The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood
How God's Word Consistently Affirms Gender Equality
- Theology
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Women
- Publisher: Zondervan Reflective (Zondervan)
- Published: 2023
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Publisher's Description
A biblical defense of egalitarianism that relies on Scripture to affirm gender equality in the church and in the home. "Biblical womanhood" is the idea that the Bible teaches God-ordained male leadership and female submission in the home and subordination in the church. Some say this hierarchy of authority is sufficiently evidenced by examples of male leadership (and lack of female leadership) in the Bible: the first human was male, Israel's official priests were male, most authors of Scripture were male, Jesus was male and chose twelve male Apostles. God is addressed as Father. Wives are commanded to submit to their husbands. In The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood, New Testament scholar Philip B. Payne argues that the very Bible passages that are often believed to teach male headship and female subordination actually teach gender equality. He demonstrates that the Bible does not endorse gender hierarchy but instead emphasizes: The Holy Spirit gifting all believers for ministry The oneness of the body of Christ (the church) and the priesthood of all believers Humility, service, and mutual submission required of all believers Freedom and willingness to relinquish freedom in order to spread the gospel These concepts are examined in 14 Bible passages throughout the Old and New Testaments, using careful exploration of Greek and Hebrew word meanings, historical and cultural context, and examples from Scripture. Payne defends his position by providing detailed answers to common objections at the end of each chapter. The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood is for those struggling to reconcile the Bible's seemingly contradictory teachings about man and woman. Readers will come away with greater confidence in the reliability of Scripture's consistent, harmonious message of gender equality.
Endorsements (6)
“This is Philip Payne at his best. Skillful, thorough, and kind, Payne makes it clear that “biblical womanhood” has never been biblical. His careful analysis provides unshakeable ground that we can believe both in the Bible and in the full freedom of women to serve however God has called them.”
“No scholar of the New Testament and church has spent more energy in examining and explicating the role of women in leadership and teaching and preaching than Phil Payne. His scholarship is well-known and impeccably fair-minded. This book judiciously and pastorally unravels the tight threads woven by complementarians and weaves them into a fresh, new tapestry that is both biblical and pastoral. It will be for me the go-to book for lay folks who need a response to the complementarians.”
“A glorious blend of biblical history and theological analysis, Payne systematically dismantles the logical failures used to distort God’s Word intended for human flourishing. This book will bring enormous healing to the body of Christ. If you need a book that quickly and clearly exposes the failed teachings of male-headship arguments, The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood is it! Respected by Christians the world over, Phil Payne’s research opens new doors of leadership for women.”
“Profound scholarship broken down to be made lively, clear, and understandable for any reader who wants to know what the Bible says about one of the most challenging issues facing the church today.”
“A compelling and highly readable case for the full equality of women and men. This remarkable book presents the best in New Testament scholarship for non-specialists.”
“Philip Payne has produced a most readable book on a most controversial topic which brings clarity with lucid writing, careful explanation, and good organization. It contains new research that has yet to appear in print. This work is a most helpful contribution for helping evangelical Christians find their way through this thicket of controversial teachings. For an up to date, readable, and enjoyable presentation of the egalitarian case, this is the book to read.”
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