Today marks 7-months since the release of Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women. Working with Elyse Fitzpatrick this past year and a half on our book and podcast—and growing to be good friends—is one of the greatest blessings and joys of my life.
Elyse has been a Christian for almost 50 years. She has written 24 books in the past four decades, influencing thousands.
It grieves me deeply to learn that some have accused her (in secret) of “slipping” in her theology, being a closet egalitarian, an antinomian, or sliding away from orthodoxy. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Not a word from her in many private conversations indicates anything close.
These cowardly, behind-closed-doors attacks and organizational blacklistings come from followers of famous and influential men. Elyse is too polite to say anything publicly. She hasn’t asked me to—and I haven’t asked her permission. But I am saying something.
Elyse is as sound in the matters of orthodoxy as any pastor or theologian I have ever known and read. She has not flinched in affirming the husband as the self-sacrificing-servant head in marriage or that only qualified and called men should be ordained as elders.
She is nowhere near antinomianism. She is a profoundly humble woman, desperately aware of her sin, who feasts on grace and strives to obey God and fulfill the Law of Christ in all things through the Gospel’s power. She is as near heresy as the north is to the south.
Her “fault” is that she speaks out against what is wrong and harmful to believers. Elyse stands in the line of Miriam, Deborah, Zelophehad’s daughters, Huldah, Anna—humble, bold, godly women who prophetically spoke the truth.
Thank God for Elyse Fitzpatrick. We need more women like her. May her tribe increase!
If Elyse has encouraged, influenced, or blessed you, please share this post with others, adding your own comments about how she has blessed, served, and influenced you.
(Oh, and buy her latest book! ?)