Women in Ministry and the Writings of Paul
About This Book
Overview
Take a Look at the Role of Women in Early Christian Communities and the Writings of Paul
Christian tradition has generally used a patriarchal lens through which to view the emerging Church, a lens that privileges male leaders while minimizing the role of bold and fervent women in proclaiming the gospel message and ministering to God’s people. Author Karen M. Elliott challenges this view, providing solid evidence for women’s important and vibrant role in the life of Christian communities. Particularly, she examines the writings of Paul to identify in Church history women engaged as fellow missionaries and affirmed as energetic and valuable contributors to the spread of Christianity.
In her discussions on the contribution of women in Church ministry from the second century to the present, Elliott closely examines the life, times, and writings of the Apostle Paul. Elliott offers compelling insights into the person of Paul by considering his religion, philosophy, and influence, as well as his theology of baptism, in an effort to establish a Church legacy that includes a strong ministerial role for women. Through writing that is intimate and thought-provoking, Elliott produces an engaging and easy-to-read text for college students—regardless of their religious background or belief—that establishes and affirms women as ministers in the life of the Church.
Details
| Weight | 0.3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.375 × 1.5 × 8.25 in |
| Format | Softcover |
| Print ISBN | 978-1-59982-006-4 |
| Pages | 114 |
| Item # | 7028 |
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Customer Reviews
“High praise for Women in Ministry and the Writings of Paul and for Karen Elliott, C.PP.S.! The author accomplishes well what she set out to do in this finely written and engaging book. As promised, Saint Paul and his life and culture come to life and are presented within the historical and cultural context of the first-century Church. The reader’s understanding of Paul is enhanced by a careful examination of women in ministry as portrayed in Paul’s writings. Elliott goes right to the heart of the issues that are frequently raised about Paul’s attitude toward women and addresses them with thoughtful and studied attention. The author explores each of the many women who are referenced in Paul’s writings and deftly considers their roles and functions in the establishment of the early Christian community. This is an excellent volume for undergraduate students and for use in adult education settings.”
Sylvania, OH
“In Women in Ministry and the Writings of Paul, Karen Elliott provides a sweeping sketch of women ministers from the earliest days of the church through medieval times. Highlighting the positive statements of Paul regarding women coworkers, Elliott spurs the reader to want to go deeper into the thinking of this complex apostle. Her outline of Paul’s theology of baptism and of his cultural context invites reflection on the implications of Paul’s writings for our own time. As she lists the names and accomplishments of influential women ministers in Christian history, Elliott encourages our continuation of their legacy.”
Vice President and Academic Dean
Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
“Karen Elliott has given us a clear, concise, and biblical look at Paul and his views on women. Using strong biblical and scholarly sources, Elliott demonstrates that Paul supported women in governing positions in the Church, held them as equals in the proclamation of the Good News, and submitted to women himself. This important book provides the logic and the biblical support to understand Paul as a missionary in a patriarchal society who nonetheless believed the work of the Church is not gender specific.”
Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University
About the Author
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
- The Ministry of Women in the New Testament
Women as Ministers in the Gospels
Mary Magdalene: Apostle to the Apostles
Initial Impressions of Paul’s View of Women as Ministers
Questions for Discussion - Paul and His Times
The Person of Paul
Paul’s Cultural Context
Religion and Philosophy
Legacy and Influence
Questions for Discussion - Paul’s Theology of Baptism
Baptism: A Beginning
Baptismal Formulas
Freedom in Christ
Questions for Discussion - Scriptural Evidence of Paul’s Views on Women
Paul’s Use of Feminine Imagery
Equality in Marriage
Equality in Ministry
Women Ministers in Paul
Regarding Women’s Veils
Women Keeping Silent in the Churches
A Red Herring
Concluding Reflections
Questions for Discussion - Post New Testament to Modern Times
The First Five Centuries
Deaconesses
Abbesses
Mystics
The Later Centuries
Questions for Discussion
Epilogue
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
