Women and the Authority of Scripture: A Narrative Approach
In answering the question "How can women accept the absolute authority of the Bible?," Lancaster (Methodist Theological Sch.) offers a carefully reasoned theological treatise. She convincingly argues that women need to accept biblical authority because they believe its authority is legitimate and effective; likening the Scriptures to their own complex lives allows women to acknowledge that the purpose of Scripture is salvation, not its own authority over individuals. Although it is written from a narrow Reformed perspective, the book's scope, principles, and applicability to women of other religions, Christian and non-Christian alike, can be broadened considerably if "scripture" is understood to mean any sacred or holy book. An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Lancaster understands feminist issues very well, preparing the reader by discussing current feminist theology and the Bible and offering an excellent summary on the authority of Scripture as taught by leading scholars and theologians. She offers some of the finest discussions of authority and revelation in any theological writing. This challenging, well-argued volume is recommended for upper-level undergraduate and graduate religion, theology, philosophy, and women's studies collections. Gary P. Gillum, Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UTCopyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.