The Resignation of Eve by Jim Henderson
Warning: No matter what side of the gender equality issue you find yourself, I pray that you will read this review with an open mind. I reserve the right to delete any comments that do not treat others with respect or are personally attacking.
Here's author Jim Henderson to tell you a little more about the content of The Resignation of Eve:
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Why does Jim think you should read The Resignation of Eve?
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Jim pairs surveys results and with stories to share the many sides of the struggle between seeing women as equals with men versus women as a complement to men. As a seminary grad and former church communications director, I've done some study and personally experienced the issue that Jim presents. Being a former church employee (not a pastor), I could personally understand both sides of the issue. I could relate to the stories – on both sides.
The point of the book is not to come to a conclusion. That usually bothers me in a book. I want a nice neat package, finished off with a bow. The lack of a conclusion didn't bother me when reading The Resignation of Eve. It probably helped that Jim was clear that a final conclusion was not his purpose. The role of woman in the church is such a complex issue and such a heated topic. It's time that we lay down the hostility and anger over this issue and start listening with open hearts and minds.
I still haven't come to my own conclusion. I believe in traditional roles of women in the home and have even chosen to homeschool my own children. I also believe in submission to my husband and the ways that I complement him. At the same time, I believe in equality of gifts – I, myself, have strong spiritual gifts of teaching and leadership along with administration. So, if I believe in equality of gifts, I feel that I must believe in equality opportunity for God to use the gifts and the gifted, regardless of gender, in whatever way He chooses. My husband and I operate with a lot equality in our home and marriage as well. This is one of those places where I just deal with the tension. I keep quiet at some times to not cause a stir, but I push the envelope at other times.
Thank you Jim for presenting the issue in a non-threatening way!
The Resignation of Eve Website
{Material Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.}
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