Baptizing Feminism

In the 1970s, a subversive group of spirited evangelical feminists emerged in the shadow of the secular feminist movement. With the Bible in hand, theological training, and a fiery, faith-fueled feminism, they carried the blazing torch of first-wave Christian feminists who fought for social justice and women's biblical equality and agency. Their rising influence in church networks challenged patriarchal interpretations of Bible scriptures and soon became a grave threat to the gospel truths held by evangelical leaders and their powerful networks.

In a dramatic, sweeping backlash, evangelical leaders joined forces against these feminist foes and launched modern-day patriarchy movements that claim the Bible calls for a masculine Christianity, one that relegates men as leaders and protectors and women as "feminine" subservient helpers. Fueled by collaborative partnerships with influential evangelical and political networks, impactful marketing, church planting enterprises, Christian conferences, and publishing and media networks, these gender role teachings soon dominated the very core of American evangelicalism, having a significant impact on American politics, global evangelicalism, and authoritarianism.

But the story doesn't end there. A new generation of feminists in the church is rising in response to the devastating #Churchtoo movement in evangelicalism, where growing epidemics of sexual abuse and cover-ups, a toxic masculinity, and sexism culture have thrived. With the call of God and the Internet—where evangelical gatekeepers can no longer silence them—bold, feisty, and fearless, these devout feminists, many of whom today are theologians, historians and scholars, demand their God-given equality and dignity for girls and women, and emerge as a very real threat to the patriarchal order.

Baptizing Feminism spotlights a heated and timely debate in American evangelicalism about what the Bible says or doesn't say about traditional gender roles--that impacts the faithful, interfaith communities, and secular alike. Baptizing Feminism reveals how patriarchal Christian beliefs and practices in the United States shape our churches and wider culture and affect the lives of women and girls.