New Novel of the Early Church Endorses Equality for All

HAMILTON, Ontario - April 9, 2024 - PRLog -- It may seem contradictory that a Christian novel portrays the early church adopting women, men, eunuchs, and LGBTQ+ as equals in the family of faith. Some Christian fiction readers may turn away from themes that do not fit with traditional church views. If you are a spiritual wanderer, ex-vangelical, or feeling sidelined by religion, find fresh hope in this new release by Elaine Ricker Kelly.

"Historically compelling, wholly engrossing; a page-turner.…A remarkable tale affirming Christian egalitarianism that will captivate, provoke, and inspire readers on an unforgettable journey through the origins of Christianity." – Prairies Book Review

"My plan was to re-tell the Gospel stories from a female viewpoint in Forgotten Followers From Broken to Bold Book 1 and show how these women became apostles in Because She Was Called: From Broken to Bold Book 2. As I researched equality for women, I soon realized equality for some and not others is not equality at all," said Kelly, a retired financial advisor.

While Because She Was Called is Book 2 of her series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Set in early Acts, it demonstrates the early church breaking barriers based on ethnicity, gender, or orientation. Susannah is pulled between romance and her call to preach. Joanna is torn by grief and fighting to keep both her son and her faith. Kelly represents LGBTQ+ in fiction to honour the diversity God has created.

This novel took time to write, as Kelly explored scholarship on apparently misogynistic or homophobic Bible passages. Kelly put some of her research onto 104 flashcards showing diverse views and calls it The Sword: A Fun Way to Engage in Healthy Debate on What the Bible Says About a Woman's Role (on Amazon).

Because She Was Called: From Broken to Bold, Book 2, A Novel of the Early Church, will be released on Amazon on April 16, 2024. The ebook is US$5.99; the paperback is US$14.99.

Elaine R. Kelly and her husband live near Hamilton, Ontario, and have three adult daughters. She and her husband worship at an affirming church and enjoy hiking with their small dog, appreciating the Niagara escarpment, playing tennis, pickleball, and music.

Website: www.elainekelly.ca