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To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond
We live in a cultural moment where the definition of “woman” eludes the keenest of thinkers and brightest of scientists, where one’s biological sex and one’s gender are divorced, where the meaning of gender itself is a constantly moving target, and where girls and women, especially, struggle to know who they are.
Where societal confusion has naturally ensued from this state of affairs, and Christians especially wonder how to think and respond to it, Katie J. McCoy offers a clear and helpful guide in her debut trade book, T o Be a Woman.
In these pages, Katie will help you
Where societal confusion has naturally ensued from this state of affairs, and Christians especially wonder how to think and respond to it, Katie J. McCoy offers a clear and helpful guide in her debut trade book, T o Be a Woman.
In these pages, Katie will help you
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2023
50 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 19, 2023
Overall I am dissatisfied with this book. First, it was less about what it means to be a woman and more about arguing against the transgender craze among young women.
Specific concerns:
Research: I have many questions marked throughout the book regarding her use and explanation of research. Here’s my hasty absolutist statement: all theological or philosophical books should be reviewed by a research scientist or statistician. For example, in the introduction (p. 3) she says that referrals to gender clinics jumped from 138 cases in 2010 to 2,700+ cases in 2019-2020. She says this is an increase of more than 2,000 percent in less than a decade. But isn’t it actually 1,956% (less than 2,000 percent). And also, isn’t it inaccurate to compare one year’s cases to two year’s cases? Also, what’s the trend from the 8 years in between? Sketchy stats make me ridiculously skeptical of the whole message.
Sources: she relies too heavily on secondary sources for her information. It wouldn’t have taken much to find original research or primary source info, I don’t think, but she cited so frequently from others writing about this topic. So, in order for me to check this out, I have to go through those sources and find their citations. This is slightly sketchy, but mostly makes me wonder why she didn’t get her info from the source??
I think I had the most questions in the Appendix A: What About Intersex? It felt like the answers were too simplistic. In those murky situations where biological sex isn’t clear, who gets to decide? And what metrics do they use? I was also dissatisfied with the claim that humans can’t live within a range of creation binaries (like animals and vegetation) because we aren’t like the rest of creation; we’re created in God’s image. Indeed. And God is not binary. He’s both/and and the Trinity is such a mystery. I’m not convinced or necessarily compelled to believe that humans are NOT binary, but this wasn’t a convincing or compelling argument against it, imo.
But, enough complaints. There were a number of things I appreciated from this book. One was an answer to my question, “what is a woman?”. I hear Christians and conservatives laughing at those who can’t answer the question, without trying to answer it themselves. Trueman answers it in The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self as the ability to bear new life. This didn’t make sense to me, until McCoy clarifies that we have to distinguish between actuality and potentiality. So, for single women or infertile women or other cases, the female body is still designed for the potential of creating and bearing and caring for new life.
I also appreciated her response to gender roles. She says this debate has created an overemphasis on gender expressions and behaviors. She says, “we would do well to shift our focus to the relational character of gender differences, established at creation, to allow for individual personalities and interest to develop, and to guide the formation of gender identity in the context of the whole body of Christ, recognizing the ways we reflect our Creator through differing responsibilities and relationships“.
While the rest of her commentary on the theological meaning of female identity was not new to me, it was still solid and thoughtful.
McCoy does well at acknowledging the people behind the transgender debates. She keeps reminding the reader that these are real people. Gender dysphoria, she says, is a real struggle, and not one to be dismissed, because we disagree with it. This helped to balance out some of my skepticism from other things.
Overall, I’m not sure what the unique contribution of McCoy‘s work is. Read Abigail Shrier, Abigail Favale, and Carl Trueman. Still, this was an accessible, short read.
Specific concerns:
Research: I have many questions marked throughout the book regarding her use and explanation of research. Here’s my hasty absolutist statement: all theological or philosophical books should be reviewed by a research scientist or statistician. For example, in the introduction (p. 3) she says that referrals to gender clinics jumped from 138 cases in 2010 to 2,700+ cases in 2019-2020. She says this is an increase of more than 2,000 percent in less than a decade. But isn’t it actually 1,956% (less than 2,000 percent). And also, isn’t it inaccurate to compare one year’s cases to two year’s cases? Also, what’s the trend from the 8 years in between? Sketchy stats make me ridiculously skeptical of the whole message.
