Q: Why are you providing your books WOMAN BE FREE and HEIRS TOGETHER on this web site for anyone to read and print out free?
A: Several reasons: Potential buyers can know exactly what is in the books, so if they choose to buy a bound copy they will know what they are getting. The books are not easily obtained everywhere. In some countries, they would not be available at all. This way, no matter where someone lives, and whatever the state of currency exchange, they can read the books.
Q: How can you make any money giving books away free?
A: Many who like what they see will prefer to buy a copy rather than print out the whole book and have to use it in that form. Or, if they print it out, they may decide they'd like a bound copy too. Readers may want to buy copies to donate to a library, give as gifts, loan out to interested friends and relatives, or use in a study group or class. I think most people appreciate a generous gesture, and thus will be more likely to buy bound copies if they have use for them.
Q: You have written books and articles about equality for women in the church and equality in marriage. Do you consider yourself a feminist?
A: Yes, if I may define feminist. I figure if I'm going to have a label attached to me I should get to define it. I like Alan Alda's definition of feminist. He said, "A feminist is someone who believes women are people."
Q: But what about the things some feminists say and do? Do you want to be associated with that?
A: No, not really. But I'm counting on most people being savvy enough to realize that just as there are some outrageous Christians--but they don't represent all other Christians--there are some feminists who are fringey too. Feminism has admirable roots, I'm proud to be called a feminist.
Q: What's a Biblical Feminist?
A: That's a feminist who believes the Bible supports equality for women in the church and in society.
Q: Would you consider yourself a Biblical Feminist?
A: Yes.
Q: Isn't that just an accomodation of your Christian beliefs to support what you believe about feminism?
A: No. I believe good Bible interpretation, using sound interpretive principles, supports equal opportunities for women in church, home, and society.
Q: So you think women and men are the same?
A: No. I think they should have the same opportunities in society and in the church.
Q: But won't that result in men becoming feminized and women becoming masculinized?
And won't it result in women doing things they are not suited for?
A: Femininity and masculinity come with the bodies we are born with, they have nothing to do with what we do for a living or the skills we develop or the traits God has given us at birth. If women and men have equal opportunities for work, those who can do the job well will do it, and those who can't won't. I believe we should allow the best person for the job to do the job, not the person with a particular gender, color of skin, or amount of money or prestige.
Q: What are your qualifications for writing about the subjects you write about?
A: I have no qualifications other than being a seeker after truth, a discoverer of information, someone who has had questions and looked for answers--which, I think, are the best qualifications of all. I cannot pull rank by saying you should believe me because I have a certain academic degree, or teach at a certain school, or have a big church, or a TV program. I share what I've found in my own searches, and what I've thought about. Anyone can check the information for themselves, and my experience is presented as simply that, my experience.
Q: As a biblical feminist what would you like to say to any complementarian/traditionalists who happen to be visiting your site?
I welcome them to visit, and come back again later when I'll have more things here. I have no animosity toward people who believe women and men should operate within the perimeters of narrow roles. If they are happy that way, I'd never try to persuade them to change. But if they are not happy living that way, or have unanswered questions, then I'd encourage them to read wider than the recommendations of their fellow complementarians.
Q: What would you like to say to women visiting your site?
I had questions that my pastor, husband (who was also a pastor at the time), and visiting ministers could not answer to my satisfaction, so I went looking for the answers myself. If you have questions, don't give up searching. I'm hoping that the information I found will be helpful to you in your own search.
Most of all, I'd urge you to value your own self, perceptions, and unique contribution to the world. Don't sell yourself short by doing/being/pursuing what other people would choose for you. Listen to your own heart. Respect your own mind.
