Hermenuetics

Comments

The only name that comes to mind (after much thought) is Marilynne Robinson, because of the attention her novels Gilead and Home have received in the secular publishing world. She is a "bridgebuilder" but of a different sort than the names listed above. Politically, and I hesitate to say this, but I suppose we might be able to say Sarah Palin, though she is certainly a politician above all else.

Posted By: Laura | April 17, 2009 2:49 PM

Read the Bible..it's full of "influential" women..who go public everyday.

Posted By: Sandra | April 17, 2009 5:12 PM

Altho not so vocal about her faith, it's my understanding Condelessa Rice is a Christian,and certainly has influenced her world.

Posted By: Rosalie Nelson | April 18, 2009 10:27 AM

Katelyn,

I'm surprised that you all were surprised at the shortage of widely-acknowledged female evangelical leaders. To borrow a phrase from the world of politics: theology has consequences. If a good many evangelicals preach that men are designed by God for leadership positions and that women are designed to be their helpers, that women should not be in positions of authority in churches, and that a woman's highest calling as a mother is all-encompassing in a way that a man's calling as a father is not, the logical consequence is going to be that you won't find many women in positions of authority or leadership.

Women's voices and women's lives are considered "women's issues" to a good many men. Why else would there need to be an article in the women's blog, "Meanwhile: What About the Women and Children?" Tim Morgan, who wrote on the Pope's HIV/AIDS in Africa comments in another CT blog, didn't necessarily have to agree with Lavonne Neff's article, but he didn't even address the issue. What women have to say is not of interest to a good many men. So, women speakers, leaders, teachers aren't given the opportunity to speak to mixed groups. Thus, they don't become as well known as the male leaders and don't make it on to lists such as yours. (I think you all are doing a great job with this women's blog, but sometimes keeping the dialogue separate lets the "same sex leadership," as one commenter called it, stay that way.)

It's no surprise to me that there are few, if any, women among the prominent (at the level you described of the men) evangelical leaders today.

Posted By: Christian Lawyer | April 19, 2009 6:04 PM

I second Marilynne Robinson. I was surprised that when you wrote about "shaping the broader culture for Christ," you didn't include any CULTURAL categories like art, fiction, music. Hello!?

Posted By: Terri Hamilton | April 19, 2009 9:23 PM

Janet Parshall

"Throughout her career, Janet has been a devoted advocate of the principles and policies that strengthen the family. She is an articulate spokesperson who is experienced in defending these principles in the media and across the country. In February, 2005, Janet was selected by President George W. Bush to represent the White House in the capacity of public delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. As a radio and television commentator, author and advocate for the family, Janet is much sought after nationwide to speak on public policy issues that impact family preservation and family promotion. Janet has appeared on numerous national television and radio programs, including Crossfire, Hardball, Nightline, the Larry King Show, Donahue, The 700 Club, Hannity & Colmes and Late Night with Aaron Brown, and has also appeared on various other programs on CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, CBN, PBS, the BBC and NPR. Janet has also been featured in People Magazine." (from her website jpamerica.com)

Posted By: Jan | April 20, 2009 9:58 AM

Clearly there are many women who are doing amazing things within the Christian community, people like Beth Moore and Janet Parshall to name but two that I find intriguing.

But to go with the definition of "influential in public life" as well, you're right - I am much harder pressed to name someone.

I would like to gently disagree, however, with Laura re: Sarah Palin. I don't think she is a politician above all else - I truly think she is a Christian and a mom first. However, the manner in which we all became aware of her, and the subsequent media coverage, certainly lends the appearance of politics first.

But here's my follow-up question - does it matter, or perhaps better, is it necessary, for there to be a woman/women filling that sort of role?

Posted By: Jen K | April 20, 2009 10:50 AM

Jen, thanks for pointing that out. I didn't phrase that sentence well; I didn't mean to take anything away from Sarah Palin as a Christian or as a mom. I just meant that she is viewed in the public eye as a politician who is a Christian rather than as a Christian who is building bridges to public culture. I don't know whether this puts her on the list or removes her from it, but I agree with you that she is certainly more than "just" a politician.

Posted By: Laura | April 20, 2009 1:18 PM

Phyllis Schafley of Eagle Foru -
She's been around a long time - I used to read her work when I was raising my children 25 years ago. She is an energetic driver who is an inspiration in and out of the home.

I also respect Condie Rice as an accomplished, articulate member of academia and government. I find her to be an inspiration in many ways, including sacrificing some of the more common female pursuits such as family. Reading her bio gives some insight into the sacrifices she has made to be in the public eye. It is not for everyone.

Janet Parschall used to attend the same church I did in Miilwaukee many years ago and there I saw that she too made choices to go in the direction of public leadership. It is demanding and requires a commitment that not many are willing (or led) to make. I don't think women are the less for not spearheading public leadership as much as men are; I just don't think you can do "everything" in life and a personal impact can (and does) occur at grassroot levels every day by women everywhere.

Posted By: Carol C | April 21, 2009 9:15 AM

What about Lauren Winner?

I think there are other influential writers and intellectuals as well who remain somewhat, unfortunately, behind the scenes. For instance, Karen Jobes, the lone woman on the NIV and TNIV translation committees, a stellar biblical scholar (and a wonderful teacher, too!)

Posted By: hannah | April 22, 2009 12:49 PM

There are many women who have led devoted lives to their families as well as to their church. Many are unsung heroines who love our LORD JESUS CHRIST and do not seek out the limelight. Others, however, feel the pressure of working in the home, church, community, as well as having a public job to help support the family. We are learning that we cannot be a perfect "10" and be all things to all people. I admire and know most of the Christian Men leaders above, who also, lead women. I've had a lot of leadership roles myself; but I still prefer my husband and other major church leaders to be men when and if they will accept that responsibility. I do believe GOD has a very important role for the woman; however, I gladly welcome and pray for more men to rise up to their GOD given responsibilities. I also welcome and appreciate all the godly women, especially wives and mothers, who step up and fill in the gaps left by men who have failed in their Christian opportunities.

Posted By: Ruby Brown | April 22, 2009 4:52 PM

What about Catherine Booth, Corrie Ten Boom and Dorothy Day?
Ok not all Americans but what has that got to do with anything? Ok Dorothy Day is a Catholic. So? An outstanding Christian woman.

Posted By: Neil | October 14, 2009 5:30 AM