Sources: she relies too heavily on secondary sources for her information. It wouldn’t have taken much to find original research or primary source info, I don’t think, but she cited so frequently from others writing about this topic. So, in order for me to check this out, I have to go through those sources and find their citations. This is slightly sketchy, but mostly makes me wonder why she didn’t get her info from the source??
I think I had the most questions in the Appendix A: What About Intersex? It felt like the answers were too simplistic. In those murky situations where biological sex isn’t clear, who gets to decide? And what metrics do they use? I was also dissatisfied with the claim that humans can’t live within a range of creation binaries (like animals and vegetation) because we aren’t like the rest of creation; we’re created in God’s image. Indeed. And God is not binary. He’s both/and and the Trinity is such a mystery. I’m not convinced or necessarily compelled to believe that humans are NOT binary, but this wasn’t a convincing or compelling argument against it, imo.
But, enough complaints. There were a number of things I appreciated from this book. One was an answer to my question, “what is a woman?”. I hear Christians and conservatives laughing at those who can’t answer the question, without trying to answer it themselves. Trueman answers it in The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self as the ability to bear new life. This didn’t make sense to me, until McCoy clarifies that we have to distinguish between actuality and potentiality. So, for single women or infertile women or other cases, the female body is still designed for the potential of creating and bearing and caring for new life.
I also appreciated her response to gender roles. She says this debate has created an overemphasis on gender expressions and behaviors. She says, “we would do well to shift our focus to the relational character of gender differences, established at creation, to allow for individual personalities and interest to develop, and to guide the formation of gender identity in the context of the whole body of Christ, recognizing the ways we reflect our Creator through differing responsibilities and relationships“.
While the rest of her commentary on the theological meaning of female identity was not new to me, it was still solid and thoughtful.
McCoy does well at acknowledging the people behind the transgender debates. She keeps reminding the reader that these are real people. Gender dysphoria, she says, is a real struggle, and not one to be dismissed, because we disagree with it. This helped to balance out some of my skepticism from other things.
Overall, I’m not sure what the unique contribution of McCoy‘s work is. Read Abigail Shrier, Abigail Favale, and Carl Trueman. Still, this was an accessible, short read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
This is a beautiful book because it is rooted in compassion.
It is an easy read, and provides a very good summary of the theological, biological, relational, and philosophical spheres related to female identity. The academic reader would be inspired to read all of her sources.
The sobering fact is our smart phones and social media habits are forming how we think. This book reminds the reader to be on guard about the messages they are consuming.
My favorite quotes:
“Our emotional and psychological struggles can be tools in God’s hand in the shaping of our souls.”
“How did he learn contentment in suffering? It wasn’t emptying himself of his desires or longings. It’s that he already gained the one thing worth getting in this world, the only thing that would outlast everything else: Christ. And because he had Christ, whatever struggle he endured, took on a different perspective.”
“Female identity is socially guided, philosophically formed, relationally confirmed, biologically grounded, and theologically bestowed.”
It is an easy read, and provides a very good summary of the theological, biological, relational, and philosophical spheres related to female identity. The academic reader would be inspired to read all of her sources.
The sobering fact is our smart phones and social media habits are forming how we think. This book reminds the reader to be on guard about the messages they are consuming.
My favorite quotes:
“Our emotional and psychological struggles can be tools in God’s hand in the shaping of our souls.”
“How did he learn contentment in suffering? It wasn’t emptying himself of his desires or longings. It’s that he already gained the one thing worth getting in this world, the only thing that would outlast everything else: Christ. And because he had Christ, whatever struggle he endured, took on a different perspective.”
“Female identity is socially guided, philosophically formed, relationally confirmed, biologically grounded, and theologically bestowed.”
June 13, 2023
This book is a synthesis of other books that have been written about transgenderism within the past 5 or so years, but with a focus around how ROGD affects girls specifically, and without going too in depth into surgical processes like Ryan Anderson's "When Harry Became Sally." McCoy's book is well-researched, reasonably argued, and accessible for a variety of readers. I will have my teen children read this book.
