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by Dorothy a. Lee (Author)
Respected scholar Dorothy Lee considers evidence from the New Testament and early church to show that women's ministry is confirmed by the biblical witness. Her comprehensive examination explores the roles women played in the Gospels and the Pauline corpus, with a particular focus on passages that have been used in the past to limit women's ministry. She argues that women in the New Testament were not only valued as disciples but also given leadership roles, which has implications for the contemporary church.
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Dorothy Lee examines evidence from the New Testament and church tradition to show that women were not only valued as disciples but also given leadership roles, which has implications for the contemporary church.
"Although the ministries of women, ordained and otherwise, have been acknowledged by great segments of the church, rejection and resistance persist. In this fine volume, Lee presents a comprehensive and engaging case for the ordained ministry of women, drawing on evidence from Scripture, history, and the theological tradition. Her work challenges the idolatry of masculinity that continues to cripple men and women alike within the Christian community. A most welcome contribution."
--Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Baylor University
"It is unfortunate that a thoroughly biblical and theological case still needs to be made for the full participation of women in leadership and ministry (whether ordained or lay), but the experience of many demonstrates this necessity. Lee brings together a knowledge of the scriptural and theological sources and a sensitive engagement with the many facets of the debate in this accessible and persuasive volume."
--Judith M. Lieu, University of Cambridge (emerita)
"Lee's study of the Christian traditions surrounding the ministry of women makes a major contribution to an important debate. Lee's balanced starting point is that 'there is no single, unanimous voice on women's ministry throughout the history and experience of the church.' Her data from the New Testament, early church teaching, liturgical practices, and iconography articulates significant biblical and theological strands too long ignored or misinterpreted."
--Francis J. Moloney, SDB, Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, Melbourne, Australia
"This book could not be more pertinent in an age where, despite some advances, the struggle for female participation in church leadership and ministry is far from over. Lee's expertise as a biblical scholar shines as she walks us through passages and profiles of women, who in both the New Testament and church tradition encountered the Lord and engaged in his mission at different levels."
--Adesola Joan Akala, St. John's College, Durham University
"Without apology, Lee clearly and comprehensively presents the case for the ministry of women. She invites readers to consider the arguments and investigate the rich array of sources. I look forward to recommending this to students as they enter the weighty and challenging, yet rewarding, process of discerning God's call."
--Amy Peeler, Wheaton College; associate rector, St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Author Biography
Dorothy A. Lee (PhD, University of Sydney) is the Stewart Research Professor of New Testament at Trinity College, University of Divinity, near Melbourne, Australia, and is an Anglican priest. She is the author of numerous books, including Flesh and Glory: Symbol, Gender, and Theology in the Gospel of John.
