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marymichal's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
5.0
This book was kind and compassionate. It was filled with love and mercy. I kept coming back to this book because of the tenderness with which the author wrote.
cosmicbookworm's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Sarah Bessey's memoir provides a refreshing perspective. It diverges from a typical theological discourse on gender equality in the church, so readers expecting a scholarly analysis may find it lacking. Bessey asserts that Jesus values and integrates women and men equally, challenging traditional complementarian views. By reexamining the concept of Biblical womanhood, she highlights the significant role of women in ministry. Not following a textbook format, she highlights seven women in the New Testament who are described as "diakoneo," emphasizing their service and ministry, which aligns with the responsibilities of men appointed to leadership in the early church. Bessey also suggests that the discipleship of the twelve men is more descriptive than prescriptive.
In her chapter titled "Kingdom Come," Bessey discusses the idea of the kingdom of God and its connection to gender equality and women's empowerment. She stresses the significance of women using their talents and abilities to advance God's kingdom on earth, working alongside men. Bessey challenges conventional gender roles within church structures and advocates for a more inclusive and collaborative approach to ministry, where men and women work together as equals. The chapter inspires readers to imagine a church community where gender equality is embraced and everyone is empowered to contribute to the fulfillment of God's purpose on earth.
Bessey goes on to assure women of their commissioning as the family of God, using 1 Peter 2:9 "But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him ..... "
This book is now ten years old, as of 2023. Bessey has admitted that there are certain aspects of the book that she would revise if given the opportunity. For readers who are looking for more comprehensive insights, her subsequent works might address any perceived omissions from this book.
readingafrica's review against another edition
This book is geared more towards women who are called to ministry, which isn't where I am at this point, so I don't think it was particularly revolutionary or mind-changing for me.
tophat8855's review against another edition
3.0
I found it fairly parallel to Mormon feminist essays, but with the Evangelical Christian slant. On some levels it's like "Dance of the Dissident Daughter," but 2 decades later. And it doesn't go quite as deep as Sue Monk Kidd's does. Probably a good intro to feminist Christian thoughts, but nothing new to anyone who has been in those waters for a few years.
justjennyplz's review against another edition
5.0
If you’re a conservative evangelical: this book is NOT what you think it will be based on the title. It’s a real, honest, challenging look at what it means to be a woman in love with Jesus seeking to love and serve the world around her. Convicting and true, I wholeheartedly recommend this to any woman looking to strengthen her walk with God.
lydiawesome's review against another edition
3.0
The publisher really did Sarah Bessey a disservice in how they marketed her book. While this book was a nice memoir belonging in the devotional/personal essay genre a la Anne Lamott, I was expecting some serious and deep feminist Biblical scholarship. This made it difficult to "get over" and I couldn't enjoy the book for what it was.
beccafeldhacker's review against another edition
3.0
I definitely liked her writing style and approachability on the topic but again didn’t pick up anything new or invigorating. Perhaps for less-feminist-familiar folks it could be a good fit.
heatherlea17's review against another edition
5.0
Charming, sensitive, and theological.
Most approach theological topics in the church with arrogance and ignorance. Sarah humbly says that she's no theologian, yet she proves the opposite in her first book. Sarah's approach to feminism isn't to destroy arguments, but sensitively share scripture and stories of women who are valorous warriors for Christ. I enjoyed this book,even as a single woman, but especially as a young evangelical youth minister constantly struggling with my calling to uncover my head and boldly proclaim Christ the way a man does.
Most approach theological topics in the church with arrogance and ignorance. Sarah humbly says that she's no theologian, yet she proves the opposite in her first book. Sarah's approach to feminism isn't to destroy arguments, but sensitively share scripture and stories of women who are valorous warriors for Christ. I enjoyed this book,even as a single woman, but especially as a young evangelical youth minister constantly struggling with my calling to uncover my head and boldly proclaim Christ the way a man does.
ekarcha's review against another edition
2.0
2 stars because there were a handful of quotes and passages I really did like. I didn't entirely hate it, just was incredibly disappointed.
This is not the progressive confirmation of Jesus as a herald of intersectional theology nor the dismantling of misogynistic evangelism I was hoping for. Rather, the author seems to want to revamp evangelicalism - it's like she halfway sees the problems, but stops short in her proposed solutions and prefers personal reflection and affirmation of evangelical phrasing and views to changing the screwed up institution. Perhaps that was my misled hopes rather than a more realistic expectation of this book, but I was disappointed and almost gave up on this book half a dozen times. The writing style reminiscent of mommy bloggers doesn't help - it's more focused on personal anecdotes than solid theology and social theory. All in all, hard to finish reading for multiple reasons.
This is not the progressive confirmation of Jesus as a herald of intersectional theology nor the dismantling of misogynistic evangelism I was hoping for. Rather, the author seems to want to revamp evangelicalism - it's like she halfway sees the problems, but stops short in her proposed solutions and prefers personal reflection and affirmation of evangelical phrasing and views to changing the screwed up institution. Perhaps that was my misled hopes rather than a more realistic expectation of this book, but I was disappointed and almost gave up on this book half a dozen times. The writing style reminiscent of mommy bloggers doesn't help - it's more focused on personal anecdotes than solid theology and social theory. All in all, hard to finish reading for multiple reasons.