October 7, 2024
I was skeptical going into this book that it would be "trans bad, cis good" and throw a bunch of condemnation scripture in the readers face... but that was not the case at all! McCoy did a fantastic job of recognizing the personhood of everyone, sympathizing with people that experience gender dysphoria, and really emphasizing the love of God and that *everyone* is created in His image. She also Established a beautiful basis in the first couple of chapters showing how gender dysphoria disproportionately effects girls/women negatively and how society (once again) takes advantage of women by saying they are the lesser gender (she does it in a much better way than I could explain in a few sentences).
She recognizes her own inability to relate to this specific issue but leans on people who can, and also forces the reader to relate to each person as a person who is made in the image of God and not just a "trans person."
She calls on Christians to trust in God and His scripture, to stand up for whats right, to lead with love, and she leaves room for a little bit of nuance on what that looks like for us, ultimately asking us to trust the Spirits guidance and convictions in our own life.
A must read, especially for Christians. Possibly a hard read, but a necessary one.
She recognizes her own inability to relate to this specific issue but leans on people who can, and also forces the reader to relate to each person as a person who is made in the image of God and not just a "trans person."
She calls on Christians to trust in God and His scripture, to stand up for whats right, to lead with love, and she leaves room for a little bit of nuance on what that looks like for us, ultimately asking us to trust the Spirits guidance and convictions in our own life.
A must read, especially for Christians. Possibly a hard read, but a necessary one.
November 5, 2024
This book was not what I expected it to be when I picked it up. The title/subtitle didn’t communicate how strong the emphasis on refuting transgender ideology is in the book. That being said, it was a theologically sound defense of Biblical gender as well as a call to love our neighbors who experience gender dysphoria. I was looking for a book that covered some biological differences between genders (outside of physically obvious differences), as those details are often murky in the Christian conversation on gender - and Chapter 4 did deliver some help there. Glad I picked this up.
June 19, 2023
Katie McCoy was an excellent person to write this book. Her expertise in women's ministry and her PhD in theology provides her well-grounded knowledge and research capabilities.
The book is thoroughly biblical and thoroughly compassionate. She in unflinching in truth, but also recognizes this is a real, human issue. Too many conservative Christians miss the latter point, while progressives ignore the former.
The book is well researched, which one can easily see from the notes. Yes, she draws from previous work from the likes of Abigail Shreir, Ryan Anderson, Abigail Favale, Nancy Pearcy, and Andrew Walker, but also directly cites volumes of research from sources such as the American Psychological Association, American Journal of Psychiatry, Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, The Mayo Clinic, The Heart Foundation, independent hospitals, as well as folks like Debra Soh with an expertise in scientific research. If anyone makes the argument this book isn't well researched or only touches "surface level" research, they are wrong.
In addition to being biblical, compassionate, and well-researched, it's very accessible. It's not difficult to follow along with McCoy's reasoning. I highly recommend this book to Christians desiring to better understand this issue and to minister to transgender individuals.
The book is thoroughly biblical and thoroughly compassionate. She in unflinching in truth, but also recognizes this is a real, human issue. Too many conservative Christians miss the latter point, while progressives ignore the former.
The book is well researched, which one can easily see from the notes. Yes, she draws from previous work from the likes of Abigail Shreir, Ryan Anderson, Abigail Favale, Nancy Pearcy, and Andrew Walker, but also directly cites volumes of research from sources such as the American Psychological Association, American Journal of Psychiatry, Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, The Mayo Clinic, The Heart Foundation, independent hospitals, as well as folks like Debra Soh with an expertise in scientific research. If anyone makes the argument this book isn't well researched or only touches "surface level" research, they are wrong.
In addition to being biblical, compassionate, and well-researched, it's very accessible. It's not difficult to follow along with McCoy's reasoning. I highly recommend this book to Christians desiring to better understand this issue and to minister to transgender individuals.
