So, in somewhat of an unexpected way, my introduction post to the role of women has garnered some great interaction. More than I would have expected. I thought that, before I start looking at some particular biblical passages up for discussion, I would list both some complementarian and egalitarian works that would be worth diving into. None of these are overly scholarly, but provide solid introductory thoughts into the discussion on the role of women. I list four sources for each side:

Complementarian

• Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology, specifically pp937-945.
• Edmund Clowney’s The Church, specifically pp215-235
• Alexander Strauch’s Biblical Eldership, specifically pp51-66
• Wayne Grudem’s and John Piper’s Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, the whole work (though I have not yet been able to read this book myself)

Egalitarian

• Gordon Fee’s Listening to the Spirit in the Text, specifically pp56-76
• Millard Erickson’s Christian Theology, specifically pp545-549
• Scot McKnight’s The Blue Parakeet, specifically pp145-207
• Loren Cunningham’s and David Hamilton’s Why Not Women?, the whole work

Obviously, this is by no means an exhaustive list. Rather this will give you an introduction into the issues at hand, biblical exegesis from both sides, and other theological resources available. Commenters, feel free to list other books and resources that you have appreciated from both sides of the discussion.

As I stated from the outset, I have egalitarian leanings, though I am not a fan of that word, for many still connect it to the feminist movement, which I am by no means a part of. So, with the status quo not necessarily being egalitarian within the church (though I believe we are headed that way more and more), I will be presenting somewhat of a defense for the case of egalitarianism. There are many more qualified to do so, such as Fee, McKnight, and Cunningham and Hamilton (and others). But my next post will specifically start by considering Genesis 1:26-28. That is quite the foundational verse to the topic at hand.

Looking forward to more interaction.