A Woman's Place: House Churches in Earliest Christianity
by Carolyn Osiek, Margaret Y. MacDonald, and Janet H. Tulloch
Published by Fortress Press
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Reviewed by Maria Hoeffer
The Bible gives little mention to the women of the early Christian church, though surely they were around. What was their role in the church and how was the church integrated into their daily lives?
Until now, these questions were largely unanswered or answered, at best with conjecture. The three authors use a variety of evidence, both religious and secular, to construct a vivid description of the lives of these women, providing the reader with a fuller picture of the first few centuries of the Christian church. The authors weave together the evidence with insight and precision, giving a clear picture of the times.
A Woman's Place provides an overwhelming sense of community that women of the early church shared. During the first several centuries of Christianity, the church was centered on the home. This was the gathering place for worship.
As the home was the domain of women, women took a leading role in many aspects of the early church. Women were leaders, teachers and supporters of one another. They provided enormous amounts of nurturing and hospitality to one another.
Particularly fascinating are the descriptions of birthing and dining rituals. Early Christian women were segregated from the men, yet formed a strong community among themselves with their own ways of celebrating and worshipping.
Until now, the stories of early Christianity have been focused on the men of the church, primarily the apostles going out into the world to spread the good news. A Woman's Place honors the women of the early church, revealing their important role in providing the home environment where the good news could grow.
Armchair Interviews says: The authors deftly create an image of this world of two thousand years ago that brings new respect for the women held silent until now.