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Ezer Kenegdo: A deeper look at what it means for a woman to be a 'help meet'
I often felt I only had two remain a doormat or become a raging feminist. Stay sweet or be a 'Jezebel'.
Were there any other options? Is it possible to be a woman of strength and still honor God? Are godly women expected to be meek and quiet? What does Biblical submission look like? And the question which haunted me for What does it really mean to be a 'help meet'?
Join Maria Dyck as she explores the answers to these questions to find God's purpose for women. Follow along as she dives into the original Hebrew phrase, Ezer Kenegdo, to understand the beauty of God's design in the Garden of Eden and why understanding this identity is critical for the church today. Drawing on her Mennonite heritage and her own experience, Maria shares the journey which led her to discover surprising truths about the role of women within the Bible and embrace the identity which God designed for her.
Were there any other options? Is it possible to be a woman of strength and still honor God? Are godly women expected to be meek and quiet? What does Biblical submission look like? And the question which haunted me for What does it really mean to be a 'help meet'?
Join Maria Dyck as she explores the answers to these questions to find God's purpose for women. Follow along as she dives into the original Hebrew phrase, Ezer Kenegdo, to understand the beauty of God's design in the Garden of Eden and why understanding this identity is critical for the church today. Drawing on her Mennonite heritage and her own experience, Maria shares the journey which led her to discover surprising truths about the role of women within the Bible and embrace the identity which God designed for her.
161 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2023
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 31, 2023
I am a Pastor and was interested in this book as I personally know Maria, see the integrity with which she lives her life, know some of her story which makes me confident that she would be a good voice to listen to on this topic.
This book touches on gender, identity, the creation and role of women, marriage, singleness, abuse, motherhood, and so much more; and yet, in my view, it is primarily for women about the nature of true biblical discipleship. A quick and enjoyable read with lessons and reminders that point to what is primary: How do I live as a believer in light of who I am, what I am called to, and by Whom?
I think many who read this will be surprised by a few things. For starters, Maria very quickly confronts Debi Pearl’s widely-popular book ‘Created To Be His Help Meet’ and some of the ideas presented in it. I admire this immensely as too often authors are vague about other books or writers they believe are wrong. In ‘Ezer Kenegdo’, Maria does a good job of presenting arguments with Scripture accurately to refute popular notions that need to be corrected. The truth, found by properly understanding Scripture in context, is elevated. This bold and risky work is an essential step to correct false teachings on the topic of what biblical womanhood is.
Another surprise was that the whole Complementarianism vs Egalitarianism debate doesn’t take over this book when it easily could have. While I would have appreciated more of her views and explanation on these matters (perhaps her next book?), she wisely does not pander to either camp but stays focused on the topic of the book. You may glean some of her theological convictions from what she writes, and I think I differ in some ways from what she writes in her chapter on Priscilla for example; however, I found her reasoning clear and balanced.
I believe this book is an asset and bought 2 extra copies for family. I will recommend others read it. So why 4 instead of 5 stars?
I think that the book would have benefitted by being longer for 2 reasons.
1. While being very readable in convenient sized chapters that most readers will likely appreciate and see as a pro, I found myself wanting more. I wanted more chapters and examples to better grasp what an Ezer Kenegdo is and looks like in daily living in the home, marriage, church, and our culture. It is stated that this varies depending on one’s circumstances and who they are, which I agree with, some ‘typical’ examples would have helped me.
As a man I think that most women won’t share this sentiment. They can likely better relate to a lot of what is shared in the stories and examples whereas I can’t and so they’ll have an experienced understanding that I lack.
2. Maria’s writing is filled with her genuineness that shines through and I would have loved to see her go further and share more. Ever have that feeling when having a coffee and great conversation with a friend and you just wish it lasted longer? I once read how reading is vital to understanding people because it forces you to slowly digest their ideas. I wish Ezer Kenegdo was longer to allow for more of Maria’s thinking and work to be heard and digested.
Conclusion: Down-to-earth and written by an author rich in authenticity, this book will be a help to many women, especially Christian women who recognize the biblical call to them as disciples of Jesus. I will revisit it and there are some great lines in this book. I recommend you get a copy and enjoy processing what Maria has to say on a topic that is increasingly important in today’s cultural tide and in light of much poor teaching on the topic in churches over the last few decades.
This book touches on gender, identity, the creation and role of women, marriage, singleness, abuse, motherhood, and so much more; and yet, in my view, it is primarily for women about the nature of true biblical discipleship. A quick and enjoyable read with lessons and reminders that point to what is primary: How do I live as a believer in light of who I am, what I am called to, and by Whom?
