In depth | Evangelicals Now

Should a Christian woman engage with theology?

Catherine Coffey

The shooting of 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai on a Pakistani school bus in 2012 was a shocking reminder that not everyone supports the idea of female education. While few modern Christians would oppose the general idea, some believe it should have limits.

Transformed Wife blogger Lori Alexander argues that women should not attend seminary and Christian author Aimee Byrd’s contribution to a debate over the Trinity drew significant fire from some who thought she, as a woman, should steer clear of theological judgments.

Feminism has failed women

Kirsten Birkett

The media I read has been awash lately in articles that, in various ways, demonstrate the failure of feminism.

At one end, older women are lamenting that their lives, influenced by feminist thought, have led to singleness and childlessness, and they are realising the sadness of this. In the end, a successful career – however much enjoyed – did not make up for the loneliness of being without these basic life relationships.

imperfect parenting

Insidious patriarchy?

'Imperfect Mum'

It’s not often a conversation with my children stops me in my tracks, but this one still troubles me for reasons I’m not sure I can fully articulate. But I’ll try.

I was at the dinner table with my two youngest, an unopened Amazon package sitting on the sideboard. The chat went like this:

Female-voiced Bible first

Nicola Laver

The first female-voiced audio NIV Bible was launched on International Women’s Day 2023, with the release of the four Gospels and Revelation. The entire New Testament has been recorded and the rest of the NT will be released on a monthly basis.

Between 700-800 audio Bible have been recorded across the world and only 8 have so far been recorded in women's voices. Her Audio Bible UK will be the first New International Version translation - they have chosen the Anglicised 2011 NIV version because of how it flows when read aloud.

Are you a person ‘worth watching’ – for all the right reasons?

Catherine Haddow

Glen Scrivener’s article in the July 22 issue ‘Blokes worth of en, watching’, has helpfully generated much discussion regarding evangelical church cultures.

A related theme concerns how much our churches embrace ‘personality’ culture. Personality is a term which evokes a range of semantics; it is a heavily loaded word. What does it bring to your mind? Some might immediately think of personality inventories prevalent in society today or the common measures they show. Alternatively, we might find ourselves thinking of well known ‘evangelical personalities’ almost akin to the celebrity culture that grips our world.

Is complementarian theology really abusive?

Karen Soole

I recently found myself tagged in a lengthy Twitter discussion.

Megan Cornwell interviewed me for an article called ‘Is complementarian theology abusive’ for Premier Christianity. She posted a link, and the responses began. It was like watching a tennis match, a type of Twitter ping pong. Tweets passed backwards and forwards. The rallies were long. An accusation followed by a defence with a counterargument returned.

‘True complementarianism’ examined at meetings

Church Society

Anglican evangelical organisation Church Society has partnered with Bishop Rod Thomas for a series of regional meetings in London, Bristol, Leicester and Manchester.

‘It was wonderful to be able to gather in person with ministers, women workers, and lay leaders at each of these events’, said one delegate who attended.

Seven ways to spot a ‘BWW’ and why it matters

Nay Dawson

I’ll never be one of the ‘Blokes Worth Watching’ (BWW) nor will many of my friends that don’t fit.

I love leadership and evangelism. I want to invest precious years into mission and the future of the church, so I’m wondering how do I become one of the BWWs [as described in this article in last month's EN] ? How do I get mentored? How do I get invested in so that I can make a significant difference? The problem is, I can’t. I’m a woman. I’ll never be a ‘Bloke Worth Watching’ and neither will half of those made in the image of God.

Evangelical crisis? I don’t think so

Andy Mason

What is the state of conservative evangelicalism? Glen Scrivener has given us a challenging answer in his article in the July 2022 issue of en, ‘BWWs: the “Blokes Worth Watching” conveyor belt…’

His article is a strong critique, essentially arguing that we evangelicals are in something of a spiritual crisis. The strength of its criticisms invites a rejoinder. As a fellow pastor, I know Glen and have worked with him. He is a wonderful evangelist, a man of integrity and a very gifted preacher. Most importantly, he loves Jesus and cares for the abused. I think, though, there are some real problems with Glen’s take on our churches.

Evangelical Futures: BWWs – the ‘Blokes Worth Watching’ conveyor belt...

Glen Scrivener

In their 2009 book, The Trellis and the Vine, Colin Marshall and Tony Payne gave us the evocative image of supporting structures (the trellis) surrounding the organic growth of God’s people (the vine).

Their argument was: both are needed. Here my brief is to write about evangelical churches in Britain. And as I consider this movement of churches that I love, I can’t help thinking we have a wonderful vine and, at points, a wonky trellis. That trellis – our systems and the assumptions behind them – needs urgent scrutiny.

Transgender: death of women’s sport?

Jonny Reid

There is an ongoing conversation about how transgender athletes might take part in women’s sport.

Recently in the UK, this has focused on Emily Bridges, a cyclist who a few weeks ago was racing as a man, and now seeks to race in women’s competitions. Whilst in cycling the question is around fairness, in other sports, such as rugby, the issue of safety also comes into play.

Evangelical Futures: What’s the future for C of E complementarians?

Ros Clarke

Is there a future for complementarianism in the Church of England?

Thirty years ago, when the first ordinations of women priests were beginning, the Church of England claimed to hold ‘two integrities’. Both those in favour of such ordinations and those opposed on grounds of theological conviction were held to represent valid Anglican orthodoxy. The balance changed with the consecration of women as bishops. At that point, the church declared that women should rightly be able to serve in any office in the Church of England. There is now only one integrity.

In Depth: feminism