The Word According to Eve: Women and the Bible in Ancient Times and Our Own

Murphy gives a well presented study of women's roles in Judeo-Christian history. His story partly concerns the exclusion of women from formal power. But more importantly it shows the different kinds of power which women have wielded - most often the power to nurture and inspire, rather than the power to control and punish. All of it is well documented and clearly written. For one example, Murphy relates how around the year 900 in Italy, Bishop Atto of Vercelli wrote a letter to one of his priests, a Father Ambrose, answering a question about female church leaders in the past. Father Ambrose had asked why the old church records from the first centuries often mentioned women, with the feminized titles "presbytera" or "diacona". Bishop Atto gave a frank reply: "... since your wisdom has determined that we ought to decide whether to understand "priestess" or "deaconess" in the canons; it seems to me that since in the primitive church, according to the holy word, "Many are the crops and few the laborers," for the helping of men, even religious women were ordained caretakers in the early church. This is something that blessed Paul points out in his Epistle to Romans ... One understands this because then not only men, but also women were in charge of the churches ... This practice canon 11 of the Laodicean council later prohibits when it says that it is not allowed for these women who are called "priests" or "those presiding" to be ordained in the churches." (p. 181-182.) So there used to be more work for the church to do. Both men and women were once needed to nurture the world's crop of souls. But since the church achieved power there was not so much to be done, and the female workers were not needed. Therefore imperial church councils such as the synod of Laodicea (ca. 364) had determined to reserve all religious roles for men. The story continues, telling of the many religious roles which no one could stop women from playing.

There is plenty in this book that will rile people up. Some passages will have you shouting, "Yes!" and triumphantly pumping your fist. You will be so saddened by others that you are almost nauseated. You'll hate and despise other portions. Whichever you're in the midst of, you'll be thinking. And, that's what this book is...thought provoking. It opens up the field of feminist theology for the lay(wo)man. It is a thorough introductory work that leaves you eager to explore further. You'll be introduced to leaders in the field of feminist theology and their theories. You'll see Bible passages in a way you'd never quite read them before. Be prepared to scribble voluminous notes in the margins. An excellent bibliography will start you off on your bookcase additions and interlibrary loan requests. This book takes a crowbar to your mind and rips it wide open. And that is a potent definition of a good book... You may love this book, or you might not like it at all -- But you'll be forced to respect it and it's place in religious reading. Highest recommendation...

Murphy's excellently researched book is not only a wealth of information, but an immensely enjoyable read. He writes in a language that entices one to it, keeping us interested at all times. He covers a multitude of issues concering women and the Bible and introduces us to many fasincating women and their life's work, eloquently illustrating their personalities, struggles and achievements. Murphy obviously did his homework and is obviously passionately interested in these issues. He covers it all, offering possibilities, theories, facts and hopes. As well as this he sets the newcomer on an enlightening path by giving many wonderful references and booktitles to search for. I strongly recommend this book to all readers. It is a consise, well written and very interesting read.

Anyone interested in the Biblical message should read The Word According to Eve, which offers new, heartening perspectives for us all, women and men alike. A perfect companion to this book is Soul Satisfaction by Elizabeth Rankin Geitz, a meditation book for women who know that they too, are created in the image of God. We need more books like these!

Cullen Murphy provides a nice review of some of the key feminist scholarship related to Christianity. He writes in a clear and interesting manner, which certainly helps present what can be complex ideas. I learned a great deal about the Bible as well as the role of women in the church. Reading this book helped me to come to terms with some aspects of Christianity that have bothered me by making me feel less alone in my struggles. I have been lending my copy to friends because I felt so good after reading it that I wanted to share that feeling with others.