I think I’ve always struggled with people’s interpretation of the role of women in the bible. I know for sure I’m not alone in this thought, so I was really intrigued to read this book.
Thank you Intervarsity Press for gifting me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Synopsis: Does God call women to serve as equal partners in marriage and as leaders in the church? The answer to this straightforward question is deeply contested. Into the fray, Lucy Peppiatt offers her work on interpretation of the Bible and Christian practice. With careful exegetical work, Peppiatt considers relevant passages in Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Peter, 1 Timothy, and 1 Corinthians. There she finds a story of God releasing women alongside men into all forms of ministry, leadership, work, and service on the basis of character and gifting, rather than biological sex. Those who see the overturning of male-dominated hierarchy in the Scriptures, she argues, are truly rediscovering an ancient message–a message distorted by those who assumed that a patriarchal world, which they sometimes saw reflected in the Bible, was the one God had ordained.
I have read a few different reviews about this book and I feel like I can see both perspectives on this read. I think people are still struggling with thinking their interpretation of what the bible says of a woman’s role in society is correct because it’s all they’ve known in their life through their personal experiences. Some churches are really against women serving while others are all for it. I agree and disagree equally with this author throughout the book. Half the book I agreed with, the other half I thought was going a little too overboard. I have come to understanding personally (and with guidance from church members) that submitting to my husband does NOT mean I have to do everything he says but trust that he is making decisions best for the family. My relationship works a bit different than maybe some marriages where I happen to make a lot of the decisions and have a supportive husband in agreeing with that role that I have come into. We make very similar decisions so he has trusted me in helping run the household and I admire him for that trust and vice versa. That doesn’t mean I’m going against the bible. That is just what our godly marriage has looked like and I felt the book helped to support that. I have held teaching roles in the church for youth and feel that I was able to do so with my faith and personal teaching experience as my trade. I think if you choose to read this, take it with a grain of salt and know that it is one interpretation, and an interpretation that I think all women should be exposed to.
3.5/5 Stars
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