A few weeks ago, I was sitting in an archive reading the correspondence between Elisabeth Elliot and Letha Dawson Scanzoni, wondering what might have been.
"At one point in our conversation, she (Penelope Green of the New York Times) asked if I might be considered Scanzoni’s heir. I said I was just a historian, and that Rachel Held Evans should more properly be considered the one who carried forward her legacy, but in some ways, I think I could also place myself in her tradition."
My late wife of 42 years, Jeannette Brownson, never called herself, but always carried herself, as a Evangelical Christian Feminist.
Could I be considered, after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2022, as one who carries forward her legacy? I am a University of Michigan trained historian and a lifelong Reformed Church in America pastor. Other women in business, like her daughter, represent her better. Still, I hope as I continue without her, our daily practice of reading through the Bible and writing about it, that I could at least "place myself in her tradition".
Kristin, it means a lot to me that you noticed my comment. I am new to substack, but old in my love for the Savior you follow. Would you consider a recommendation of my writing?
I received your recommendation to illuminate by K Campbell. I understand that the world doesn't necessarily need more writing from white males like me...
Perhaps, though, white males themselves, and others in power, need more writing from white male allies. Maybe people of privilege, need to encourage other people of privilege to join in proclaiming "good news to the poor, recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed and to proclaim a jubilee year" (Luke 4:18-19).
Is there a place for white hetereonormative males like me who want to continue the legacy of "Evangelical Christian Feminists" women like my late wife Jeannette? I am hoping so...
Went to Fuller in 1983. Ms scanzoni and Ms. Hardesty were anchors for our fledglings Feminist Christian pursuits. Admin and faculty were not exactly thrilled with our Women’s Concerns Committee. May her life be a blessing. Thanks be to God for such strong women who paved the way a little farther.
Kristen, All We Were Meant to Be was my first introduction to Christian feminism when I was in Seminary in the mid 70's! I found her to be a credible voice and appreciated her exegesis and perspective. It was good to be reminded of her work and place in history. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing this, and yes, no doubt, some of her mantle has fallen upon your shoulders. In reading your tribute, I realized, once again, how easily I take for granted the place of women in ministry, throughout the life of the church, and in government and society, forgetting that, for some, even to this day, women are "to remain silent," with the very thought of women entering a pulpit or a career in politics arousing within them intense levels of anger and the spirit of retaliation. Keep up the good work! And be of good cheer.
Thank you for drawing my attention to Letha Scanzoni’s passing. She was a revelation for me in the 1970s when I was discovering feminist voices, including my own. Nancy Hardisty, too, and in the CRC world Marchiene Rienstra, Mary Vander Goot and Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen. So grateful for all these brave women who blazed a trail even if it is still sometimes a trail of tears. Glad you are marching onward in their footsteps, Kristen, and getting good traction.
thank you. i never heard of her, but this piece simply left me short of breath... and then reading Jonathan's Brownson's comment(s)... Deeply thankful for your voice in this world. Run with the mantle; you have a gospel that is still good news for a broken & hurting world, & it needs to be told.
"At one point in our conversation, she (Penelope Green of the New York Times) asked if I might be considered Scanzoni’s heir. I said I was just a historian, and that Rachel Held Evans should more properly be considered the one who carried forward her legacy, but in some ways, I think I could also place myself in her tradition."
My late wife of 42 years, Jeannette Brownson, never called herself, but always carried herself, as a Evangelical Christian Feminist.
Could I be considered, after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2022, as one who carries forward her legacy? I am a University of Michigan trained historian and a lifelong Reformed Church in America pastor. Other women in business, like her daughter, represent her better. Still, I hope as I continue without her, our daily practice of reading through the Bible and writing about it, that I could at least "place myself in her tradition".
https://substack.com/@bbcandme?utm_source=profile-page
Beautiful sentiments.
Kristin, it means a lot to me that you noticed my comment. I am new to substack, but old in my love for the Savior you follow. Would you consider a recommendation of my writing?
I received your recommendation to illuminate by K Campbell. I understand that the world doesn't necessarily need more writing from white males like me...
https://open.substack.com/pub/illuminatebykcampbell/p/key-of-david?r=gdp9j&selection=1cebf83b-619e-423f-a040-56aa345df8b8&utm_campaign=post-share-selection&utm_medium=web
Perhaps, though, white males themselves, and others in power, need more writing from white male allies. Maybe people of privilege, need to encourage other people of privilege to join in proclaiming "good news to the poor, recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed and to proclaim a jubilee year" (Luke 4:18-19).
Is there a place for white hetereonormative males like me who want to continue the legacy of "Evangelical Christian Feminists" women like my late wife Jeannette? I am hoping so...
There is room for all of us. There are places you can be heard where some of us can't.
Well put...and I celebrate the places you are being heard and will be heard in the coming days through the upcoming movie...
Went to Fuller in 1983. Ms scanzoni and Ms. Hardesty were anchors for our fledglings Feminist Christian pursuits. Admin and faculty were not exactly thrilled with our Women’s Concerns Committee. May her life be a blessing. Thanks be to God for such strong women who paved the way a little farther.
Kristen, All We Were Meant to Be was my first introduction to Christian feminism when I was in Seminary in the mid 70's! I found her to be a credible voice and appreciated her exegesis and perspective. It was good to be reminded of her work and place in history. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing this, and yes, no doubt, some of her mantle has fallen upon your shoulders. In reading your tribute, I realized, once again, how easily I take for granted the place of women in ministry, throughout the life of the church, and in government and society, forgetting that, for some, even to this day, women are "to remain silent," with the very thought of women entering a pulpit or a career in politics arousing within them intense levels of anger and the spirit of retaliation. Keep up the good work! And be of good cheer.
Thank you for drawing my attention to Letha Scanzoni’s passing. She was a revelation for me in the 1970s when I was discovering feminist voices, including my own. Nancy Hardisty, too, and in the CRC world Marchiene Rienstra, Mary Vander Goot and Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen. So grateful for all these brave women who blazed a trail even if it is still sometimes a trail of tears. Glad you are marching onward in their footsteps, Kristen, and getting good traction.
thank you. i never heard of her, but this piece simply left me short of breath... and then reading Jonathan's Brownson's comment(s)... Deeply thankful for your voice in this world. Run with the mantle; you have a gospel that is still good news for a broken & hurting world, & it needs to be told.