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1.35k reviews for:
The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth
Beth Allison Barr
4.4 AVERAGE
1.35k reviews for:
The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth
Beth Allison Barr
4.4 AVERAGE
Packing a righteous punch in 218 pages (hardcover edition), Dr. Beth Allison Barr sets out to dismantle Christian patriarchy that she reasons is "worldly" like the secular version of patriarchy. She leans extensively on her expertise in medieval and early European history to give examples of women teaching, preaching and leading within the church.
Her thesis is that Christian patriarchy is a theological construct imposed on the Scriptural text and has morphed and changed throughout history. Toward the end of the book, she has a powerful argument where some modern day complementarians have taught that Jesus is "eternally subordinate" to the Father which is Arian heresy and not supported by major church council or creedal statements.
My one complaint with the book is, ironically, I think she could have made her Biblical case against the subjugation of women even stronger. Although, it appeared that her focus was less on exegeting Bible texts (which has been done elsewhere) rather than showing how female submission to men is an added construct and also highlighting the women leaders of history who have been largely written off by the conservative church.
Overall, a very good read about a crucially important topic for the church. Women should be as free as men in pursuing whatever calling God may have on their life. "Go, be free!" says Dr. Barr.
Her thesis is that Christian patriarchy is a theological construct imposed on the Scriptural text and has morphed and changed throughout history. Toward the end of the book, she has a powerful argument where some modern day complementarians have taught that Jesus is "eternally subordinate" to the Father which is Arian heresy and not supported by major church council or creedal statements.
My one complaint with the book is, ironically, I think she could have made her Biblical case against the subjugation of women even stronger. Although, it appeared that her focus was less on exegeting Bible texts (which has been done elsewhere) rather than showing how female submission to men is an added construct and also highlighting the women leaders of history who have been largely written off by the conservative church.
Overall, a very good read about a crucially important topic for the church. Women should be as free as men in pursuing whatever calling God may have on their life. "Go, be free!" says Dr. Barr.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
2.5 — I have a LOT to say about this book but I have to marshal my thoughts first.
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
hopeful
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inspiring
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slow-paced
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Really interesting book but I couldn't get into it. I think this would be a revolutionary book to read if I grew up in a very "traditional views" church, but coming from a relatively liberal church, it all felt obvious. Like obviously the Bible had been utilized and misinterpreted and retranslated to fit oppressive narratives. Also fascinating to read about Southern Baptist traditions and teachings as a Catholic. I am really glad this book exists as a testimony to the long history of harmful patriarchy in Christianity and she's an incredible woman and historian.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Every follower of Jesus needs to read this book.
“Aristotle is writing specifically to men about how they should rule and why they have the right to rule. He does not include inferiors within the conversation. Household governance is the domain of the Roman man as master, father and husband. The conversation is directed to men alone. By contrast, the Christian household codes address all the people in the house church. Men, women, children, and slaves. Everyone is included in the conversation.”
“Jesus has always set women free.”
I’m embarrassed that I haven’t read more women’s history. Beth Allison Barr has challenged my beliefs, my understanding of the Bible within its historical context, and opened my eyes to how patriarchy has shaped evangelical Christianity. The insight she brings with her medieval historical lens is invaluable.
“Aristotle is writing specifically to men about how they should rule and why they have the right to rule. He does not include inferiors within the conversation. Household governance is the domain of the Roman man as master, father and husband. The conversation is directed to men alone. By contrast, the Christian household codes address all the people in the house church. Men, women, children, and slaves. Everyone is included in the conversation.”
“Jesus has always set women free.”
I’m embarrassed that I haven’t read more women’s history. Beth Allison Barr has challenged my beliefs, my understanding of the Bible within its historical context, and opened my eyes to how patriarchy has shaped evangelical Christianity. The insight she brings with her medieval historical lens is invaluable.