"What if Adam's Rib is no longer willing to be the church's backbone?"

The Resignation of Eve
Publisher: Tyndale House
Pub Date: February 1, 2012
ISBN: 9781414337302

Jim Henderson
Nonfiction - Adult: Philosophy, Religion and Spirituality: Religion: Christian Church

Author Jim Henderson does provide a thought provokingly (somewhat controversial), yet enjoyably informative read.  The Resignation of Eve  basically addresses the issue of women in leadership in evangelical churches.What can you expect to take away from this book?
You will learn about women and church.
To feel uncomfortable (at least once)...
You may even learn something new about yourself.
I found this book to be a fascinating mix of interview and dialogue addressing varying views.  How do we treat women in church?  I hear what is being said.  I also see how Scripture is manipulated on (both) sides of the spectrum.   There is great comfort  found in being "under" the pastoral leadership of godly men.  Jesus was greatly criticized for time and conversation he had with women.  Jesus gave value to women and they followed his good, good Leadership, using whatever gifts they had in support.  (my thoughts).  Is the issue really that a growing number of qualified and gifted women want to be in "leadership" and are not received? Maybe. Or perhaps there are just more women who are exhausted of being the submits under men in leadership who are in sin and powerful enough to stay in position, MISuse authority.  Maybe true "lead"ership doesn't happen up front or in an organization at all.  Church really isn't that different than it was in Jesus day, is it?  Religious "buildings" are still places for the rule-making, knowledge-filled Pharisees and Sadducees to meet and impose their views.  The Word of God is still picked apart to back "sides".  Women are still "less" and have more "rules".  Men still have more "power", more "voice" and freedom.  And men, or women, is your leadership "ego fed" or spirit led???  So...(that's just in the church.)   Ok, so let's think outside the box.  Palin could not be "pastor" of her church, but what if she ran in the elections vs. Obama.  Would you vote for Palin or Obama? and how does what you believe Scripture says about women in leadership dictate that???  then it all goes out the window.☺ I did mention that this book is thought provoking.
 
"Men sometimes accuse women of being indirect in order to get their way. We jokingly refer to it as "the neck that turns the head," meaning as long as it appears women aren't actually leading, we'll let them do the work. We'll give the the responsibility but not authority. Can you imagine Jesus doing that?" Henderson

At the end of the book, I am left with/reminded of this comforting thought (first brought to my attention and taught to me by Beth Moore in the study of Daniel. smile.)

He changes times and seasons;

he sets up kings and deposes them.

He gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to the discerning. 

Daniel 2:21

 In talking with women around the country, Jim Henderson has come to believe that there is an epidemic of quiet, even sad resignation among dedicated Christian women who are feeling overworked and undervalued in the church. As a result, many women are discouraged. Some, particularly young women, respond by leaving the organized church . . . or walking away from the faith altogether.

Containing personal interviews with women and new research from George Barna, The Resignation of Eve is a field report on what women have to say about how they’ve been affected by their experiences within the church. It is crucially important because, across the board, the research shows that women are driving changes in the church . . . so what will happen if they resign?
Inviting women to speak for themselves, The Resignation of Eve is a must-read, life-changing book for women who have been engaged in the Christian church as well as their pastors and ministry leaders.

I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review through NetGalley.