How has the Bible been embraced and used to justify certain cultural behaviors and practices? In which way has Christianity empowered or marginalized gender roles? The book reveals that gender stereotyping carries broader implications for religion, culture, and society. Scholars have the ethical responsibility to point out misconstrued perceptions of social norms. That is certainly the case with this book. In her gentle way, Phaipi challenges readers to think critically and to question seriously issues regarding gender inequality and exclusion originating from biblical interpretation.

Review of Biblical Literature

As a Northeast Indian tribal Christian analyzing biblical perspectives on gender, Chingboi Guite provides us with a fresh voice that expands our understanding of the intersection between the Bible and culture. Drawing on her traditional tribal culture, on the introduction of colonialism and Christianity, on contemporary methods of biblical scholarship, and on her own personal experience in India and in the United States in immigrant and non-immigrant churches, Dr. Guite charts a biblically informed path forward for women within her own emerging Christian context.

Theodore Hiebert, Professor Emeritus, McCormick Theological Seminary, USA

A scholarly distinctive book reflecting on the sensitive yet crucial nature of how culture and biblical texts coalesce in the modern Christian tribal society of North East India. The experiences she faced as a woman and a mother from Paite patriarchal tribal society, and living abroad as an immigrant encountering American values and culture, makes Chingboi Guite Phaipi question the ways in which biblical texts are used as a stamp to validate patriarchal practices and female subjugation. Her suggestion to avoid eisegesis and the need to reread and reinterpret biblical narratives through a gender neutral eye is quite alluring.

S. Thianlalmuan Ngaihte, Chanambam Ibomcha College, affiliated to Manipur University, India