Many Christians believe that male dominance is dictated by the Bible. In his provocative new book, Del Birkey challenges this oft-held assumption, critiquing the debilitating battle between Scripture and tradition. Patriarchy is the inevitable theological result of the biblical Fall, Birkey argues, leading to devaluation of and violence against women worldwide. As a fallen system, patriarchy cannot be a legitimate component of biblical Christianity.

HIDDEN VOICES
Biblical Women and Our Christian Heritage

by Heidi Bright Parales

Read and discover the modern research that sheds new light on traditional teachings and inspires an examination of life and embodiment of gifts. This Bible study discussion book, for women and men, exploys careful scholarship and lends support to women in roles of equality with men an provides models for issues affecting contemporary women.

This commentary provides an understanding of the cultural background to each Bible passage. This single-volume work covers the New Testament in convenient verse-by-verse format. Includes glossary of terms and historical figures, maps and charts, and bibliography of commentaries.

by Eldon Jay Epp

Despite the fact that the earliest churches met in homes and that other women were clearly leaders in the churches (e.g., Prisca and Lydia), calling Junia an apostle seemed too much for the tradition. Epp tracks how this happened in New Testament manuscripts, scribal traditions, and translations of the Bible. In this thoroughgoing study, Epp restores Junia to her rightful place.

Gathered here are twelve of Fees insightful studies, each of which demonstrates the art of attending to the biblical text critically yet with a deep spiritual sensitivity. These chapters cover topics such as gender issues, the trinity, wealth and possessions, worship, speaking in tongues, and the church's global mission.

In this entry level workshop, Mimi Haddad explores the historical background to the Apostle Paul, with a particular focus given to his conversion, his understanding of union with Christ, and its implications for Paul's ministry partnerships with women. Ministry based on spiritual gifting and rooted in our new-life in Christ is the lens through which 1 Timothy 2:11-15, 1 Corinthians 14:34, and Ephesians 5:21ff are considered.

Using biblical, archeological, historical and psychological research, Hoppin contends that Priscilla a leader in the early church and an associate of Paul may be the anonymous early Christian writer of Hebrews. One does not need to share Hoppin's certainty on the author's identity to profit from her proposal.

To a first century Jew or Gentile, one of the potentially scandalous aspects of the teachings of Jesus and his followers was the assumption that men and women were of equal standing in law and before God. Their lip service to the morality of Aristotle (that slaves, women and children should submit to the pater familias) probably fooled no one. This close reading of household codes in the New Testament epistles in their first-century contexts shows how early Christians transformed cultural values about the family.

More than fifty qualified women provide introductions to the books of the New Testament, as well as commentary on many passages. Includes essays and notes that address the particular needs of women.

Words from the artist: "My focus as a liturgical artist is the New Testament. A Greek verse is integrated into each of my watercolors, linking viewers to its earliest form. The use of Greek reminds us that the Scriptures come to us through the vehicles of cultures and languages other than our own; the presence of the text in an unfamiliar script hints at the global nature of God's grace to humankind."

WHAT PAUL REALLY SAID ABOUT WOMEN
An Apostle's Liberating Views on Equality in Marriage, Leadership, and Love

by John Temple Bristow

“A convincing case for equality of the sexes based on the very passages that are all too often used as proof texts to uphold male dominance and female subordination...For any person who reveres Scripture but who struggles with traditional interpretations of passages concerning women and who fears that a desire for equality between the sexes is a violation of biblical principles, this book is a must.” — Letha Dawson Scanzoni, Co-author of All We're Meant to Be.

The first-ever audio New Testament read completely by women! Authors, musicians, actors, and speakers have leant their voices, along with their passion and conviction, to The Word Becomes Flesh. These women also offer introductions to the 27 books of the New Testament and intimate testimonies of seeing the Word come alive. The women guide us to understand and discover what the Word can do in our lives--it can heal us, teach us, inspire us, and transform our lives.