Womanly Dominion: More Than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit

Womanly Dominion: More Than a Gentle and Quiet Spirit
Womanly Dominion
Sheila Stephen Sheila Stephen is Lecturer in Pastoral Theology. Her academic background is in Biblical Studies and Social Theory & Institutions as well as Counselling. She is a professional counsellor, clinical
01 March, 2009 1 min read

‘Christian woman, take dominion!’ is the theme of this book. The author is an American pastor and seminary lecturer.

It is refreshing to read a book on Christian womanhood that does not labour the subject of submission. Not that the author is unduly influenced by the feminist agenda, but he really is redressing a lot of balances!

While being ‘complementarian’ in his stance and referring to the usual scriptures –– such as ‘a gentle and a quiet spirit’ –– he also pulls no punches when he talks about the ‘strength and dignity’ of the woman in Proverbs 31.

The book races through Scripture, referring to the usual texts relating to the role of women.  I was fascinated that in chapter 2 of the book he went back to Genesis 1 and unpacked the creation mandate of male and female having rule and dominion over the earth. I am sure that we have more depths to plumb in Genesis 1 and it was good to be helped to explore this matter.

The chapters on the role of the mother are biblical and practical. The chapter on the role of women in the church was fairly predictable, as was the chapter that dealt with the role of women in the workplace.

The book is written for the American market and so the anecdotes and illustrations are appropriate for that culture. It is both supportive of –– and a challenge to –– some of the evangelical stereotypes we have of the female role.

Sheila Stephen is Lecturer in Pastoral Theology. Her academic background is in Biblical Studies and Social Theory & Institutions as well as Counselling. She is a professional counsellor, clinical
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