Resurrecting Eve: Women of Faith Challenge the Fundamentalist Agenda

by Roberta Pughe, Paula Anema Sohl

In this daring and original examination of the Church, authors Roberta Pughe and Paula Sohl endeavor to decriminalize Eve, reimagining her as a modern-day mythic mentor. They explore Eve’s bold, self-directed, and inquisitive nature as a model for women today who have been negatively affected by oppressive and hierarchical fundamentalist dogma. Roberta and Paula find Eve’s spirit in the teachings of Jesus and his vision of God’s domination-free order. Like Jesus, Eve was willing to break the rules in her quest for consciousness, discovering in the process the fullness of both her humanity and her divinity. Jesus’ respect for women, his use of story, and his honoring of children and childlikeness were key elements in his ministry of healing resurrection. Filled with profound theological reflections and moving stories of women embracing their spiritual power, Resurrecting Eve offers women a new perspective on gender roles within Christianity. The authors also introduce dance and healing ritual ideas as well as a form of Christian chakras.

236 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does exactly what the title tells you it will. Using personal testimonies and the words of fundamentalist leaders, the women of this book name the harm Christian fundamentalism has done to them as women even as they remain Christian woman.

There is a strong focus on embodiment, which is communicated through the framing devices of associating each chapter which a chakra (which I really didn’t like) and ending each chapter with suggestions for activities and meditations for healing (mostly dance, which I did like).

[Donald Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Paula Sohl at a book-signing and agreed to read her book as a philosopher rather than a follower of religious tenets. Although written primary for women, I found the premise interesting for males as well since, in theory, half the children born will be male. The reading is insightful and makes one question the centuries old dogma attached to women as the "cause" that sin exists. When finished, I sent her a message referring to the two-thousand-year-old "spin doctors." Her reply was priceless.

[Steve Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important book for men and women to read. I could have gotten by without the New Age elements, but it is necessary for people to know that Fundamentalism has always and will always devalue women. Unless we read about it and take action, it will continue to plague all societies as "normative" religion. Please see more here: Sects and Violence in the Ancient World.