Beth Allison Barr’s book is the story of how she came to reject the complementarian teaching of the churches where she had spent the first forty years of her life. Complementarian theology presents a view of Christianity where men are seen as the leaders and women as followers. Women aren’t allowed to preach or teach any male over the age of 13 years. They are to confine themselves to homemaking roles and told this is the biblical mandate. It is a form of patriarchy that was the result of human sin and not ordained by God.
Ultimately, Barr rejected this teaching based on historical evidence. She is a professor of history at a Texas university. Her research focuses on women in medieval and early modern church history. Since she writes from this perspective, the book is well written, but heavy in historical documentation. The endnotes contain nearly 400 entries. Many are quotes from historical people and documents.
Historically, the Christian treatment of women looks the same as the oppression that women have been experiencing since the beginning of civilisation. Barr’s studies also showed her that complementarian theology was based on a handful of verses taken out of their historical context and used as a lens to interpret the rest of the Bible.
Romans 16
The list of women in Romans 16 becomes a very important indication of Paul’s treatment of women. Ten women are mentioned and more of these women than men are identified by their ministry. The passage makes it clear that Paul did allow women to lead, preach, and teach.
Barr writes about the Reformation, which, while good for the church, suppressed women. Due to the political factors that Barr explains, the churches became more structured around male leadership, whereas before the Reformation, there existed pockets of the church where women were free to use their gifts.
English translations of the Bible have led to more male-oriented versions. Translators have added male pronouns and made other translation choices that have emphasised the role of men in the church.
Barr closes the book with her final concern that complementarian teaching leads to the abuse of women in churches. She tells her own story of dating a young man committed to this teaching and how she experienced abuse.
Overall, an insightful and challenging book on the dangers of complementarian teaching from a historical perspective.
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