This book is a study about women as one author believes that God sees them and relates to them. A woman herself and speaking from experience, Wendy Alsup begins with an Introduction of why she wrote this book. She spreads her material across ten chapters. She ends with book with Discussion Questions for personal refection and study. She wraps all this up with Notes for each chapter where she has cited data and facts. Wendy Alsup is also the author of Practical Theology for Women, The Gospel-Centered Woman, and By His Wounds You are Healed. She began her public ministry as deacon of women's theology and teaching at her Seattle Church. Currently, she teaches math at her local community college. She writes guest posts for two Christian women's websites.
I was interested in reading this book. As it specializes in women. In the past, I read a book called Women and the Word of God. The author of that book came from a theologically conservative worldview. I half-expected this book to uphold biblical feminism, which means that women are equal to men in all things. This includes being authorized to serve as pastor and being equal in the home. To be clear, the Bible asserts women's equality but teaches that God forbids her from serving as pastor or elder, and that the husband is the head of his home. Alsup of Is the Bible Good for Women? seems to share the same perspective as did the author of the book I read many years ago. She uses the Bible alone to try to clarify difficult or unclear Bible passages. Like the past author I read, Allsup lays the foundation of marriage as the model of CHrist and the Church. THe husband is to mirror Christ's sacrificial love to his wife. In turn, she is to submit to him as the Church submits to Christ. Allsup also tackles the difficult questions of abuse and sinning husbands. I found myself wishing that I had access to books like this early in my marriage or even when single! This isn't a feminist book nor does Allsup write about "women's rights." She mentions abortion only twice in this book, and her stance is unclear. But one guess, from her stress on women conforming to God's design, where she stands. I used the Questions in the back of the book for my own quiet times. I didn't see much touching on single women or their concerns, in this book.
I recommend this book for all women. At all stages of spiritual growth. I especially recommend this book for new Christian wives or those planning marriage. Reading and applying the principles of this book will help them get a strong start in their marriages. But Christian wives at any stage of marriage will benefit from this book. Single women may not find much in this book for them. So I see no point in recommending this book to them. I recommend this book for Christian husbands to hep them understand their own roles and their wives. Feminists? If they have open and receptive hearts, this book has much to say to them about what God thinks of women. Allsup should consider writing a youth version of this book for girls.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through BloggingForBokksin exchange for my honest review of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review of this book. The cope I received was an uncorrected proof of the final book. Check this review against the final copy of this book.
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ISBN: 978-1-60142-900-1
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