Customer Reviews

Women and the Word of God: A Response to Biblical Feminism

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In this insightful book, Susan Foh confronts one of the toughest issues to face the Christian church in modern times. She directly faces some of the most difficult passages in the Old and New Testament, about a variety of issues concerning women and the church and the submission of women in the marriage relationship. I learned a great deal from her scholarly exegesis, especially in the Old Testament passages. She built the case for a woman's role based solely on the Scriptures, showing the foundational importance of recognizing the Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God, and how that connects to all issues of doctrine. Foh carefully dissects the issue, delineating the Biblical role for women in the family and in the church. Throughout the book it will become evident to the reader that the Bible never teaches an inferiority of women, but rather full equality before God in regards to being created with man in the image of God, and having the same sinful nature and need for the Savior Jesus Christ. The author explains that this does not mean that God has not established separate roles for men and women both in marriage and in the church. And indeed there are guidelines set forth in the New Testament that set men apart for the role of ministry as a pastor. Foh rightly refutes ideas that this suggests the superiority of men, bigotry of Paul the apostle, or that it is based on the abilities of the individual. Women certainly may serve the church in many ways, and these are outlined in "Women and the Word of God," yet God has chosen to limit the office of pastor to men.

Foh also shows the beautiful oneness the church has with Christ, and how the relationship of Christ to the church is our perfect model for how the husband and wife relationship in marriage was intended to be. The submission of the wife to the husband, who is to love and respect her as his own flesh, is the pattern established by God at creation, with Adam being created first, and Eve created as the one-flesh completion of Adam, in whom he found great delight. Abuses in the marriage relationship are certainly to be denounced by Christians, but this does not mean that we should conform to our culture by abandoning the Biblical example set forth and typified by the eternally faithful love and self-sacrifice shown by Christ to his bride, the church. "Women and the Word of God" is an invaluable book for the church today, and should be read by those on both sides of the issue. Foh firmly emphasizes the importance of women in service to the church and as a respected partner in marriage, while setting forth a godly and scriptural model for their lives as Christians.

Foh diagnoses the problem which grates us with this ordination of women issue: lack of authority in our culture. She writes: "Our culture has been moving away from authority structures (including the idea of absolute truth) and emphasizing individual's rights, self-sufficiency, subjectivism and relativism. Only in such a climate could abortion be legalized and gays find advocates. This atmosphere is also reponsible for the low view of Scripture held by the biblical feminists and others."

Equality on justification, order of creation in marriage and in the office of public ministry.

Well done. Useful.

Susan Foh's book Women and the Word of God is a masterpiece of sound Biblical exegesis and logic. Many who presume to expound on this subject put forth essentially emotional and subjective arguments. Their intentions may be good, but we all know what road is paved with good intentions. Her positions are Biblical and unassailable. If you believe the Bible is the unalterable, infallible Word of God, read this book and learn from Dr. Foh's erudition. If not, believe whatever you want- the truths explained in this book will probably not affect your consciousness.

I wonder why so many women actually attempt to lower themselves; it's one thing for old-fashioned men to do this, since it's always easy for the "ordained leaders" to say that they're meant to be such, but when women do it it's just sad. Even if you believe feminists have gone beyond seeking equality, this doesn't mean egalitarianism is the same, so why attack a movement that tries to give your sex equality? Foh gives me the image of a prisoner damning the person who tries to offer her the keys of escape.

Foh, and many others like her, try to take far too much upon themselves. People who roam society attempting to drive out all traces of liberal thought, and keep women under men in the name of God, are far too controlling in matters which they should leave to God more often. I agree that if America as a majority refuses the Absolute Truth, this is a terrible problem, but that's always going to be one of the possible results of free choice, which God Himself decided to give us first. I give her two stars for at least crediting women on some points, but I still do not, as a Christian, accept her ideas of solely male hierarchy; I prefer God's original plan of equality over mankind's flawed and oppresive one, thank you.

I noticed that a few men were thrilled at this book, I suppose because they like the idea of a woman actually agreeing with sexism. Just one question: as another person pointed out, if women aren't supposed to teach like Foh and her male supporters say, then why are they listening to her to begin with? Just by writing this book, Foh's actually overturning everything she preached (I just love it when women supporting female oppression do this). Shame on you, Foh, for writing a book when you're supposed to be limited to working inside the home..

I find it interesting that the author of this book is a woman and is, therefore, *teaching* the men who have left reviews here. They are thankful for all they have learned from *her* about the Scriptures.