Without Precedent
Subtitle: Scripture, Tradition, and the Ordination of Women
Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers
Published: 2016
Language: eng
Number of pages: 178
ISBN-13: 9781498230810
Description: Though the ordination of women has been hotly debated in a number of churches (and in particular in the world-wide Anglican Communion) there has been a strange silence on the subject from academic theologians. "They have left the debate," says the author of this book, "for the most part, to the also-rans." Without Precedent seeks to examine the arguments that, in the absence of serious academic contributions, have been advanced. In particular it looks at claims of ancient precedent for modern practice. What did Jesus think about women? Was Paul a misogynist or a feminist, a reactionary or a revolutionary? Does the role of Mary of Magdela, in scripture and tradition, offer any guidance (as many have claimed)? Were there female priests, and even bishops, in early Christianity?