Why Can’t Women Do That?

Breaking Down the Reasons Churches Put Men in Charge

Written by Philip B. Payne & Vince Huffaker (read bios)

Author Bios

PHILIP B. PAYNE holds a PhD in New Testament from the University of Cambridge and has taught New Testament in colleges of the University of Cambridge, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Bethel Seminary, and Fuller Seminary Northwest. He is well known for his publications about textual criticism, the parables of Jesus, and his book, Man and Woman, One in Christ (Zondervan, 2009).

VINCE HUFFAKER holds a PhD in Manufacturing Engineering from Boston University and is employed as a software development manager.  He has been involved with Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE) for over nineteen years. He brings a respect for Scripture, a passion for equality, and a love of clean, simple logic to this project.

About

“Maybe it sounds old-fashioned, but I believe that men have a special God-given sense of responsibility and leadership. The Bible plainly teaches that men should be the leaders of the church and in the family.”

This sentiment has been rooted in Christian patriarchy for centuries. In many Christian churches, women are told they can’t do certain things simply because they are women. Women can’t preach. Women can’t teach. Women can’t co-lead a family with their husbands. Women can’t read Scripture out loud in church. Women can’t be a ministry leader (except to children and other women). The list goes on and on. Do these restrictions make sense? And more importantly, are they biblical?

In Why Can’t Women Do That? Philip B. Payne and Vince Huffaker explore the concerns that many Christians have regarding the leadership of women and analyze every relevant Bible passage to show that yes, women can!

This book is written to everybody in the Christian community, regardless of where they stand on the issue. It is written in an easy-to-read, casual, non-confrontational manner that is challenging and thought-provoking, but not insulting. The first part of the book discusses general principles and church traditions to support the belief that men and women should work together as equals. The second part analyzes the Bible passages, including those commonly used to prove that women shouldn’t lead.  Why Can’t Women Do That? strips the complex theology down to its main points and presents a compelling case for the inclusion of women in a simple, straightforward style that everyone can understand.

This book is perfect for individuals, small groups, pastors, and churches as they reflect on the leadership roles of women.

Endorsements

Seeing well-developed arguments in this brief and non-confrontational format is an eye-opening experience. The Bible comes alive as a book written for men and women who are more alike than has traditionally been acknowledged by much of Christendom. 

Rev. Dr. David Instone-Brewer

 Profound scholarship broken down to be made lively, clear, and understandable for any reader who wants to know what the Bible says about one of the most challenging issues facing the church today. 

H. G. M. Williamson
Emeritus Regius Professor of Hebrew, University of Oxford

 Philip Payne and Vince Huffaker have produced a readable, comprehensive work on the service of women in the church and marriage. It contains new research that has yet to appear in print. For an up to date, readable, and enjoyable presentation of the egalitarian case, this is the book to read. 

Rev. Peter Davids
Chaplain, Our Lady of Guadalupe Priory

 I have read most of the books written by complementarians and evangelical egalitarians and I think Philip Payne’s are the best. It is the fruit of forty years of study by a first-rate biblical scholar who does not avoid any difficult issues. The scholarly depth and the clarity of his writing is exceptional. 

Kevin Giles, Anglican pastor and theologian

 A readable, well researched, well-reasoned book, demonstrating God’s consistent support of women throughout the Bible. Comprehensive, logical, and clear, this book is an indispensable treatment of women in the Bible. I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone eager to hear God’s high regard for women or anyone who wrestles with the Bible’s teaching on women.  

Rev. Dr. Grace Y. May,
Association Professor of Biblical Studies and Director
of the Women’s Institute, William Carey International University

A compelling and highly readable case for the full equality of women and men. This remarkable book presents the best in New Testament scholarship for non-specialists.

 Harold Netland
Professor of Philosophy of Religion and Intercultural Studies
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

 If you need a book that quickly and clearly exposes the failed teachings of male-headship arguments, this is it! Respected by Christians the world over, Phil Payne’s research opens new doors of leadership for women. 

 Mimi Haddad Ph.D., President of CBE International

 If any reader wants to understand the egalitarian view of subjects such as head covering or a woman’s submission to her husband, this is the book to read. This is an easy-to-read and must-have book for any serious reader on the equality of man and woman in Christ.

 KeumJu Jewel Hyun
Founder and President, Matthew 28 Ministries,
Inc. and Adjunct Professor of Theology of Work, Bakke Graduate University, Dallas, Texas. 

 I highly value Philip for both his integrity and profound scholarship. Why Can’t Women Do That? is readable and easily understood. I give this book my highest recommendation.

 Dr. Felicity Dale: author, The Black Swan Effect

 Philip Payne’s work has been among the most recommended resources for explaining and defending evangelical gender egalitarianism. This new volume is written for a broad readership.

 Jeff Miller, editor of Priscilla Papers

 Philip Payne’s work on this subject has been an invaluable resource to me. His own authentic journey on the topic makes him an excellent guide. I am deeply grateful for his scholarship!

 Dr. R. Scott Lisea
Camps Pastor at Westmont College

 I heartily recommend this new book. You will be challenged by its careful exegesis and thoughtful exposition. 

Randy Colver, Fairburn, GA

This is a great gift. Its popular rhetoric contributes to clarity and makes the argument even more persuasive. Payne’s disciplined study brings us ever so close to the original texts of scripture.

 Richard F. Kantzer, Holland Michigan