The book Equality is Biblical grew out of Wilcock’s conversations and experiences as a pastor in the Methodist church in England. After years of similar discussions, Wilcock decided to write down her answers to questions that were all too common among her congregants. The resulting short volume attempts to provide a broad overview of biblical equality, paying particular attention to addressing the “curse of Eve.”
Because Wilcock comes from a pastoral perspective, she approaches the question of biblical equality through a personal, historical, and theological lens. Readers well-versed in theological arguments of equality will likely not find much new in this volume, but Wilcock’s real strength lies in her discussions of authority, ancestors, and original sin, and in her accessible and interesting contextualization of the history of patriarchy in the early church.
Wilcock also encourages the reader to take their time with her book, to slow down and carefully examine their own assumptions, feelings, and ideas about faith, equality, the Bible, and gender roles. She includes a series of detailed and thoughtful questions at the end of each chapter that challenge the reader to apply the ideas to their own life and experience of Christianity. The questions are designed to provoke discussion as well as personal reflection, so the book is well suited for a book club or group study.
The bulk of the book focuses on the building blocks of biblical analysis within the context of equality. Wilcock walks the reader through understanding how to approach biblical texts and biblical authority while contextualizing historical arguments for the oppression of women. A chapter on original blessing and original sin helps tease out the implications of a phrase that is often used casually but not fully understood. Another chapter theologically and rhetorically analyzes the story of the Fall, including the curse, the personhood of Adam and Eve, and a helpful examination of the snake.
Next, she includes a discussion of historical women in the church. Applying the ideas she introduced earlier in the book, Wilcock demonstrates how women like Hilda of Whitby, Margery Kempe, and Hildegard of Bingen were able to assume positions of authority in the church. The final chapters briefly examine the positions of women and men in the new creation, looking at the life of Jesus and the teachings of Paul in their historical context.
Wilcock moves quickly from one example to the next providing a compelling overview that convincingly highlights the trajectory toward renewal and equality that is clear in the New Testament. Consequently, this book would pair well with an introductory book focusing closely on biblical interpretation. One particularly interesting insight she offers is the use of the phrase “reach of Christ,” a less patriarchal historical term that can replace the “Kingdom of God” in expressing the full extent of the influence and impact of Jesus (91).
Wilcock ends the book with a discussion of organized religion and how contemporary Christians can promote equality between women and men in the church. She argues for an embrace of simplicity and forgiveness as a way forward and discusses “sword” (male) and “cauldron” (female) energies and communication styles. While she offers an interesting transformation of these energies into the “cross” and “chalice” in Christianity, her final arguments do feel rushed and unconvincing. Some of her arguments also feel problematic, relying on stereotypes or not fully moving beyond the initial criticism. The final chapter lacks the clarity of earlier chapters, but her final questions are thought-provoking and worth considering.
While designed as an introductory text, Wilcock’s book may be somewhat challenging to readers brand new to the topic. She ranges freely across centuries, quoting theologians, introducing classic theological viewpoints, and examining words in the original biblical languages all within a few pages. In addition, coming from a British background, some of Wilcock’s references may be obscure to American readers. Readers should also note that Wilcock takes a progressive stance on many contemporary issues, although this is by no means a focus of the book.
Equality is Biblical is a rich exploration of historical arguments and modern interpretations. Wilcock offers an enjoyable journey through the breadth and depth of Christendom while leading readers to reflect on their own beliefs and understandings. Readers looking for a book to add contextual depth to their understanding of biblical equality or stepping into the waters of biblical interpretation for the first time will enjoy Equality is Biblical.