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A review by jennifrencham
A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans
5.0
When I first heard about this book, I was hoping it wasn't going to be like the book I always see in the humor section of the bookstore - a mockery of the scriptures that so many people hold sacred. But it's not like that at all. Evans took the commands of Scripture regarding women and focused on a different attribute or theme each month for the entire year. During this year, she studied a lot, read a lot, and learned a lot. Those experiences are what she shares in this book.
I got to read about a polygamist family who believes they are following God's commands. I got to follow Rachel to a monastery, to an Amish community, to Bolivia to see women who are succeeding under very trying circumstances. I got to learn about some Jewish traditions and fair-trade coffee and female preachers who have their own bodyguards. I learned about Baby Think It Overs. All of this came through the voice of a person who takes the Bible too seriously to ever take it literally.
Evans and I come from a very similar background and seem to have struggled with many of the same questions, so it was refreshing and encouraging to read her thoughts and experiences over this year. At no point does Evans make fun of or belittle those whose beliefs differ from hers; she presents all views and avoids speaking her opinions where she doesn't believe they belong (ie, concerning the best method to raise children).
This book was well worth the read. Recovering Fundamentalists or Evangelicals, those who have left or returned to the church, or anyone who has ever wanted to dwell in the questions or find better answers.
I got to read about a polygamist family who believes they are following God's commands. I got to follow Rachel to a monastery, to an Amish community, to Bolivia to see women who are succeeding under very trying circumstances. I got to learn about some Jewish traditions and fair-trade coffee and female preachers who have their own bodyguards. I learned about Baby Think It Overs. All of this came through the voice of a person who takes the Bible too seriously to ever take it literally.
Evans and I come from a very similar background and seem to have struggled with many of the same questions, so it was refreshing and encouraging to read her thoughts and experiences over this year. At no point does Evans make fun of or belittle those whose beliefs differ from hers; she presents all views and avoids speaking her opinions where she doesn't believe they belong (ie, concerning the best method to raise children).
This book was well worth the read. Recovering Fundamentalists or Evangelicals, those who have left or returned to the church, or anyone who has ever wanted to dwell in the questions or find better answers.