Confronting Sexism in the Church: How We Got Here and What We Can Do about It

In this enlightening debut, pastor Matthews explores sexism’s deep roots in the evangelical faith. Beginning with the account of Eve’s “original sin,” Matthews traces centuries of Christian thought marked by biased scriptural interpretation, sexism “as a mark of orthodoxy,” and notions of women as “unfit and unqualified for [church] leadership.” In particular, she focuses on the past 50 years, after the second-wave feminist movement spurred the evangelical church to double down on stereotypes that “good Christian women are feminine, maternal, and domestic.” Matthews analyzes how sexism plays out in congregations and ministries (as when female pastors are shut out from “important conversations and team development” or forced to “downplay their femininity” to assume leadership roles), and calls on churches and Christian organizations to ensure salary equity and create mentoring and support structures for women, among other reforms. She also offers intriguing historical correctives, noting, for instance, that Jesus and Paul challenged misogynist structures by accepting women as friends and equals. The ambitious scope of her argument and willingness to advocate for change inspires. Christian feminists will be energized. (Aug.)