sources, which is wonderful to see!

[Stephanie Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely a must read. As someone who has been wrestling with the complementarian view for years, I was not even aware that a Biblically sound alternative existed. This book opened wide the value and worth of women for me, in the eyes of God.

The author, while male, has done a thorough and sound job researching the scriptures and referencing a wide variety of sources.

This will be a book I will reference and go back to for heads to come and has helped shape my theology like few books have.

[Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

My perspective of this book is complex because I am not fully convinced, but I did find it very helpful and worth my time. I am not a complementarian but I’m also not an egalitarian. I’m stuck in a weird place of feeling like I don’t really belong in any camp. However, I have a strong opposition to patriarchy and found his historical overview at the beginning of the book to be well done. I also agreed with many points he made. Overall, I’m giving this book 5 stars because it’s incredibly thoughtful and well researched.

[Renae Stiers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done. Williams makes excellent arguments and counter arguments that really dismantled everything I was taught about being a woman growing up in my conservative Baptist church. It was wild for Williams to directly call out specific pastors who were heavily relied upon for sound doctrine in my church. Growing up, I think there was always something in the back of my mind that thought “God can’t think of me like this just because I’m a girl.. can he?… does he really?” And Williams only proves in this book how valued, loved, cherished, and NEEDED women were/are in Gods kingdom. Not just as “helpers” or to be the “supporters of men” but has fully recognized and essential parts of the puzzle.

[Jennifer Moodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

best book I read on topic

This is the best book I have read in the topic of mutualism in the home and church. Williams did a great job of presenting his case Biblically while being balanced and gracious and kind. This is written in a way that lays out facts without tearing down those who disagree, but rather gently challenges them. Highly recommend, and am so grateful for the work Terran Williams put into this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking and challenging. This book opened my eyes to places where my beliefs were based on inferences rather than the explicit teaching of Scripture and helped me better understand and appreciate how Christians who love the Lord and His Word reach different conclusions about women in ministry.

[Aleassa Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book blew me away. Meticulously researched with 37 pages of endnotes and scrupulous attention to Scriptural detail. Very respectful in tone.

Terran Williams, a long-time complementarian pastor, set out to prove and strengthen his long-held beliefs about men and women in the church and marriage. In the process of deep study, he came to the conclusion that his beliefs were not holding up to careful research and exegesis. What followed is this book presenting the theology of male/female mutualism, which is defined as “complementarity without hierarchy.”

How God Sees Women walks the reader through a comprehensive history of patriarchy and complementarianism, from Genesis to today. Williams points out that it is only since the 1960’s, following the Women’s Liberation Movement, that the church began to consider seeing women as more than the inferior sex who needed to be ruled. From Origen to Tertullian to Augustine to Martin Luther to John Knox to John Calvin to John Wesley to John R. Rice, the teaching was “clear” — men were superior and women were designed to be subordinate.

The formatting of the book was very helpful to me. The author presented each topic clearly, laid out the various arguments for each one, and then carefully explained which conclusions he came to and why.

I won’t spoil the book any further. I will just say that if you only read one book on the subject, let it be this one, and use its extensive research and endnotes as a jumping off point for your own study. (But definitely read more than just one book on the subject!)

Sidenote: the author has an interesting take on the Corinthian women of 1 Corinthians 11. The author presented valid arguments for his case, but I personally lean towards Lucy Peppiatt’s views on head coverings.

Books that pair well with How God Sees Women:

Rediscovering Scriptures Vision for Women by Lucy Peppiatt
Unveiling Paul’s Women by Lucy Peppiatt
Untwisting Scriptures Book 2 by Rebecca Davis
The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire
The Bible vs Biblical Womanhood by Philip B. Payne
The Book of Eden by Bruce E. Fleming

