"In my bibliographies there are no women in the evangelical tradition, and no Australian women scholars." This unique volume addresses this gap, with eighteen biblically rich and academically rigorous chapters by established and emerging Australian women scholars in the evangelical tradition. The authors consider our relationship with the land and Indigenous peoples, neighborhood, embodiment, (dis)ability, abortion, leadership, work, architecture, the media, Song of Songs and domestic violence, and Jeremiah and weaponized rape, and demonstrate recent methodologies such as a social identity reading of Exodus, sensory readings of Psalms and John's Gospel, and discipleship readings of Mary and Martha and the woman at the well. A contemporary Kriol psalm and stories of pioneering Australian women theological students and teachers complete the volume. Valuable for students and teachers across Bible, theology, ministry, and practice subjects, this book is an essential inclusion in any theological library.
“This volume is one of the most inspiring books I have read in a
long time. These Australian female scholars offer a theologically
profound and biblically rich series of explorations into Indigenous
peoples, biblical themes, human experience, embodied faith, land
and place, and mission and witness. I cannot overstate the
timeliness, quality, and importance of this book.”
—Graham Joseph Hill, principal and director of research, Stirling
Theological College, University of Divinity, and author of
Holding Up Half the Sky
“Grounded is an extraordinarily rich anthology of
essays representing women’s voices on a broad range of topics in
relation to the Christian faith from an equally broad range of
perspectives. . . . It is shot through with a welcome realism that
is often lacking in scholarly essays. Although entirely penned by
Australian women scholars, it would be a mistake to think this
volume was written solely for women or for Australians. . . . I
highly recommend this to scholars, students, and church people
alike.”
—Lucy Peppiatt, principal, Westminster Theological Centre, United
Kingdom
“This book dispels two myths: that there are very few women in
Australian evangelical biblical and theological scholarship and
that the Bible has little to say to the pressing issues of our day.
Grounded showcases profound and practical theology at its
best. A rich and rewarding read.”
—Brian Rosner, Principal, Ridley College, Australia
“This eclectic, engaging collection of essays offers excellent
exegetical insights into Scripture and pearls of wisdom for today’s
problems. The authors’ wide range of experiences and confident
humility enable them to address difficult issues head on. The book
is a feast for the soul, a thoroughly enjoyable read that will
shape future conversations about women’s lives in Scripture and our
modern world.”
—Lynn H. Cohick, Provost/Dean, Denver Seminary
“It was enriching to read the diverse experiences of the women in
this collection of essays. Informed by lived reality, each writer
brings fresh insight into her area of expertise. What often stands
out is a holistic view of the human person and spirituality, which
is, of course, very biblical. Informative, stimulating, inspiring.
Highly recommended.”
—Siu Fung Wu, Lecturer in New Testament Studies, Whitley
College, Australia
“Grounded recognizes the significance of our
bodies, the land, our histories, and experiences for
interdisciplinary biblical and theological scholarship. The
contributors unabashedly bring their whole selves into the research
and writing process. Consequently, this work is challenging and
illuminating, directly addressing weighty topics with clarity and
thoughtfulness while doing so in a refreshing and personal way.
“
—Christa McKirland, Lecturer in Systematic Theology, Carey Baptist
College, New Zealand
“Grounded is a landmark collection, showcasing the immense
insight and expertise of Australian women doing theology in an
evangelical tradition. From First Nations leaders to contemporary
Pentecostals, close biblical exegesis to meditations on
architecture and media, this is a stimulating set of engagements
with the Christian Scriptures. At a moment when many people are
seeking wiser ways of living in this particular time and place,
Grounded is a great gift to the Australian church, and
indeed to the wider nation.”
—Meredith Lake, author of The Bible in Australia: A Cultural
History
“This volume is one of the most inspiring books I have read in a
long time. These Australian female scholars offer a theologically
profound and biblically rich series of explorations into Indigenous
peoples, biblical themes, human experience, embodied faith, land
and place, and mission and witness. I cannot overstate the
timeliness, quality, and importance of this book.”
—Graham Joseph Hill, principal and director of research, Stirling
Theological College, University of Divinity, and author of
Holding Up Half the Sky
“Grounded is an extraordinarily rich anthology of
essays representing women’s voices on a broad range of topics in
relation to the Christian faith from an equally broad range of
perspectives. . . . It is shot through with a welcome realism that
is often lacking in scholarly essays. Although entirely penned by
Australian women scholars, it would be a mistake to think this
volume was written solely for women or for Australians. . . . I
highly recommend this to scholars, students, and church people
alike.”
—Lucy Peppiatt, principal, Westminster Theological Centre, United
Kingdom
“This book dispels two myths: that there are very few women in
Australian evangelical biblical and theological scholarship and
that the Bible has little to say to the pressing issues of our day.
Grounded showcases profound and practical theology at its
best. A rich and rewarding read.”
—Brian Rosner, Principal, Ridley College, Australia
“This eclectic, engaging collection of essays offers excellent
exegetical insights into Scripture and pearls of wisdom for today’s
problems. The authors’ wide range of experiences and confident
humility enable them to address difficult issues head on. The book
is a feast for the soul, a thoroughly enjoyable read that will
shape future conversations about women’s lives in Scripture and our
modern world.”
—Lynn H. Cohick, Provost/Dean, Denver Seminary
“It was enriching to read the diverse experiences of the women in
this collection of essays. Informed by lived reality, each writer
brings fresh insight into her area of expertise. What often stands
out is a holistic view of the human person and spirituality, which
is, of course, very biblical. Informative, stimulating, inspiring.
Highly recommended.”
—Siu Fung Wu, Lecturer in New Testament Studies, Whitley
College, Australia
“Grounded recognizes the significance of our
bodies, the land, our histories, and experiences for
interdisciplinary biblical and theological scholarship. The
contributors unabashedly bring their whole selves into the research
and writing process. Consequently, this work is challenging and
illuminating, directly addressing weighty topics with clarity and
thoughtfulness while doing so in a refreshing and personal way.
“
—Christa McKirland, Lecturer in Systematic Theology, Carey Baptist
College, New Zealand
“Grounded is a landmark collection, showcasing the immense
insight and expertise of Australian women doing theology in an
evangelical tradition. From First Nations leaders to contemporary
Pentecostals, close biblical exegesis to meditations on
architecture and media, this is a stimulating set of engagements
with the Christian Scriptures. At a moment when many people are
seeking wiser ways of living in this particular time and place,
Grounded is a great gift to the Australian church, and
indeed to the wider nation.”
—Meredith Lake, author of The Bible in Australia: A Cultural
History
Jill Firth is lecturer in Hebrew and Old Testament at Ridley
College in Melbourne, Australia.
Denise Cooper-Clarke is an ethicist and researcher for ethos, the
Evangelical Alliance Centre for Christianity and Society,
Australia.