Why Not Women : A Biblical Study of Women in Missions, Ministry, and Leadership

A book that can encourage the women in the world today God uses anyone he chose not gender it's who's being called and faithful

This book opened my eyes to the difference between the beliefs we hold from our upbringing and culture, and the beliefs actually based on the Word of God. This book is very factual, exhaustively researched, and infinitely practical. In "Why Not Women", Loren Cunningham explains the history behind the oppression of women in Greek and Roman societies which led to centuries of discrimination in our western society, and even infiltrated the Church. He shows how Jesus and the early church were truly revolutionary in their equal treatment of women. David Hamilton digs into the controversial passages in God's Word to show how our preconceived biases have tainted our interpretation of these verses. He clearly breaks down the original language of the text in order to show what the writers were truly saying. If you are willing to let God's Word, not your opinions, determine what is truth, this book will open your eyes to God's heart for women, and the giftings and callings he has given them. To those reviewers who are obviously threatened by the subject matter and seem content to merely prooftext scriptures to back up their bias, I have this recommendation: try actually READING this book before you review it. The authors dig into the original language and context of every scripture you misquote. A little research might do you some good.

I loved this book. I have read since many years the arguments from the complementarian and the equalitarian sides of the debate (plus all the nuances within each one). What I particularly like here are the analyses of David Hamilton on the various controversial passages. Having studied classical Greek for four years, I really appreciate the sound linguistic approach. Plus, this is really a book for the Christian in the pew. David Hamilton has an amazing talent to render linguistic concepts clear. One reviewer deplored the absence of exhaustive theological references, but this has been addressed in many scholarly books. The reader interested in digging further can find a list of them classified by theme at www.cbeinternational.org , for example.

Loren Cunningham and David Hamilton give a very clear picture of women's rolls as defined by scripture. They also give an excellent historical perspective on the maltreatment of women around the world. Before this book, I knew that I didn't believe God had created women to be subservient to men, but now I have scripture I can clearly understand to refute the arguments. Grab your highlighters and get going! Just a helpful note, you may not want to read this right before bed. I would get so worked up, I couldn't sleep!

In "Why not Women?" I found three important things: -David Hamilton takes difficult verses and explains them within the context of its surrounding verses. - He explores alternative translations and corrects common understandings of key words that may change the entire meaning of a passage. -His writtings reveal a spirit of humility and sensitivity towards a sometimes volatile subject.

I have read more than a few books on this topic, and I must say that Why Not Women? provides one of the most well-rounded treatment of the subject. It covers not only the academic side by going through the biblical basis for women as full participants in life and ministry, but also shows how God has used women to minister. Historical background is also covered, but is not dry. It does not use an argumentative tone. While there are other good books on this topic, this one definitely seemed more "full of the Spirit" (for lack of a better phrase). It seems -- at least to me -- to proceed directly from the heart of God, rather than from a human agenda. If you read no other book on this subject, this is the one you should choose!