Evangelical Feminism: A New Path to Liberalism?

A review by Jonathan Watson of Wayne Grudem’s Evangelical Feminism: A New Path to Liberalism? (Crossway), 272 pp, paperback, £5.99 / $15.99.

This is an important book that every pastor and church officer ought to read! Let not Wayne Grudem’s well-known and controversial views on the prophetic gift prejudice any reader against purchasing this well-written book. The evangelical church owes the author a great debt for this excellent summary and critical assessment of the various arguments put forward by ‘evangelical feminists’ (or ‘egalitarians’), in favour of the ordination of women.

What is really at stake here is the authority of Scripture. Grudem clearly shows that the tendency of each egalitarian argument is towards theological liberalism – that way of thinking that denies the complete truthfulness of the Bible as the Word of God and denies the unique and absolute authority of the Bible on our lives. He also uses well-researched findings to demonstrate the link between liberalism, feminism, the ordination of women, and the approval of homosexuality. The examples cited in chapter 32 indicate that homosexuality is being approved in not only liberal Protestant denominations, but in some churches and seminaries which profess to be evangelical.

A spiritual response to this serious challenge to Scripture is required, and Grudem offers some sound practical instructions for evangelical complementarians: don’t be harsh, mean or abusive; but neither be cowardly or silent. Stand up for what is right and speak out for what is true. Above all, seek God’s approval and don’t be a man-pleaser.