Women in the Church: Reclaiming the Ideal

Women in the Church: Reclaiming the Ideal

For conservative churches continuing to seek the middle ground between radical feminism on the one hand and an unhealthy patriarchalism on the other, it is useful to discuss existing options. Radical feminism and patriarchalism fail to survive biblical and sociological analysis. Egalitarianism and hierarchal complementarianism must be critiqued in terms of their biblical basis and sociological viability... Because this book has been out of print for some time and numerous people have urged that it be reprinted, this second edition, subtitled Reclaiming the Ideal, provides an opportunity to make a few corrections. It also provides an opportunity to respond to several constructive remarks made regarding the earlier volume. Since that study, the second volume of Essays on Women in Earliest Christianity has come into print and readers will profit from several references to significant studies in that volume. Refreshing! Clearly shows the tenacity of a biblical scholar committed to wrestling with a controversial topic, and willing to publicly proclaim some bold egalitarian conclusions about female and male relationships in the church. This second edition, expanded, extensively revised, and thoroughly documented, is a vital contribution to biblical and theological studies about the view and role of women. -- Kathy J. Pulley, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Southwest Missouri State University A refreshing and extremely helpful book to assist churches in discussion of the place of women in the Church. This work is thoroughly biblical and fully conversant with the vast amount of literature on the subject. Carroll Osburn is Carmichael-Walling Distinguished Professor of New Testament in the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University.