Jesus and the Feminists: Who Do They Say That He Is? [Hardcover]

Margaret Elizabeth K'Ostenberger (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 253 pages
• Publisher: Crossway Books (January 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158134595X
• ISBN-13: 978-1581345957
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Margaret Elizabeth Köstenberger serves as adjunct professor of women's studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. She and her husband, Andreas, live in North Carolina with their four children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impeccable Research, Practical Scholarship, December 19, 2008

By 

A Reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jesus and the Feminists: Who Do They Say That He Is? (Paperback)

Margaret Köstenberger's "Jesus and the Feminists" is one of those rare books that for academics will prove to be paradigm-shifting (and indeed, it will be grappled with by parties on both sides of the gender roles debate), and yet for laypeople is both readable and imminently practical. Köstenberger's research is sound, her analysis is logical, and the conclusions she reaches are inescapable. I highly recommend this book to all who have an interest in the discussion of biblical gender roles, regardless of theological persuasion. A must read book that will become a standard in its field; but don't take my word for it--see the comments below by others who have read this fine text;

"Dr. Köstenberger gives us a here a solid, sad, scrupulously fair case study of ideology deflecting exegesis over an entire generation. She shows conclusively that the attempts of a long series of scholars to find Jesus affirming women's leadership in some way have entirely failed. Surely this is an important cautionary tale for our times."
- J. I. Packer, Professor of Theology, Regent College

"Who is Jesus? Was he a chauvinist? A feminist crusader? Or an egalitarian emancipator of women? In this significant work, Margy Köstenberger investigates whether the portraits of Jesus painted by proponents of women's equality truly fit the Gospel narrative. Her analysis of underlying hermeneutics is careful and concise. Her conclusions , balanced and well-reasoned. Is Jesus who they say he is? This is a valuable resource for all who seek to answer this all-important question."
- Mary A. Kassian, Distinguished Professor of Women's Studies, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

"Margaret Köstenberger succeeds at bringing historical perspective to bear on feminist understanding of Scripture and Christ. Her analyses of radical, reformist, and evangelical wings of this movement are methodical, clear, thorough, and mature. Her findings are highly significant. They force the question: Is Jesus Lord over Western culture's ideologies or their servant? Today a new generation stands poised to replace the aging leaders who ushered feminism into our churches. Köstenberger points the way to honor their concerns while avoiding their unjustified concessions."
- Robert W. Yarbrough, Associate Professor of New Testament and New Testament Department Chair, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"The strength of this manuscript lies in the way it surveys the main figures of English-language theological feminism, carefully noting developments, differences, and trends. I know of no survey to compare with it. The hermeneutical analysis at each step is introductory, accessible, and sensible. Highly recommended."
- D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just Another Book on Feminism, December 16, 2008

By 

Daniel K. Campbell "Keith" (Wake Forest, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jesus and the Feminists: Who Do They Say That He Is? (Paperback)

Margaret Köstenberger's "Jesus and the Feminists" is not just another book about how to interpret the Bible from a feminist and/or non-feminist perspective. Rather, it is about how feminists interpret the Bible--their hermeneutic. Recognizing an acute need to assess the hermeneutical methods of feminist biblical interpreters from every theological camp, Köstenberger offers a sweeping summary and critique of this influential twentieth century movement. She takes her readers on a lucidly, well-written journey into the multifaceted approach to Scripture that pervasively plagues feminist hermeneutics. All subsequent researchers into feminist biblical interpretations will have to interact with Köstenberger's work or be content with a gaping hole in their research.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned expert, Köstenberger's book is a must read. Much to our benefit, it is a pleasurable one!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful presentation recommended for college-level spirituality and women's studies libraries alike, January 15, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jesus and the Feminists: Who Do They Say That He Is? (Paperback)

The scholarly work of feminists on the person of Jesus Christ is examined by Doctor Margaret Kostenberger, who holds degrees in theology, is an adjunct professor of women's studies, and here examines how feminist scholarship relates to Jesus. From assessments of feminism as a liberation movement and discussions of believers and priests to the history of feminist critiques of Jesus, JESUS AND THE FEMINISTS makes for a powerful presentation recommended for college-level spirituality and women's studies libraries alike.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch