The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood - by Philip Barton Payne (Paperback)

About the Book

The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood by New Testament scholar, Philip B. Payne, presents clear and understandable interpretations of the most important passages in the Bible on gender differences that show how Scripture affirms gender equality.

Book Synopsis

A biblical defense of egalitarianism that relies on Scripture to affirm gender equality in the church and in the home.

"Biblical womanhood" is the idea that the Bible teaches God-ordained male leadership and female submission in the home and subordination in the church. Some say this hierarchy of authority is sufficiently evidenced by examples of male leadership (and lack of female leadership) in the Bible: the first human was male, Israel's official priests were male, most authors of Scripture were male, Jesus was male and chose twelve male Apostles. God is addressed as Father. Wives are commanded to submit to their husbands.

In The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood, New Testament scholar Philip B. Payne argues that the very Bible passages that are often believed to teach male headship and female subordination actually teach gender equality. He demonstrates that the Bible does not endorse gender hierarchy but instead emphasizes:

• The Holy Spirit gifting all believers for ministry
• The oneness of the body of Christ (the church) and the priesthood of all believers
• Humility, service, and mutual submission required of all believers
• Freedom and willingness to relinquish freedom in order to spread the gospel

These concepts are examined in 14 Bible passages throughout the Old and New Testaments, using careful exploration of Greek and Hebrew word meanings, historical and cultural context, and examples from Scripture. Payne defends his position by providing detailed answers to common objections at the end of each chapter.

The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood is for those struggling to reconcile the Bible's seemingly contradictory teachings about man and woman. Readers will come away with greater confidence in the reliability of Scripture's consistent, harmonious message of gender equality.

Review Quotes

'A compelling and highly readable case for the full equality of women and men. This remarkable book presents the best in New Testament scholarship for non-specialists.'--Harold Netland, Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Intercultural Studies, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

'A glorious blend of biblical history and theological analysis, Payne systematically dismantles the logical failures used to distort God's Word intended for human flourishing. This book will bring enormous healing to the body of Christ. If you need a book that quickly and clearly exposes the failed teachings of male-headship arguments, The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood is it! Respected by Christians the world over, Phil Payne's research opens new doors of leadership for women.'--Mimi Haddad Ph.D., President of CBE International.org

'A readable, well researched, well-reasoned book, demonstrating God's consistent support of women throughout the Bible. Comprehensive, logical, and clear, this book is an indispensable treatment of women in the Bible. I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone eager to hear Gods high regard for women or anyone who wrestles with the Bible's teaching on women.'--Rev. Dr. Grace Y. May, Association Professor of Biblical Studies and Director of the Women's Institute, William Carey International University

'I have read most of the books written by complementarians and evangelical egalitarians and I think Philip Payne's are the best. It is the fruit of forty years of study by a first-rate biblical scholar who does not avoid any difficult issues. The scholarly depth and the clarity of his writing is exceptional.'--Kevin Giles, Anglican pastor and theologian

'No scholar of the New Testament and church has spent more energy in examining and explicating the role of women in leadership and teaching and preaching than Phil Payne. His scholarship is well-known and impeccably fair-minded. This book judiciously and pastorally unravels the tight threads woven by complementarians and weaves them into a fresh, new tapestry that is both biblical and pastoral. It will be for me the go-to book for lay folks who need a response to the complementarians.'--Scot McKnight, Chair of New Testament, Northern Seminary, Jesus Creed

'Philip Payne does the job of a careful exegete in explaining the difference between a biblical view of women in God's purposes and an artificial and alien view listing all the things that women purportedly cannot do by jaundiced modern interpreters. Payne has done the hard slog of a detailed reading of the text and he's got the receipts for how his rivals have misspent their efforts in treating the Bible as a mirror of their own patriarchal subculture. Payne is arresting as he is persuasive!'--Rev. Dr. Michael F. Bird (Ph.D University of Queensland) is Academic Dean and Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia

'Philip Payne has produced a most readable book on a most controversial topic which brings clarity with lucid writing, careful explanation, and good organization. It contains new research that has yet to appear in print. While his exegesis of scripture (starting with Genesis) is most helpful (without bogging the intended reader down with Hebrew and Greek), the question and answer section at the end of each topic is a brilliant way of getting at the erroneous thoughts his readers may have absorbed. While this is intended for the typical Christian reader, one wishes that this type of clarity could be brought to the table in academic discussions. I warmly endorse this work as a most helpful contribution for helping evangelical Christians find their way through this thicket of controversial teachings. For an up to date, readable, and enjoyable presentation of the egalitarian case, this is the book to read.'--Peter H. Davids, The Reverend Peter H. Davids, Ph.D., BSCD, Chaplain, Our Lady of Guadalupe Priory

'Profound scholarship broken down to be made lively, clear, and understandable for any reader who wants to know what the Bible says about one of the most challenging issues facing the church today.'--H. G. M. Williamson, Emeritus Regius Professor of Hebrew, University of Oxford

'Seeing well-developed arguments in this brief and non-confrontational format is an eye-opening experience. The Bible comes alive as a book written for men and women who are more alike than has traditionally been acknowledged by much of Christendom.'--Rev. Dr. David Instone-Brewer

'This is Philip Payne at his best. Skillful, thorough, and kind, Payne makes it clear that 'biblical womanhood' has never been biblical. His careful analysis provides unshakeable ground that we can believe both in the Bible and in the full freedom of women to serve however God has called them.'--Beth Allison Barr, the James Vardaman Professor of History at Baylor University and bestselling author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth