Daughters of God, Subordinates of Men: Women and the Roots of Patriarchy in the New Testament

by Lesly F. Massey

Overview

Christianity faces a dilemma with regard to the status of women. Despite advances, female subordination remains a predominant social and religious paradigm in a number of modern cultures. Among Christians, the primary justification for patriarchy has been the story of Adam and Eve, along with seven key New Testament texts rooted in the notion that female subordination is the will of God.

This book provides a critical analysis of womanhood in the major cultures that formed the backdrop for the emergence of Christianity: Mesopotamia, Egypt, Judaism, Greece, Rome and the Mystery Cults. The author connects the subordination of women to slavery and other forms of social and political dominance that were taken for granted in the ancient world, and demonstrates their influence on various New Testament texts concerning the status of women in the home and church.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476621432
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	10/29/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	264
File size:	5 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Lesly F. Massey is an adjunct professor of religion at Amberton University. He has been a missionary in South Africa and worked in Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua and various countries in Africa. He also conducts workshops with churches on gender equality.
Lesly F. Massey is an adjunct professor of religion at Amberton University. He has been a missionary in South Africa and worked in Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua and various countries in Africa. He also conducts workshops with churches on gender equality.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction
One. Mesopotamia
Two. Egypt
Three. Judaism
Four. Greece
Five. Rome
Six. Mystery Cults
Conclusions
Appendices:
1. Periods of Ancient Mesopotamian History
2. Periods of Ancient Egyptian History
3. Key Events in Ancient Judaism
4. Outline of Ancient Greek History
5. Outline of Ancient Roman History
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Those seeking an understanding of how and why the New Testament deals with the role of women will find this book insightful and liberating to women!”—Dr. Larry Ross, Area Minister for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), North Texas Area, Southwest Region; “Through a fascinating and in depth exploration of the role and status of women in Ancient Near Eastern cultures influencing the Biblical world, this book helps to distinguish cultural influences from the liberating gospel proclaimed by Jesus that still resounds today.”—Eilene Theilig, Director of Lay and Continuing Education, Brite Divinity School, and former Galileo Mission Project Manager, Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

From the Publisher