December 12, 2024
This book is proof that you can have a biblically grounded, conservative leaning belief system and still be kind and not be stuck in the past. This book does a great job of giving the LGBTQIA+ community the kindness and respect they deserve as creations of God by truly handling the idea of gender dysphoria and not just making it a hammer to swing at their belief system. But this book also holds to what I believe is the truth about the way God created us and his plans for us. You can still hold on to your beliefs and not try and drag people back to "the way things were".
August 19, 2023
Review to come. Such a helpful book on gender identity/human sexuality and how to respond with love and charity in our culture today.
October 18, 2024
Fantastic and thorough look at gender dysphoria and transgenderism among women. Katie McCoy leads readers back to the fact that the rise in ROGD (Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria) is not something for believers to try and ignore but to lean into, loving those who are struggling. The facts and statistics shared were highly informative and helpful!
I would recommend this book to anyone who…
- wants to learn more about the gender crisis
- wants to be better equipped to love those who are in the midst of gender dysphoria
- wants to learn more about the special biology that God has created women with :)
I would recommend this book to anyone who…
- wants to learn more about the gender crisis
- wants to be better equipped to love those who are in the midst of gender dysphoria
- wants to learn more about the special biology that God has created women with :)
July 11, 2025
Read this one.
Dr. McCoy successfully dissasembles the idea that "being is a woman is what we make it". In other words, there is an ontological difference between men and women. It's not that women MUST act a certain way or fill certain roles, but that there is excellent evidence that women are fundamentally different from men. Even women who feel at odds with cultural expectations of womanhood are still women.
Compassionate, thoughtful, and evidence based. I cannot reccomend this one enough.
Dr. McCoy successfully dissasembles the idea that "being is a woman is what we make it". In other words, there is an ontological difference between men and women. It's not that women MUST act a certain way or fill certain roles, but that there is excellent evidence that women are fundamentally different from men. Even women who feel at odds with cultural expectations of womanhood are still women.
Compassionate, thoughtful, and evidence based. I cannot reccomend this one enough.
March 21, 2024
Easy to read and orthodox treatment of the gender identity/confusion issue prevalent in our culture right now. This book comes at the issue from a traditional Christian perspective, focusing most on women and how the trangender issue has impacted women in many different ways.
The treatment is thoughtful and kind, but does not gloss over the problems. Worth reading.
I read this as part of a woman's book discussion group at my church.
The treatment is thoughtful and kind, but does not gloss over the problems. Worth reading.
I read this as part of a woman's book discussion group at my church.
May 1, 2025
Loved listening to Katie at the Abide conference this year at the seminary! Danielle and I decided to pick up her book and we savored going through it. It gave us a richer knowledge of what gender ideology is and showed us how there is something deeper beyond this symptom. Very practical book on how Christians can respond in light of the Gospel and how we can protect what is immeasurably priceless- countless people created in the image of God.
May 15, 2025
McCoy’s book is a very accessible and informational read on the topic of female identity in a world of rampant change. She perfectly weaves together devastating statistics, theological convictions, Gospel love, and Spirit-brought wisdom to untangle a really difficult subject. Starting with the modern issues on the ground and moving up and out to theology, she covers a lot in a very readable way. The book is a real resource that helps show the goodness of female identity, the real pain that image bearers often carry, and the Gospel hope that is there for all.
June 5, 2024
Concise and well-organized, this is an accessible,
high-level treatment of a topic worthy of deeper thought by Christians, female identity. The author is refreshingly compassionate and theologically on point with well-reasoned arguments, although the book was more transgender-focused than I had expected (not a bad thing, just different from my expectation).
high-level treatment of a topic worthy of deeper thought by Christians, female identity. The author is refreshingly compassionate and theologically on point with well-reasoned arguments, although the book was more transgender-focused than I had expected (not a bad thing, just different from my expectation).
June 1, 2024
This is a pretty decent read. There are some things I already knew, some things I had thought about, and some things I never considered. Good enough mix of info to keep me reading anyway.
The one thing that drove me nuts about this book was the random typos throughout. Even a referenced author’s name was spelled wrong once. It made the entire book seem less credible, unfortunately.
Otherwise, I think this provides a succinct and in-depth look at the current culture through a Christian lens.
