Whispers of Liberation: Feminist Perspectives on the New Testament
King's identity as a celibate priest in South Africa deeply informs his approach to Christian feminism. His experience of the liberating power of the South African elections facilitated his growing sensitivity to the oppression of women in the church and his increasing understanding of the scriptural message of liberation and equality. King makes analogies among women's experience, minority experiences in South Africa, and slavery in 19th-century America, resulting in a book that may reach those who previously saw feminist critique as trivial or unnecessary special pleading. After a discussion of the problem, issues of inclusive language, and the range of feminist scholarship, King analyzes each evangelist's writing from a feminist perspective. He discusses Paul's views on women and the problematic views that emerge in the later New Testament books. His conclusion emphasizes the church's need for women's gifts and for attention to the "whispers of liberation" contained in biblical texts. Highly recommended.ACarolyn M. Craft, Longwood Coll., Farmville, VACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.