Book Review- Unladylike: Resisting the Injustice of Inequality in the Church
Talking about gender issues in Church typically gets one of two responses: either it is declared a “secondary issue” that is a matter of personal opinion and interpretation, or the very idea of “women in ministry” is viewed as a threat to the underlying fabric of the Christian faith. Both of these responses are wrong. after reading Pam Hogeweide‘s first book, Unladylike: Resisting the Injustice of Inequality in the Church, I am convinced that the place women occupy in our churches is a deep issue of justice and not (primarily) a doctrinal issue. I appreciate that Pam shares her story with passion. It is the story of a journey from an egalitarianism to polite complementary and finally to a place of advocating for equality in word and deed. Through her story, Pam begins to discuss topics like women in church leadership, the way we view girls/women in the church, patriarchy, and over all our idea of what it means to be created as man and woman in the image of God.
Honestly, this book has given me much to think about… and I think that’s the point. Women do deserve to have a voice along side their brothers. If we are going to see that happen in our Churches today, we have to think, talk, and act deeply about these complex issues. While it may not be a quick fix or an easy “new fad”, it is a reformation that is happening in hearts and minds. Don’t read this as a feminist book; read it as a call to equality in Christ for everyone who shares the Imago Dei.
Book Review: Steeple Envy
I think most of us are burnt out on religion, tired of bigger and better being the church mentality. We are sick to death of the Christianity we see on Sunday not matching up with what we see in the pages of scripture. This is why I really appreciate Victor Cuccia‘s book Steeple Envy. Primary, this book is Vic’s story of finding himself sick and tired of a Christian religion and his ongoing journey to rediscover the Church and Jesus.
Through out his story, Vic openly and lovingly questions practices and underlying motives we have in our evangelical “super star” church mentality.
“The whole reason I’m writing this book is the share my mind and heart without being influenced by what people think or how they’ll react.”- pg 79
Steeple Envy wasn’t written to toot one man’s horn. The main thrust behind this book is to share the story thus far of Vic, Journey Church and their journey to re-think what it means to be the church. It’s filled with honest questions, and opinions about what Jesus started. It’s also got some crazy cool stories about stuff that God has done among and through Journey Church. Check out the stories behind the 12×12 Love Project. Testimonies like this shout at us all that God is at work and we can be a part of the good things he wants to do. Things don’t have to be status quo; we can live in a sacrificial way and show the love of God to the world.
It’s a great read. If your feeling that discontent with the Sunday show and questioning some of the priorities of Churches, I think you will resound with the book. I found it engaging, easy to read, and a great addition to the ongoing conversation of what the heck it means to be the Church of Jesus.
Getting to know you…
This is a recreation of a post I lost due to a database crash. So if you saw it previously and are wondering, “What the heck?” that’s what’s up.
Something occurred to me recently. I’ve blogged in some form since 2004(ish). I registered my domain in 2008, and have written at CulturalSavage ever since. In all that time I have never had the foggiest idea of who is actually reading my ramblings. I figure now is as good a time as any to change that.
So, here is your chance to tell me all about you. Do you blog? Do you like bacon? How much coffee do you drink? Do you have a family? What are your ideas on double predestination? Where are you from? What are your spiritual beliefs? How awesome are you? What is your name for crying out loud!?
I’ve said enough on this blog already. Now it’s your turn. Who the heck are you?
Father, Husband, Theological Dreamer, Web Designer, Photographer, Coffee Chugger... Jesus obsessed & dreaming of a better Christianity. It's kind of like listening to a cross between guerrilla radio and a street corner prophet with a bad case of tourettes.
