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

~ Loren Cunningham; David Joel Hamilton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Multiplied millions of women all over the world are looking over the church's shoulder, longing to see the freedom Jesus purchased for them at Calvary. Millions more have found freedom in Jesus but are still bound by human ideas-ideas that pressure a woman to let culture, not God, determine her place in the Kingdom.

While hurting men and women are outside the church cry out, "Is there any hope? Does anyone care?" their sisters in the church are asking, "How can I share the hope I have" How can I, a woman, serve the Lord?" Many women, having heard God call them into public roles in the Kingdom, are serving in positions of leadership. They are asking, "Will the church support us?"

We must respond. The issue of women in missions, ministry, and leadership is dividing homes, churches, communities, even societies. We must respond responsibly, for we never want to find ourselves working against God's purposes, quenching His Spirit at work in the lives of those He has called. We must respond carefully, since God's truth often stands in direct opposition to what the majority of people believe.

About the Author

Loren Cunningham has been teaching on the subject of women in ministry for over thirty years. Youth With A Mission-the interdenominational international mission he founded with his wife, Darlene-has led in releasing people to obey God's call: young people, laypersons, short-term workers, non-Western missionaries, and women. Having ministered in every nation of the world, Loren knows firsthand how much hinges on the question Why Not Women?


David Joel Hamilton is a veteran missionary and scholar who wrote his master's thesis on the difficult Bible passages related to the ministry of women, an extensive work in which he cites some four hundred books and articles.



Janice Rogers lives with her husband, Jim, in Lindale, Texas, where they are pioneering a communications training center, Youth With A Mission Woodcrest. They have three grown sons who all are working with YWAM. Janice is also the sister of Loren Cunningham, with whom she has written three other books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Y W A M Pub (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576581837
• ISBN-13: 978-1576581834
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #64,777 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #28 in	Books > Nonfiction > Women's Studies > Feminist
  #43 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian Living > Leadership
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read!, December 29, 2001

By A Customer

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!

37 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all Christians (men and women alike), May 29, 2005

By	Tony Rush "IFoundTheSolution.com" (southeast Alabama) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

36 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ready to confront your bias?, January 31, 2004

By	oneloved (Oregon) - See all my reviews

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.