The one thing that drove me nuts about this book was the random typos throughout. Even a referenced author’s name was spelled wrong once. It made the entire book seem less credible, unfortunately.
Otherwise, I think this provides a succinct and in-depth look at the current culture through a Christian lens.
July 22, 2025
To Be a Women unpacks what it means that the female identity is “socially guided, philosophically formed, relationally confirmed, biologically grounded, and theologically bestowed.” McCoy lends a compassionate, researched, and accessible voice to the rise of ROGD in our culture.
October 25, 2024
This book came across as a bit too culture war-y for me as she picked some of the most extreme examples of the affirming side that I do not think capture what the average person thinks about gender and how to respond to someone experiencing gender dysphoria. I appreciated her chapter unpacking a theology of gender, but I left the book not quite sure of her answer to the question, what does it mean to be a woman?
March 16, 2024
Excellent content for anyone who works with youth, has youth, or encounters the USA culture. Detailed enough to inform and to have compassion on those stuck in lies they might be believing about their body. Rooted in a Biblical foundation and well written.
March 11, 2024
Conversations around gender are heated and muddled, yet this cultural moment is a great opportunity to ask questions we never have before about what God says about gender. This book helped me think clearly about the different “ingredients” that go into our concept of gender. Hugely helpful as I think about my own life as a woman, engage a confused culture, and raise little girls to be strong and godly in their womanhood.
December 20, 2023
The content was good, but not quite what I was expecting and I struggled to get/stay into it as it didn’t seem like there was a whole lot I hadn’t read/heard before. I felt like she presented “the problem” well, but I think I expected more of a solution—more time spent on what it means to be a woman theologically and sociologically, and what it looks like to raise and influence women in a way that they feel valued and loved, both in their gendered-ness and in whatever struggles they have in/with their gender.
Did enjoy some of the early/mid chapters in “what is a woman” where she discusses basic biological/physiologic differences between man and woman and how that plays out in even some typical gender stereotypes.
Listened on audio, but may re-read to catch what I might’ve missed.
Did enjoy some of the early/mid chapters in “what is a woman” where she discusses basic biological/physiologic differences between man and woman and how that plays out in even some typical gender stereotypes.
Listened on audio, but may re-read to catch what I might’ve missed.
July 15, 2023
Title: To Be a Woman: Navigating Gender Confusion with Clarity and Compassion
Author: Katie J. McCoy
Overall rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
In "To Be a Woman: Navigating Gender Confusion with Clarity and Compassion," Katie J. McCoy tackles the contemporary issue of gender confusion and provides guidance for Christians seeking to understand and respond to the challenges surrounding this topic. As a debut trade book, McCoy offers a clear and helpful guide that aims to shed light on the complexities of defining "woman" in today's cultural landscape.
McCoy begins by examining the reasons behind the prevailing gender confusion in our society. She explores the relationship between biological sex and gender, emphasizing its significance and the consequences of separating the two. The author also delves into the topic of gender transitioning, discussing the physical impact of hormone therapy on the female human body. Throughout the book, McCoy debunks common myths and misunderstandings associated with the gender debate, drawing insights from Scripture and science.
The strength of "To Be a Woman" lies in its goal of providing clarity and compassion to readers navigating this intricate topic. McCoy offers practical advice and insights on responding to loved ones struggling with gender identity in a Christlike manner. Her compassionate approach seeks to bridge the gap between the Christian worldview and the challenges faced by individuals in the midst of gender confusion.
Readers should be aware that "To Be a Woman" approaches the subject matter from a specific Christian perspective. The book's arguments and viewpoints may not resonate with those who hold different religious or philosophical beliefs. Additionally, readers seeking a more nuanced exploration of gender and transgender issues might find the book lacking in depth and comprehensive coverage.
Overall, "To Be a Woman" serves as a valuable resource for Christians grappling with the complexities of gender confusion in contemporary society. Katie J. McCoy's clear and compassionate approach encourages readers to engage with this topic from a place of understanding and empathy. This book will appeal to individuals seeking a concise and faith-based examination of gender identity issues, as well as guidance on responding to them with grace and compassion.
