Customer Reviews

Why Not Women : A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This book opened my eyes to the difference between the beliefs we hold from our upbringing and culture, and the beliefs actually based on the Word of God. This book is very factual, exhaustively researched, and infinitely practical. In "Why Not Women", Loren Cunningham explains the history behind the oppression of women in Greek and Roman societies which led to centuries of discrimination in our western society, and even infiltrated the Church. He shows how Jesus and the early church were truly revolutionary in their equal treatment of women. David Hamilton digs into the controversial passages in God's Word to show how our preconceived biases have tainted our interpretation of these verses. He clearly breaks down the original language of the text in order to show what the writers were truly saying. If you are willing to let God's Word, not your opinions, determine what is truth, this book will open your eyes to God's heart for women, and the giftings and callings he has given them.

To those reviewers who are obviously threatened by the subject matter and seem content to merely prooftext scriptures to back up their bias, I have this recommendation: try actually READING this book before you review it. The authors dig into the original language and context of every scripture you misquote. A little research might do you some good.

I have read more than a few books on this topic, and I must say that Why Not Women? provides one of the most well-rounded treatment of the subject. It covers not only the academic side by going through the biblical basis for women as full participants in life and ministry, but also shows how God has used women to minister. Historical background is also covered, but is not dry. It does not use an argumentative tone. While there are other good books on this topic, this one definitely seemed more "full of the Spirit" (for lack of a better phrase). It seems -- at least to me -- to proceed directly from the heart of God, rather than from a human agenda. If you read no other book on this subject, this is the one you should choose!

Quite simply, much of our history has been spent in telling women that they aren't as good as men. In times past, this belief has manifested itself in various ways such as requiring two women's testimony in court to refute a single man's testimony. By treating them as property instead of people. By allowing them to be put to death if they couldn't demonstrate bleeding on their wedding night (true -- see Deuteronomy).

And spiritually, it's been equally silly. Women aren't allowed to teach in the same room where there's a man. Women aren't allowed to pray if a man is present. Women can't lead, teach, preach or even speak in church. Many denominations (and religions) have taught that woman's role is to be at the capricious whims of their husbands without regarding whether the husband is actually on track with God's will.

As a result of this teaching, the body of Christ has operated for nearly 2,000 years with one arm tied behind its back. Women have been relegated to a role of ineffeciveness.

The Apostle Paul was a controversial figure in that he saw women as what they are: glorious, valuable, strong individuals who have HUGE gifts, talents and strengths for God's work. However, the religious establishment has taken his writings, pulled them out of historical context and claimed them to mean something they do not.

"Why Not Women?" is a refreshing look at the spiritual power of women and what Paul REALLY meant in those controversial -- and often misinterpreted -- verses. It's definitely worth your time, attention and money.

I have read this book and studied it thoroughly. I also had 2 other highly respected, very credible women read this book to make sure I wasn't "going astray". They gave me the thumbs up on this. Directed to "heitland", nowhere does Cunningham and Hamilton "take away our God-given distinctives" in the book. They clearly recognize and distinguish our male/female differences. To "darren-christy brown", they do not eliminate the God-established roles of male and female in the family. While Christ "submits" to the Father, He was also empowered by God to do His will. The cross and the blood of Jesus equally empowered all those who believe - male and female - in Him. Of course we are different. Nevertheless, God's design was for us to serve one another and to submit to one another - check it out. It's all there in scripture. Excuse me, but your bias is showing. : ) This book gives women their rightful role to do all that God intended. That should not be a threat to any man. That should be a wonderful complement to their lives. I would encourage men and women to read this and find the wonderful blessings that are in this book to encourage the Lord's work and how honoring one another will accomplish much more than trying to "keep a woman in her place". It was enlightening to say the least.

Loren Cunningham and David Hamilton give a very clear picture of women's rolls as defined by scripture. They also give an excellent historical perspective on the maltreatment of women around the world. Before this book, I knew that I didn't believe God had created women to be subservient to men, but now I have scripture I can clearly understand to refute the arguments. Grab your highlighters and get going! Just a helpful note, you may not want to read this right before bed. I would get so worked up, I couldn't sleep!

In "Why not Women?" I found three important things:
-David Hamilton takes difficult verses and explains them within the context of its surrounding verses.
- He explores alternative translations and corrects common understandings of key words that may change the entire meaning of a passage.
-His writtings reveal a spirit of humility and sensitivity towards a sometimes volatile subject.

I loved this book. I have read since many years the arguments from the complementarian and the equalitarian sides of the debate (plus all the nuances within each one). What I particularly like here are the analyses of David Hamilton on the various controversial passages. Having studied classical Greek for four years, I really appreciate the sound linguistic approach. Plus, this is really a book for the Christian in the pew. David Hamilton has an amazing talent to render linguistic concepts clear. One reviewer deplored the absence of exhaustive theological references, but this has been addressed in many scholarly books. The reader interested in digging further can find a list of them classified by theme at www.cbeinternational.org , for example.

So many of my questions about the proper role of women in ministry were answered. Loren Cunningham's stories of women in missions and David Hamilton's Biblical knowledge provided a great combination for all sides of this issue. I have a deeper theological knowledge of where we as women belong in ministry and I felt so encouraged throughout this book.

This book is amazing. I'm overwhelmed by the deep and serious study David Hamilton did on this topic. It is an extract from David's Master Thesis, where he spent 8 years of extensiv research and study.

I recommend any person to discover, what God's plan really is with women in ministry. This book is a very good help.

This book condenses thousands of hours of Bible and historical research into an easy-to-read study on the place God always intended for women to have in the Church. It shows the historical, cultural, and religious settings for the sayings of Paul, which many have misinterpreted. A fascinating read.