A Women's Issue

Answer: "Christianity Today seems like a men's magazine."

The question? "What are your impressions of CT?"—one of several asked by Mark Galli and Ted Olsen during my interview for the copy editor position here several years ago. Given the slightest air of fresh-faced disdain in my answer, I'm still a bit surprised they offered me the job.

Five years later—especially with the appearance of the issue in your hands—I can happily report that CT has come a long way, baby.

The shift in part is cultural. The week this issue went to press, a copy of a new book from journalist Hanna Rosin came across my desk, its timing apt. An extension of her 2010 Atlantic cover story, The End of Men examines the reasons why, for the first time in history, women in the West are outpacing men in education and nearly every profession. These major shifts can't help dramatically affecting local churches, where the majority of regular attendees continue to be women (see Spotlight).

We at CT have long believed that such gains can mean much kingdom fruit, as we have covered in the magazine time and again. As more Christian women lead nonprofits, write Bible studies, create new laws, make music, teach, publish novels, and helm colleges, the body of Christ will be enriched, strengthened, and more clearly reflect the fullness of God's purposes for humanity. Our cover package on the "50 Women You Should Know" highlights women profoundly shaping the church and the faith. Some names are household and have appeared in CT before; others, we hadn't heard of before our (admittedly unscientific) survey. Don't miss the list as well as the introductory essay from another Christian woman making waves, online editor Sarah Pulliam Bailey (page 22). Sarah's tireless efforts made this cover story possible.

Actually, the list of 50 women could easily become 51—if you go on to count CT's newest column (page 66). Some of you will recognize the author, Karen Swallow Prior, from CT's website for women. We couldn't be more thrilled to introduce Her.meneutics to our print readers. In her column, Karen, chair of Liberty University's English and modern languages department, tackles classic literature. But the topics we will cover are varied, as will be the writers who contribute to the column. Look for a second installment in the December issue, and look for daily doses at ChristianityToday.com/women.

And now, a historical tidbit: As far as anyone on staff can recall, this is the first Inside CT column written by a woman. A men's magazine, indeed.

Next issue: Why religious institutions deserve special treatment by the government; and Andy Crouch traces how "the common good" became an evangelical buzz phrase.