Book Review: The Gender Agenda

This book is one of many I've been reading over the last few years in relation to the seemingly never-ending debate on women in church leadership. The two authors represent two different Evangelical perspectives; Lis Goddard that women can be ordained (and she is an ordained vicar of an Anglican Church!) and Clare Hendry, who is a deacon who believes that women should not be priests and should only serve as leaders under an overall male head. This book is a valuable aid to the ongoing discussion, and is written in the form of an extended email exchange (like several I have had on this subject, and other exchanges I have had on other subjects!). This format makes it quite readable, though occasionally some things do get lost.

For me, as a non-Anglican broadly-egalitarian Christian, some of the detail was a little lost, but the core and content of this book is extremely valuable. The joy for me was that these women both clearly desire Jesus, and his Will in their lives. The way they relate to each other, and begin by sharing stories and backgrounds, is immensely powerful, and the way (in my opinion) that theology over sensitive secondary issues should be done. 

One of the passages that I'm currently grappling with and praying about is 1 Timothy 2. I was very grateful for the discussion in chapter 8 of this excellent book about the issues. here. Goddards' contribution is focused very heavily on context, and understanding the core of submission (to God), and that Paul is not going to "permit a woman to violently seize authority which isn't hers". Goddards initial observation here ends with a superb comment; "it is easy in our culture to get a platform because of who you are (or who you are married to), rather than because you have been called, trained, and had your calling confirmed". Wise words. Hendry's response here is superb as well, getting into the hermeneutics and engaging with evangelical heavyweights like Stott and Fee! Ultimately, interpreting this passage requires a comprehensive engagement with the whole of scripture, and ideas about Church governance!

I observed as I read through this enjoyable and conversational book that these are two incredibly gifted women. I'm humbled by their grace and learning, both of which they successfully bring to bear on this  conversation. I'm hopeful that more and more people will read this book, pick up that its worth grappling over, and also that its worth grappling over in grace. So many discussions on this topic become vile, un-Christlike arguments, and so its refreshing to see, in print, a far more Kingdom-echoing ethic! Highly recommended, and you can get this book from IVP.