[Natalie Runyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a lifelong complementarían, and have a high view of scripture, and as I studied the Word, I began to have questions that I couldn’t find sufficient answers for. I’ve read numerous books and articles on this topic and continued to walk away with unanswered questions. Terran’s book, however, is so thorough. Because he was initially tasked to write something for his denomination that upheld complementarían theology, he explains the complementarían view in an even handed way without creating unnecessary strawmen to attack. On each contested passage of scripture he explains multiple possible views, delves into historical background, looks at the words in question in the original language as well as how the words were used in antiquity. He also explains how to use good hermeneutics when interpreting scripture, and shows how complementarian theologians don’t always use them in defending this doctrine. Which, if I’m honest, is what has led me to question it in the first place. A final note- this isn’t something that’s explicit in the book, but I want to say it here- I’ve been grieved to see how the church has made a second order doctrine a first order issue, as though orthodoxy hinges on this. It doesn’t. In fact, Jesus consistently elevated women and restored their dignity in a culture that considered them evil, at best and discardable, at worst. If we truly followed a Biblical ethic we would look at how our own culture still seeks to diminish both womanhood (and increasingly manhood) and restore dignity to both, without elevating one gender over another. Both male and female are tasked with the great commission and I believe as the church better understands scripture on this matter women will feel more free to follow both their gifting and the leading of the Holy Spirit to make disciples and teach, both inside the church and out.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down the best book I have ever read on this topic. The author writes from a place of deep love for the Lord, the word and the church. He gives context and language for the dissonance I've long felt between how Jesus treats women in the bible and how the church treats women. I feel a profound sense of sadness over complementarian doctrine that's taught me and so many other women that we're less valuable, not welcome, second best and that our voices, perspectives and gifts are not wanted in the church. This book gave me hope that things can (and should) be different. It's not a light read but I'd recommend it to any of my Christian friends, male or female, who grew up or came to faith in a complementarian church.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely to read about this topic from someone influenced by but outside of the American church. The author brings in just enough of his personal story, without distracting from the purpose of the book.

A strength was in how non-dogmatic this was, but filled with allowance for varied interpretations. Williams was not attempting to convince someone of certainty where there is none. He points out complexities of historical and literary context, along with serious issues of gendered translation.

Having lived in the patriarchal camp for a long time, I feel like he was very fair in presenting their cases across a variety of topics, while also discussing the real issues with them. His case for "mutuality" is a solid one, and handled with grace and from a real hope for growth and completeness in the Church.

(I feel like this would have benefited from more editing. The author's tone sometimes dramatically shifted from academic to casual and back again within the same chapter, and I personally found it distracting. Either tone would have been fine if it was consistent. A small distraction, but still great!)

[Jaella Weems · Rating 5 out of 5]

Expertly articulated and beautifully written. Williams does not primarily rely on emotional stories or the past hurts that his audience has experienced to prove his point. Rather, he pieces together facts, arguments on top of arguments that slowly and concisely dismantle Complementarian theology. Williams’ writing is simplistic and his trains of thought are easily understood, rendering his book an accessible resource for anyone who is interested in this subject. Time after time while reading this book, I found myself thinking “that is so true!” Every problem that I had with Complementarian theology that I could not seem to express was clearly stated in this book. Williams has a genuine heart and a passion for this topic, and it was felt in his writing. I will never think of women in ministry the same way. Five stars.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent and well researched. There is too much in this book to give it an adequate review. The author went through all of the arguments on women and their role in the church with a new set of eyes about reading the scripture. He relied heavily on context in reading (which is probably what should normally be done) and supplied excellent arguments. You can read the book to find his position on various topics!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book from a previously complementarian pastor who in his research to write a support for the complementarian view of women in church and home, found himself led into a “mutualist” view instead. His book is well researched, critically examining and re-examining the different interpretations of challenging Scriptural passages within the overarching Scriptural narrative and arguing well for the conclusions he’s come to on the journey.
The footnotes contain so many links to the writings and Scripture he’s examined as well as links where he’s delved deeper into certain issues. It gave me a lot to think and pray through.

[Garrett]

Still mulling over what I thought of this. I will say that I appreciated his tone in a book largely aimed at those he disagrees with.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this is one of the most thorough defenses of the egalitarian position regarding female elders/pastors. Though it does not, ultimately, convince for a variety of reasons, some of them being hermeneutical and exegetical errors, others are just annoying, it is clear that the author put a tremendous amount of work and thought into this book.

