Man as Male and Female: A Study in Sexual Relationships from a Theological Point of View - Softcover

Jewett, Paul King; Mollenkott, Virginia Ramey

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0802815979 ISBN 13: 9780802815972

Publisher: William B Eerdmans Publishing Co, 1990

Synopsis

This is a print on demand book and is therefore non- returnable.

Not without justification, Christian theologians (most of whom have been men) have been described as male chauvinists. But to the extent that such an accusation is fair, Paul Jewett would argue, these theologians are not living up to the genius of Christian theology. That is the burden of this provocative new book.

In Man as Male and Female Professor Jewett sets forth and elaborates a full-orbed theology of human sexuality. The key to it is embedded in the Genesis account of creation. Not only are we told that Man is created in God's image but also "male and female created he them." The differentiation between the sexes, Jewett argues, captures something of the trinitarian character of the Creator, particularly the dimension of fellowship.

What that means is that the relationship of man to woman is one of partnership, not hierarchy. Man and woman are properly related when they accept each other as equals whose differences complement each other in all areas of life.

Quite a different view took hold as the religion of the Old Testament developed. Man was seen as superior, women inferior; man made the rules, woman obeyed them. Jesus made no radical verbal challenge to that system. But his way of life and his treatment of women, Professor Jewett argues, bespoke a profound new theory, later given definite expression by the Apostle Paul: "In Christ there is . . . no male and female." In response to those who would quote Paul to support the other side, Professor Jewett contends that Paul's practice simply did not always match his profound and revolutionary insight.

Interspersed among the steps of Professor Jewett's careful theological study are fascinating notes concerning questions like sex in the final eschaton, the marital status of Jesus, the hatred of women in Western thought, and the ordination of women.

About this title

About the Author

Jewett was Professor of Systematic Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. He also serves as Dean of the Young Life Summer Institute of Theology.

Virginia Ramey Mollenkott is actively retired after forty-four years of universityteaching where she specialized in Milton and seventeenth-century poetry.A pioneerfeminist and LGBTQ activist, Dr. Mollenkott has published hundreds ofarticles and numerous books, most recently the updated versions of her groundbreakingworks Omnigender and Sensuous Spirituality. She leads workshops atchurches and retreat centers, including Kirkridge in Bangor, Pennsylvania.

Edition details

• Publisher: William B Eerdmans Publishing Co
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802815979
• ISBN 13: 9780802815972
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 204