Author: Katie J. McCoy
Overall rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
In "To Be a Woman: Navigating Gender Confusion with Clarity and Compassion," Katie J. McCoy tackles the contemporary issue of gender confusion and provides guidance for Christians seeking to understand and respond to the challenges surrounding this topic. As a debut trade book, McCoy offers a clear and helpful guide that aims to shed light on the complexities of defining "woman" in today's cultural landscape.
McCoy begins by examining the reasons behind the prevailing gender confusion in our society. She explores the relationship between biological sex and gender, emphasizing its significance and the consequences of separating the two. The author also delves into the topic of gender transitioning, discussing the physical impact of hormone therapy on the female human body. Throughout the book, McCoy debunks common myths and misunderstandings associated with the gender debate, drawing insights from Scripture and science.
The strength of "To Be a Woman" lies in its goal of providing clarity and compassion to readers navigating this intricate topic. McCoy offers practical advice and insights on responding to loved ones struggling with gender identity in a Christlike manner. Her compassionate approach seeks to bridge the gap between the Christian worldview and the challenges faced by individuals in the midst of gender confusion.
Readers should be aware that "To Be a Woman" approaches the subject matter from a specific Christian perspective. The book's arguments and viewpoints may not resonate with those who hold different religious or philosophical beliefs. Additionally, readers seeking a more nuanced exploration of gender and transgender issues might find the book lacking in depth and comprehensive coverage.
Overall, "To Be a Woman" serves as a valuable resource for Christians grappling with the complexities of gender confusion in contemporary society. Katie J. McCoy's clear and compassionate approach encourages readers to engage with this topic from a place of understanding and empathy. This book will appeal to individuals seeking a concise and faith-based examination of gender identity issues, as well as guidance on responding to them with grace and compassion.
June 29, 2023
💬 “For ‘woman’ to be anything more than a stereotype or sentiment, it must be anchored in physical reality. Gender is distinct from biology, but it is still derived from biology. Apart from biology, female identity is reduced to an impression of one’s imagination.” 💬
In a world of cultural chaos and contagious confusion, "To Be a Woman" by Katie McCoy serves as a guiding light, addressing the complex topic of female identity with depth and clarity. McCoy skillfully navigates through five distinct spheres that shape our understanding of womanhood, providing valuable insights along the way.
Who: theological dimension
What: biological dimension
Where: relational dimension
Why: philosophical dimension
How: sociological dimension
Each chapter delves into one of these spheres, unraveling its influence on our understanding of womanhood. One of the standout chapters is chapter 3, “Where: The Relational Sphere and Validation of Gender Identity." In it, McCoy examines the intricate dynamics of how gender identity is expressed and confirmed by others, shedding light on the crucial role relationships play in shaping our perception of ourselves.
Throughout the book, McCoy maintains a balanced approach by presenting the perspectives of various experts and scholars. Psychologists, neurobiologists, sociologists, and theologians contribute to a well-rounded exploration of the topic, making this a comprehensive resource.
"To Be a Woman" is an intellectually stimulating and thought-provoking read. McCoy's writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex concepts understandable for readers from various backgrounds. Whether you are seeking to deepen your understanding of female identity or grappling with questions surrounding gender, this book offers valuable insights.
May 4, 2023
McCoy considers aspects of the current gender debate under helpful headings: Who: theological, What: biological, Where: relational, and Why: philosophical. Her work is compassionate, clear, and well-written, pointing out logical inconsistencies with the transgender position. It is very brief for how much she packs into 200 pages. I'd especially recommend this book if you're interested in Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage and/or Carl Trueman's Strange New World or The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self but don't have time for both or want more specific application. I appreciate her emphasis on reaching the underlying issues and pain that often drive gender dysphoria. Five stars there.
