Scot McKnight blogging Sumner's Men and Women in the Church

Scot McKnight is blogging Sarah Sumner's Men and Women in the Church

You really should read this book...

But start here with Scot's discussion (89 comments so far!!). And here.

Sumner's book (along with Webb) was instrumental in the discussion our elders had during the first year of evergreen's existence on the issue of women in leadership in the church (I know some of you reading this don't understand why this would be an issue... I'm sorry- I don't have time to explain it all right now, but it's NOT because the church is backwards and hates women... though that description does fit a good number of institutions). It really helped us to solidify our position.

So...Here's the deal- even if you think you have your position on women's roles in the churches all figured out and don't feel the need to do any reading on the subject, can I suggest that you read Sumner? A couple of reasons...

1. You probably never read a book on women's roles that was written by a woman who is at least twice as smart as you.
2. You probably never read a book on complementarianism/egalitarianism that took both to the woodshed
3. You don't have it nearly as figured out as you think you do...

So- read Sumner's book. If it doesn't change you at least you will be much, much more knowledgeable on the subject, and you'll understand where communities like evergreen are coming from when we say we really aren't either complementarian or egalitarian.

And if you won't read the book, at least read this post

Comments

[Michael Kruse]

Thanks for the link Bob!

[ryan]

Bob I think you are right on with Sarah's book, it is excellent. But the link to the Linda's article should also be followed up with a vote to read "Two Views on Women in Ministry" in which, scholars such as Blomberg, and Schriener respond to this reconstruction of 1Tim. 2. I am not a NT scholar by any means but I even can spot some exegetical shortcomings with her work.

[Zack]

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