The Christian Woman...Set Free: Women Freed From Second-Class Citizenship in the Kingdom of God

This is a must read for every man and woman. A significant change in thinking about the role of women in the church family. All scripture based it is very enlightning. Application is easily made. The reader MUST read every page from the beginning; take time to look up scripture (even thought it is quoted) and take time for reflection. It cannot be said enough, "A must read for every woman and man."

There is no defense for feminism here. There is no defense for patriarchy either. Neither Jesus nor Paul, nor any other 1st Century Believer, minimized, dismissed... OR glorified... the place of women in ministry or the Body of Christ. It took an additional four hundred years for women to be relegated to "the back of the bus" and was the result of intentional malice of forethought. The First Century Body of Christ did not function as "the MEN of God" exclusively, as we have been led to believe, while the women were only good for preparing meals, raising children, and creating more men. Women were fully functioning members of the Body of Christ as described throughout the New Testament... on every level, in every capacity. A CAREFUL reading of the ORIGINAL text documents this as fact. Neither men NOR women held positions above one or the other... "ALL are subject one to ANOTHER in Christ." Only GOD holds authority above any other. "... to be great in God's Kingdom..." Gene Edwards further informs this position by laying out the HISTORICAL record of the subjugation of women in the Body of Christ in general, and in areas of ministry in particular, exposing the roots of the modern "biblical" teaching that women are "to be silent" in the church and are forbidden "to teach anyone other than children and other women." Original New Testament scriptural texts do not bear these teachings or beliefs out, if they are researched with an honest and true spirit. There is no case for "feminism" here, either!!! To do nothing more than read the QUOTES of the "church fathers" beyond the first century, could cause one to ask, "why are women permitted to defile the Christian faith... at all? In ANY capacity whatsoever?" It was truly appalling to the point of physical nausea to learn the opinions of men (toward women) who have been held up as the pillars of the Christian Church... and explains an awful lot about why the latter day church has been so impotent compared to the First Century church as recorded in Acts. This book holds the hope of not only setting Women Free... perhaps more importantly, it holds the hope of setting MEN and the Body of Christ free to be all we are called and created to be in Him. At the very least, anyone who teaches or believes that women have no place in ministry and/or are, in any manner whatsoever, somehow "less than" their brothers in Christ, who also profess to seek and embrace Truth, would do well to HONESTLY examine and research and entertain the possibility that they do not have ALL the facts on the issue. Do as Gene Edwards has done... look beyond the doctrine of men and teachings passed down, unquestioned, for seventeen hundred years. Be prepared to SEE what has been right there in the scriptures you've read and studied all along, but edited out, without realizing it... the facts that have been right there in plain sight. Honestly research who Lydia, Priscilla, Junias, and many other women throughout the New Testament were

This book threatens the lifeblood of the institutional church... that being man-power! Edwards dispels the lies surrounding women and their involvement in the Kingdom of God. This book begins with quotes from many renown men throughout the last 1700 years of church and secular history. The quotes are taken from men that are highly esteemed in Christianity. For example, Jerome (translated the Latin Vulgate) said, "Woman is a temple built over a sewer." John Calvin said, "All women are born that they may acknowledge themselves as inferior to the male." Martin Luther, "There is no gown or garment that worse becomes a woman than when she would be wise." And how bout this one from King James (authorized the first English Bible)... "To make women learned and to make a fox tame work out to the same end. Educating woman or a fox simply makes them more cunning." Now, these men primarily represent a major shift in church history, biblical thought, and translation. It ought to be a little discomforting to know that these men felt this way about women. And they have much to do with the modern day church teachings and practice concerning women. Not only about women... but also in our understandings of the ministerial roles of apostle, pastor, deacon, etc. Edwards traces the long history of chauvinism within the church. He goes to the heart of the original text and reveals how the Bible was translated in a way that would support the second-class citizenship of women. He harmonizes passages like 1 Cor. 11, 14; Eph. 5; 1 Tim. 2 with the rest of Scripture. He shows how Jesus' treatment of women in the Gospels along with the rest of the New Testament proves there to be mistranslations within the "anti-woman" passages. Get this book! Edwards (an ex-Southern Baptist) deals with the tough questions in the text and convincingly argues that men have been suppressing women since the Fall. Learn how his cry to the church is not a part of the "so-called feminist movement." It is about returning to the heart of Galatians 3:28. I also want to recommend: "Why Not Women? A Fresh Look At Scripture On Women In Missions, Ministry, And Leadership" by Loren Cunningham and David Joel Hamilton "Women In The Church: A Biblical Theology Of Women In The Ministry" by Stanely Grenz and Denise Muir Kjesbo

This is an excellent book on so many fronts. Firstly, it clarifies an issue that has always felt so alien; the subduing of a sister in Christ. Secondly, Christ's radical view of women becomes all the more revolutionary when placed in the context of the first century. Paul carries this message in his letters in a completely consistent manner, bringing true reform to the fledgling church. Thirdly, we are confronted with facts that demonstrate that translations are not perfect and can often be intentionally biased. What a blessing it is when confusion over Bible verses that appear contradictory suddenly fall into line and paint a beautiful picture. Next, the genesis of a home church is transformed from theoretical to practical. So many questions exist about how a fellowship is to interact; a tangible formula is included to create a vibrant, living organism. Finally, Gene's book amplifies the beauty of women. When I view Christ's love demonstrated towards women, I cannot help but love my sisters in Christ all the more. This book could even be looked upon as a marriage builder, strengthening the love and respect a husband and wife have for each other; my wife is even more beautiful after seeing her through the eyes of Christ. I have given away several copies. Granted, some will be burned, but others will bring forth freedom, for it was for freedom that Christ has set us free.