Ronald W. Pierce, Rebecca Merrill Groothuis, gen. eds., Gordon D. Fee, contributing editor, Discovering Biblical Equality: Complimentarity Without Hierarchy (Downer’s Grove: IVP, 2005), 528 pages, ISBN 9780830828340.

Ronald W. Pierce (Biola) and Rebecca Merrill Groothuis have edited a carefully constructed volume that aims to inform and persuade while remaining calm in the midst of discussion. The editors have done a good job making sure the authors speak with one voice; the chapters cross-reference each other, do not overlap, or contradicted another.

The 29 essays are divided into 5 sections starting with a historical review on women in ministry. Section 2 is a review of key Biblical texts from Genesis to 1 Peter. Section 3 focuses on the logical and theological perspective. An excellent response to complementarians is put forward here. Section 4 looks like the hermeneutical and cultural perspectives. Roger Nicole and Gordon Fee explain the basics of evangelical hermeneutics. Section 5 is aimed at practical application and is the weakest section with some chapters a bit polemical. Overall, it is a good survey of the topic but more reliable on the evangelical egalitarian position than the patriarchal side. A reader seeking to see that side must consult another book.

Reviewed by Patricia Riley.

Gary Habermas and Michael Licona, The Case For The Resurrection Of Jesus (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2004), 352 pages, ISBN 9780825427886.

Gary Habermas, “Distinguished Research Professor and Chair” in the Department of Philosophy and Theology at Liberty University and Michael Licona, a Ph.D. candidate in New Testament at the University of Pretoria have put together a comprehensive volume of information on the resurrection of Jesus. Their aim is to equip believers to share their faith with skeptics and answer some of their own unasked questions.

This user-friendly book is divided into 3 sections. Part 1 is about sharing your faith and includes a chapter on church history. Part 2 covers the minimal facts approach; this approach considers data that meets two criteria, first the data is strongly evidenced and second virtually all scholars, even skeptics, must accept the data. Part 3 looks at opposing theories of the resurrection, objections, and skeptical questions are answered here. Part 4 covers additional issues and a chapter on people skills.

The book has an appendix, copious notes and a computer game to quiz yourself. I can see this book as a great teaching tool for evangelism and apologetics.

Reviewed by Patricia Riley.