"There is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." The conversation about the relationship between women and men and their roles in the Christian life and the church has evolved, but the topic continues to inspire debate and disagreement. The third edition of this groundbreaking work brings together scholars firmly committed to the authority of Scripture to explore historical, biblical, theological, cultural, and practical aspects of this discussion. This fresh, positive defense of gender equality is at once scholarly and practical, irenic yet spirited, up-to-date, and cognizant of opposing positions. In this edition, readers will find both revised essays and new essays on biblical equality in relation to several issues, including the image of God, the analogy of slavery, same-sex marriage, abortion, domestic abuse, race, and human flourishing. Discover for yourself God's vision for gender equality.

Among Christians, discussions continue about the roles of men and women in the home, the church and society at large. Although some of these debates generate more heat than light, the issue directly affects every member of the Christian community. Our view of the Bible's teaching on these matters shapes the life and ministry of our churches in significant ways. Further reflection and dialogue are required. In this volume twenty-three evangelical scholars, firmly committed to the authority of Scripture, explore the whole range of issues relating to gender relations. They offer historical, biblical, theological, hermeneutical and practical perspectives to dispel many of the myths surrounding biblical equality, and to promote discussion. Their sound, reasoned case affirms the complementarity of the sexes without requiring a hierarchy of roles.

Description: What if the way the book of Esther has been taught to us in church and retold to us in films, cartoons, and romance novels has missed the original point of the story? Far from being models of piety and devotion, Esther and Mordecai seem indifferent to the faith of their ancestors. How then did this story become part of the Bible and gain the broad acceptance that it has? If the church should not neglect the story, how should it be read? Esther and Her Elusive God calls Christians to avoid the common attempts to make Esther more palatable and theological, and to reclaim this secular story as Scripture. Readers will be encouraged to see in Esther a profound message of God's grace and faithfulness to his wayward people.

Does the Bible prescribe gender roles for men and women? Are men uniquely called to exercise authority in marriage and church ministry? Is submission a one-way street, for women only? Or, has God created us-and called us-to live together in a mutual, shared partnership of yielding in love to each other? Partners in Marriage and Ministry addresses these frequently asked questions.Without the usual argument and rhetoric of the current debate, Partners in Marriage and Ministry presents the biblical tenets of gender equality. Journey through Scripture with Dr. Ron Pierce as he draws readers into topics he has encountered in thirty years of teaching classes on gender and the Bible. Partners in Marriage and Ministry offers insights for: Understanding what the Bible teaches about gender. Building a strong and intimate marriage. Serving God in ministry-whether you are single or married.