I think many who read this will be surprised by a few things. For starters, Maria very quickly confronts Debi Pearl’s widely-popular book ‘Created To Be His Help Meet’ and some of the ideas presented in it. I admire this immensely as too often authors are vague about other books or writers they believe are wrong. In ‘Ezer Kenegdo’, Maria does a good job of presenting arguments with Scripture accurately to refute popular notions that need to be corrected. The truth, found by properly understanding Scripture in context, is elevated. This bold and risky work is an essential step to correct false teachings on the topic of what biblical womanhood is.
Another surprise was that the whole Complementarianism vs Egalitarianism debate doesn’t take over this book when it easily could have. While I would have appreciated more of her views and explanation on these matters (perhaps her next book?), she wisely does not pander to either camp but stays focused on the topic of the book. You may glean some of her theological convictions from what she writes, and I think I differ in some ways from what she writes in her chapter on Priscilla for example; however, I found her reasoning clear and balanced.
I believe this book is an asset and bought 2 extra copies for family. I will recommend others read it. So why 4 instead of 5 stars?
I think that the book would have benefitted by being longer for 2 reasons.
1. While being very readable in convenient sized chapters that most readers will likely appreciate and see as a pro, I found myself wanting more. I wanted more chapters and examples to better grasp what an Ezer Kenegdo is and looks like in daily living in the home, marriage, church, and our culture. It is stated that this varies depending on one’s circumstances and who they are, which I agree with, some ‘typical’ examples would have helped me.
As a man I think that most women won’t share this sentiment. They can likely better relate to a lot of what is shared in the stories and examples whereas I can’t and so they’ll have an experienced understanding that I lack.
2. Maria’s writing is filled with her genuineness that shines through and I would have loved to see her go further and share more. Ever have that feeling when having a coffee and great conversation with a friend and you just wish it lasted longer? I once read how reading is vital to understanding people because it forces you to slowly digest their ideas. I wish Ezer Kenegdo was longer to allow for more of Maria’s thinking and work to be heard and digested.
Conclusion: Down-to-earth and written by an author rich in authenticity, this book will be a help to many women, especially Christian women who recognize the biblical call to them as disciples of Jesus. I will revisit it and there are some great lines in this book. I recommend you get a copy and enjoy processing what Maria has to say on a topic that is increasingly important in today’s cultural tide and in light of much poor teaching on the topic in churches over the last few decades.
January 13, 2024
Ezer Kenegdo: a deeper look at what it means for a woman to be a ‘help meet’, written by Maria Dyck, was an insightful first read of 2024! I’ve gleaned much wisdom from Maria when I stumbled across her podcast ‘Mennonite Girls in a Modern World’ back in 2020; excited to find a perspective in the writing world with a cultural background like my own. Her book gives a fresh voice to the truths of God’s purpose for women, untangling the legalistic lies that have often been created by our culture and even the broader church.
Maria shares her own story, bringing light into the problems that have pervaded generations of the Mennonite system, especially those of hidden abuse and the misuse of the terms ‘submission’ or ‘help meet’. I was impressed with her courage to call out a common book about being a help meet that is frequently touted in conservative circles. Yet to not simply dismiss it but to work through the errors and give truth to what is taken out of context and becomes abusive theology.
What further affirms Maria’s point of view, are the numerous sources she draws from and a deeper look around scriptures that have been used to stereotype what a Christian woman should be. Also really enjoyed the chapters exploring several strong women of the Bible and how they relate to our lives today.
Ezer Kenegdo, the original Hebrew phrase for ‘help meet’, transforms submission and servitude into strength and equality that reflects the intention of God’s design and not the influence of human nature or of the misuse by religious systems.
The concluding chapters free women to discover and live out their identity in Christ; the overflow of which influences family, church, community , culture and generations to come.
A short, relatable and readable book that is packed with wise answers to the challenging questions about roles and identity of women. It was help to me.
Maria shares her own story, bringing light into the problems that have pervaded generations of the Mennonite system, especially those of hidden abuse and the misuse of the terms ‘submission’ or ‘help meet’. I was impressed with her courage to call out a common book about being a help meet that is frequently touted in conservative circles. Yet to not simply dismiss it but to work through the errors and give truth to what is taken out of context and becomes abusive theology.
What further affirms Maria’s point of view, are the numerous sources she draws from and a deeper look around scriptures that have been used to stereotype what a Christian woman should be. Also really enjoyed the chapters exploring several strong women of the Bible and how they relate to our lives today.
Ezer Kenegdo, the original Hebrew phrase for ‘help meet’, transforms submission and servitude into strength and equality that reflects the intention of God’s design and not the influence of human nature or of the misuse by religious systems.
The concluding chapters free women to discover and live out their identity in Christ; the overflow of which influences family, church, community , culture and generations to come.
A short, relatable and readable book that is packed with wise answers to the challenging questions about roles and identity of women. It was help to me.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews