When I first started reading Heather Matthews’ new book, Confronting Sexism in the Church, I was struck (yet again) by how familiar her story is. Over and over again, I have come to realize that I’m not the only one. So many other women have been told they are less than, that they couldn’t have possibly heard their call to ministry correctly, how preaching and teaching are for men only, the list goes on and on. For so many years, many of us either believed or fought against the lies that men held a special place in God’s heart and women just couldn’t get there. Thankfully, the Rev. Dr. Matthews names this attitude for what it is (no, it’s not godly, it’s) – sexism. And it has had a protected place, especially in evangelicalism in the U.S. Heather’s book delves into the history of sexism in the church, names the places it presently shows up, and presents some actionable steps for moving forward toward a more equitable community in the future. If a woman (or man) in your life comes to mind when you’re listening, please be sure to pass this one along.
Mentioned in this episode:
Confronting Sexism in the Church: How We Got Here and What We Can Do About It by Heather Matthews
The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr
The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible by Scot McKnight
Episode 267 with Amy Dixon & Rob Dixon
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