In the Spirit We're Equal: The Spirit, the Bible, and Women a Revival Perspective Paperback – 1 Jan. 1999

A wonderful read tracking the history of the holy spirit filled church. Thouroughly researched and referenced, an honest and restorative account of Gods creation for unity in our relationships with one another. We see that gender issues are a consuquence of the fall and are exploited by satan. But Gods way of love and mutual submission is being revealed more in these times, as the light gets lighter.This book gives a long awaited accurate interpretation of many scriptures about women, contrasted against much religious opinion that has built up to control moves of God, if this were possible! Thank you Susan.

Having now worked with the recovery community for a number of years, I can say without hesitation that it is easier to overcome the sins of the world than to overcome the sins of the Church. Dr. Hyatt adroitly addresses this issue in chapter 19 of her book, In the Spirit We’re Equal. As she navigates through some of the obstacles to creating the paradigm shift that would realign church doctrine with the truth of the scripture, she addresses four of those obstacles. These obstacles keep people from embracing the changes needed for the Church to fully operate as Jesus Christ intended. She also rightly identifies the desire for control as being that foundational issue that continues to be the focal point of the ongoing disagreement between complementarians and egalitarians; she correctly names this sin as a desire for power. The fact that Christians are now divided between those who desire to maintain that power and those who are willing to express love as Jesus did is a sad commentary on the state of the Church.As with all good teachers, Dr. Hyatt doesn’t leave us hanging with only a criticism of the problem. She expertly pivots to a suggestion of three replacements for power, hierarchy and control: regard, respect, and response. And she closes with what I believe to be the key to change: “These principles are difficult, perhaps impossible, apart from the enabling of the Holy Spirit.” She has wisely seen past the political landscape of the Church, understanding that some that have embraced women in leadership have done so for purposes other than responding accurately to scripture. She understands that it is the full baptism of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer that makes possible the desire to “submit one to another” without regard for gender, ethnicity, position, or any other human characteristic.Through a right understanding of scripture as outlined in Dr. Hyatt’s book, a complete personal surrender to the Holy Spirit, and prayer, it is possible that the current landscape of hierarchal church can be changed to that which our Lord continually desires, a change that will alter us into submitted, praying warriors for Him.

A wonderful must have book! A history of movements toward equality and egalitarianism. This book does not directly deal with and exegete the "problem passages." There are many fine books by scholars that do so - including her husband's book. This is mostly church history, which pairs nicely with her husband's famous church history books. We need to know our history, people. Treat yourself to ALL the Hyatt's books.Another reviewer considered it "dishonest" that she did what she set out to do, and not what he wanted her to. We don't need another book of exegesis, we needed THIS book. The Hyatt's have doctorates and have ministered together as equals for decades so they speak from real experience, not theory.See also Ruth Tucker's book, Daughters of the Church, which is a thick book that has both exegesis and a complete history of women ministers.