Reconcilable Differences

This book is a grand attempt to bridge many devisive issues within the Christian community. I read the book, hoping to gain some insight on how to bridge a fracture relationship due to the issues espoused i.e, women in ministry. Although the book gives food for thought, it generally leaves you where you started in the beginning. Both women have well thought out views and use many of the same scriptures to support their beliefs. They are able to "agree to disagree" because of their understanding of who they are in Christ. The book does not, however, help bridge the gap... it plainly discusses two main channels of thought. Unless the individuals reading the book are open to change there are no compelling arguments one way or the other to draw you together only to give evidence that what you thought you believed is still true, for all sides. It is a worthwhile read if only to see what issues are being discussed within the christian community and to attempt to understand why the issues are out there in the first place.

Reconcilable Differences is a wonderful book that will challenge your stance on gender issues prevalent in our Christian environment. Nancy and Alice did a fabulous job of gracefully explaining their individual and often opposing positions on men and women's roles. The authors' commitment to unity in Christ allowed for a loving and safe environment for discussion of such a hot topic. This book is a great read and an excellent tool for Book Club dialogue!

Any discussion of women's roles often generates more heat than light, but this book provides a pathway through the contentious debate. The authors' disagreements about women's roles are striking, but their respectful exchanges give me hope that the differences we face are indeed reconcilable. The format and study questions are useful for discussion - I am currently using the book in a mentoring relationship with a young woman entering Christian ministry. Great book! I highly recommend it!

Reconcilable Differences challenges Christian women to think about what they believe concerning gender issues, and why it matters. Brummett and Scott-Ferguson both write from experience and heart-felt conviction. They aren't extremists and their views on such topics as motherhood and careers don't seem very far apart. But when they discuss the topics of a woman's role in marriage and in the church, it's a good thing they're tempered by love because otherwise sparks could surely fly. The controversy seems rooted in basic beliefs about God and his Word. Coming from a Wesleyan background myself and a denomination that ordains women, I found myself agreeing more with the egalitarian view of Scott-Ferguson that mutual submission to Christ and each other is the way of freedom and joy and honors God. The idea of using the Trinity as a foundation to the belief of the headship of husbands over their wives was new to me. It seems to take away from the truth that Jesus willingly gave His life for us. I believe God wants willing submission from every person and that He can change our hearts and make them willing by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. On the other hand, Brummett comments, "...it's impossible to be a submissive wife without a firm belief in and reliance on the sovereignty of God." So, are women always to submit to our husbands and church leaders as they (hopefully) submit to God? Or are all of us -- children of the Father -- to submit to Him together? One sure thing comes through in this book: All our differences can be reconciled in Christ.

In a touching and personal back-and-forth style, Nancy Parker Brummett and Alice Scott-Ferguson examine faith issues. They approach life from different views and reveal the wide range of views for people of faith. I appreciated what these authors wrote in their introduction: "Regardless of where you are on your journey, we trust that the unity of Christ we both know and enjoy will be yours as well. It is our prayer that the words of this book will reflect the plea of Saint Augustine who wrote, "In essentials, unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things, love." (p. 12) With the excellent reader's guide included in this book, it is ideal for personal study or a group study. I recommend it.