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

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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

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!

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

Margaret Kostenberger's Jesus and the Feminists is a very enlightening study of feminist scholarship on Jesus. Kostenberger's focus is on feminist hermeneutics, that is, the presuppositions guiding feminist interpretation, including their view of Scripture. She studies representative figures in the 3 major types of feminism:

(1) radical feminism;
(2) reformist feminism; and
(3) evangelical feminism (also known as egalitarianism).

Important case studies include: radical feminists Mary Daly, Daphne Hampson, and Virginia Mollenkott; reformist feminists Letty Russell, Rosemary Radford Ruether, and Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza; and a whole host of evangelical feminists.

Kostenberger finds that, on the whole, radical feminists see Jesus as patriarchal and therefore reject him. They view Christianity as a Father-Son religion and the Bible as patriarchally biased. Reformist feminists, such as Fiorenza, in contrast, claim Jesus was a feminist, as do evangelical feminists. Thus, Kostenberger shows that feminism is a house divided with regard to their view of Jesus.

Kostenberger also chronicles a series of fascinating critiques by feminists of the egalitarian Jesus. While themselves feminists, these scholars, such as Kathleen Corley and John H. Elliott, contend vigorously that the historical evidence does not support the notion that Jesus was a feminist. This further adds to the picture of a feminist camp that cannot agree on who Jesus was.

Kostenberger's findings are especially significant with regard to evangelical feminism, because while reformist feminists don't hold to inerrancy and so can simply reject elements in Scripture with which they don't agree, egalitarians need to show that the Bible, rightly interpreted, teaches egalitarianism. This places them in a dilemma, however, because even many feminists no longer support the notion of a feminist Jesus.

Personally, I found Kostenberger's book to be compelling. Of course, I'm not completely unbiased - I'm her husband! So, read her book and judge for yourself. Highly recommended!