The thing that gave me pause wasn't so much exegetical or theological but pastoral. He claims that even a soft complementarianism pushes down the voices of women in the church and even facilitates and enables abuse toward women. To me, this shows that these issues are not best played out only in biblical exposition, it is played out in real life, with real people and real person-to-person connection, communication and mentorship. It is not just 'preach the Bible' that's going to fix all of the unhealthy and, frankly, destructive tendencies among people (and not just men and women but among men and men, and, really, all people). It is, in a word, discipleship in the fullest sense of the term--see Jesus and his disciples as an example--which is going to help bring health and life to the various relationships in the body of Christ. That's the greatest strength of this book: it reminds us, or me at least, that the church has to come back to the drawing board on how it construes and walks out church life and culture. We cannot continue to blindly adopt old ways without asking hard questions. To do so means to continue to embrace persistent spiritual blindness and long-cherished idols. Discipleship with Jesus, in contrast, is a moment by moment, day by day affair.

[Linneah Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having been raised in a strictly complementarian persuasion of Christianity and more recently going back to scripture and discovering for myself what it really says about women and men and the relationship between the two, I have been consuming all the books I can about this subject.

Terran Williams' How God Sees Women: The End of the Patriarchy is one of the best books I've read on the subject of egalitarianism. Williams posits the question: "What if the idea that men lead and women submit in church, home, and life is not at all God's original design or intention for the sexes, but rather the direct result of the corruption of mankind in Genesis 3?"

Williams makes the information very accessible and entertaining. There are some more dense parts of the book, but overall was a very smooth, accessible read. He simplifies heavily academic subjects into speech that is easy to understand for the every-day person, making it clear that the complementarian view of the relationship between men and women is increasingly indefensible by Scripture.

If you are looking to explore the Biblical foundations of egalitarianism, or as Williams calls it, mutualism; if you want to know more about how women were viewed in the early church by the likes of Peter and Paul vs. how they came to be viewed for most of church history by the church fathers vs. how they are viewed by complementarian denominations in the present day, then this is the book for you.

I cannot highly recommend this book it enough for those who are curious.

[Pascal'S Wager · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent three years researching and reading about gender theology, patriarchy, complementarianism, egalitarianism and the different views on the controversial passages of Scripture. All the books I have read have been mostly enlightening, but this book "How God sees women" by Terran Williams, has it all. In highly summarised form, it takes us through the history of the church and how the early church fathers and mediaeval reformers alike read their patriarchial bias into Scripture, up to the 70s when the complementarians did the same thing, then takes each of the their tenets and Bible verses one by one and shows how they have misinterpreted scripture and read it through hierarchical tinted glasses. Although I had read some of Williams arguments in other places, this book is comprehensive and easy to read. It has the church history views of women, plus some of his own personal story, plus exegesis and explanation of certain Bible passages, so it's all in the one spot. It is not a difficult theological book and does not use jargon. I'm only half way through but I expect to be buying more copies to give away as this is the one book that summarises all the evidence for women to be able to co-lead in the church and co-parent at home on an equal footing with men, instead of being pushed into a subservient role.

[Jenneth Graser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book and feel so renewed in my own mind about some scriptures I've really struggled with, always feeling, I'm sure God does not view women this way.

This was a real page turner and don't be put off by the theological content, it is accessible, readable and full of meaty instruction that will both affirm and change lives wherever it is embraced.

Written in a way that feels like a solid conversation, over a table of fellowship, the historical contexts of these scriptures are unpacked, explored and delved into without apology.

There is a friendly, humble-natured tone about Terran's writing, in that the author himself was "converted" through honest, in-depth study and a desire for the truth, and nothing but the truth, sharing his journey from complementarian to a stance of mutualism, a joy to behold.

And the increasing lived-out reality of partnering in all things in Christ, together, male and female, without gender obstacles in tow, will help the earth to experience more and more, the full expression of the Kingdom come, on earth as it is in Heaven. Thank you to Terran Williams for this book, a gift to the church.