My only issue is with its marketing: I expected the book to address more what it does mean to be a woman, and spend less time on one specific issue. Her chapter on biology goes into this more, but I had expected the theology chapter to as well, and was disappointed there. So, while it does a good job pointing out what's wrong and giving some good guidance on how to respond to this issue, it still falls short when it comes to clearly outlining what it does actually mean, biblically speaking, to be a woman. This is an issue with marketing, not her writing, so I only docked one star for it.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
My only issue is with its marketing: I expected the book to address more what it does mean to be a woman, and spend less time on one specific issue. Her chapter on biology goes into this more, but I had expected the theology chapter to as well, and was disappointed there. So, while it does a good job pointing out what's wrong and giving some good guidance on how to respond to this issue, it still falls short when it comes to clearly outlining what it does actually mean, biblically speaking, to be a woman. This is an issue with marketing, not her writing, so I only docked one star for it.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.
July 15, 2025
*my real rating would be a 2.5
This book was okay, but I'm not sure what it adds to existing literature.
McCoy writes as though you already agree with her thesis/the traditional christian view of sex and gender. That's okay, but also means there is a lack of any meaningful wrestling with opposing views.
As well, McCoy made several large, unsupported claims at the end of many chapters that seemed to come out of nowhere - again, it feels like this book was written as a bit of an echo chamber.
My largest disappointment with this book is the lack of direction for how to move forward and care for people well. The subtitle of the book is, "The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond", but only a mere 3 shallowly-written pages discussed the latter. The section on Intersex was also quite brief and entirely unhelpful.
This book was okay, but I'm not sure what it adds to existing literature.
McCoy writes as though you already agree with her thesis/the traditional christian view of sex and gender. That's okay, but also means there is a lack of any meaningful wrestling with opposing views.
As well, McCoy made several large, unsupported claims at the end of many chapters that seemed to come out of nowhere - again, it feels like this book was written as a bit of an echo chamber.
My largest disappointment with this book is the lack of direction for how to move forward and care for people well. The subtitle of the book is, "The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond", but only a mere 3 shallowly-written pages discussed the latter. The section on Intersex was also quite brief and entirely unhelpful.
February 26, 2024
Excellent. She has different chapters for the different paradigms of how to view gender today. My favorite was one of the first that explained how we got here so quickly- why our society right now was the perfect storm for all the gender confusion/trans/etc.
Although at times I wish she would have gone more indepth theologically and biblically, it really is the best I have read...
I found it because it was recommended as a top book of 2023 by Gospel Coalition so who could go wrong with that recommendation?
Although at times I wish she would have gone more indepth theologically and biblically, it really is the best I have read...
I found it because it was recommended as a top book of 2023 by Gospel Coalition so who could go wrong with that recommendation?
October 27, 2023
This is such a well researched biblically based resource. I actually got to hear McCoy speak this summer and she is in town tomorrow. I will be in attendance at the event. She is a real light in a dark world on this topic. She is gentle and kind but does not compromise on God's Word and Truth. Her approach to all of this is very much a hopeful approach for parents and young women alike. I highly recommend this one!
January 18, 2025
In this book Dr. McCoy aims to describe what it is to be a woman and does so from a Christian perspective and background.
It's a very compassionate and kind book that does a good job giving an overview of a complex topic and doing so in a clear manner. Dr. McCoy is definitely well-versed in theology and that comes across, but you could tell her background is not in science as some of the scientific descriptions in the book were lacking/not nuanced.
It's a very compassionate and kind book that does a good job giving an overview of a complex topic and doing so in a clear manner. Dr. McCoy is definitely well-versed in theology and that comes across, but you could tell her background is not in science as some of the scientific descriptions in the book were lacking/not nuanced.
July 19, 2023
I appreciated Dr. McCoy bravely stating the truth in love.
This has become such a hotbed issue lately, and it’s even something we are having to deal with in our churches. She addressed some of the underlying cultural and worldview issues that are really driving this issue, and I appreciate how she especially defends young adolescent girls in this book.
This has become such a hotbed issue lately, and it’s even something we are having to deal with in our churches. She addressed some of the underlying cultural and worldview issues that are really driving this issue, and I appreciate how she especially defends young adolescent girls in this book.
September 13, 2023
After hearing her speak on a favorite podcast I knew I needed to read whatever book(s) she had written. Brilliant and reverent - loved this book but even more so a fan of what she is doing; combating today's social culture with science, psychology AND theology. Almost like the same God created all of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews