Description
Book SynopsisIn certain Christian religions, especially Roman Catholicism, there is an undeniable link between the male gender and the exercise of particular ministry roles. The Catholic Church has reserved ordination to the priesthood for men only, thereby making the female gender incompatible with priesthood. The Anglican Church, on the other hand, creates equal access for both genders by eradicating this line of separation. Here, we see two churches, two biblical interpretations, and two approaches to ministry. In the light of this apparent contradiction, Gender and Ministry in Early Christianity and the Church Today examines to what degree Paul and the early church accepted the ministry of women. Ultimately, the book argues that the presentation of the Christian God as interested in gender and ministry is a standard case of anthropomorphism. The overwhelming pieces of evidence examined in this work do not support any sexist approach to ministry; rather, the book concludes that women should no
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Foreword Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Acknowledgments Chapter 4 General Introduction Chapter 5 Women as "Fellow Workers" of Paul Chapter 6 Women Apostles in Early Pauline Christianity: Preliminary Investigation Chapter 7 Gender and Prophecy Chapter 8 The Ministry of Women and 1Cor 14, 33b-35: General Investigation Chapter 9 The Gospels and the Ministry of Women Chapter 10 Roman Catholicism and the Ministry of Women in the Church Today Chapter 11 The Anglican Church and the Ministry of Women Today Chapter 12 Jesus and the Priesthood of His Day Chapter 13 Gender and Emancipation Chapter 14 Summary and Conclusion Chapter 15 Endnotes Chapter 16 Bibliography Chapter 17 About the Author Chapter 18 Index