[Allison Ohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great summary of all the major points

I was hoping to find one place where all the main points of egalitarianism/mutualism were gathered, and it is here in this book. It is obvious that Mr. Williams has carefully and faithfully considered the arguments and reasonings behind every major objection to mutualism and laid them all out which I appreciate as well (hearing opposing points and then their refutation). Sometimes some of the reasoning stayed a bit too technical compared to the rest of the book and could have been explained out a bit better. As much as I want to believe what he says is true, there’s still some parts of the arguments that just don’t quite make sense to be - once I’ve seen scripture one way I just can’t get over the objections to seeing it in this new way (as much as I may want to). But this book has carried me along in that journey one step closer to freedom.

[Linda Pippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

How God Sees Women

On my path the past two years of examining what both the Old and New Testament teach about women, I have have read many, many books…by complementarians, egalitarians, those who profess neither—but practicing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, feminists, anti-feminists, women, men, scholars, pastors.
Terran Williams brings a unique presentation as he was formerly a complementarian; he is a pastor; he is is husband and father—that has become a scholar in looking at God’s view of women. His presentation in this book is very thorough, is extremely well-referenced; is very compelling. I highly recommend this book if you are a seeker who wants to get a bigger view of how God sees women. It will challenge you to dig deeper into God’s Word. It may challenge you to re-examine pre-conceptions, that you don’t even know that you have.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I’ve read on this topic, because it handily puts together in one place the many Scriptural reasons to believe in mutuality between men and women rather than hierarchy. It does a good job of showing how we shouldn’t interpret a few cloudier verses as permanent prohibitions when the overall view of the Bible is a vision of men and women working together (clear in Genesis before the Fall, and now working to get back to that place in a Body of Christ where the Spirit gifts regardless of gender). Highly recommended reading if you’re curious about this topic.

I especially appreciate that it was written by a male pastor who actually changed his mind, rather than simply confirming his view, after a deep dive into what the Bible has to say on men and women. That’s a hard thing to do, especially when your very livelihood is affirmed by your old system.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and supported by scripture and the life of Jesus, this book promotes the idea that men and women are equal before God, both made in his image and should both be allowed to serve in church and family leadership. I read this book at a perfect time, while recovering from time spent in churches which prevented women from serving in leadership roles. This oppressive attitude made me feel of lesser value (because I am female) and it did much damage to my self esteem and prevented me from stepping out into more ministry opportunities. I am now involved in a church which affirms the value of women (and everyone else) and which even has women pastors. I only regret I didn't change churches years sooner. It's so healing to read this book and to see that God's plan for women, far exceeds what I was wrongfully taught.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, detailed, well laid-out perspective. Whether you agree or disagree with the author’s opinion, you can’t argue with the research.

I was not impressed with Part 3, because it sounds like the complementarian tape played backwards- just the reverse argument of the other side. To me, that doesn’t hold a lot of weight- or at least the opposing argument cancels it out.

Parts 1 and 2 were the real answers to every single one of the questions asked from a hard complementarian stance. Again, whether you agree or disagree with the author, there is no denying he gives some things to seriously consider.

[Kenji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read on this subject. Williams spells out where both sides fall thoroughly and encourages you, as the reader, to come to your own conclusion based on the evidence. I appreciate him engaging each of the main counterpoints and how he moved from a ‘soft complentarian’ to what he calls ‘mutualism.’ Highly recommend reading this to wrestle through this issue. To read our English bibles at face value without engaging the nuances of language, translation, cultures across time, and the redemptive arc of Gods work in the world is to miss out on some of the beauty of Gods Kingdom!

[Crystal Garnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

I loved this book and will recommend it over and over again. Logical, straightforward, and so very rooted in Scripture, this book is the perfect answer to the question its title raises, "How does God see women?" I appreciate that the author never attacks the integrity of the opposite side, but simply and thoroughly reveals the implications of a false theology of complimentary ideas.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are other better summaries of the entire "women in church leadership" debate, but this one is thorough and cites some of the most well known scholarship on the subject. It's worth reading by yourself but even better with a group (especially the curious and open minded), though the first few chapters are a bit rough, as the subject matter brings up very mixed emotions, but mainly shock and anger. The second half is much more positive though, and bodes well for the future.