Not Counting Women and Children: Neglected Stories from the Bible: Neglected Stories for the Bible

by Megan McKenna

An acclaimed story-teller turns to the overlooked and often unnamed people whose stories in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures reveal the depths of God’s love, especially for the poor. The Gospel of Mathew recounts the feeding of the crowd of five thousand, “not counting women and children.” McKenna muses that there could have been as many as five or six women and children for every man – an enormous number to go uncounted! Who were they? And what of the leftovers – who gathered them? who brought the twelve baskets that were filled? Who took them home? When ordinary people studying the bible begin to discuss questions such as these, the results can be stunning.

Genres: Theology, Religion

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book for at least 23 years and finally took it off the book shelf. Why? I was at loose ends after Advent ended and before Lent begins. What an interesting book! I had never heard of Abigail, one of King David's wives. She was a strong woman, a force for good, who prevented a war. In reading about Sarah and Hagar, I learned that Hagar, more than Sarah, Abraham's wife, is our "mother in faith."

[Rick Lee Lee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

powerful book!

“When our interpretations of scripture always lean toward justice, care for the poor, and the honor of God, the stories do come true. They reconcile us and draw us back to the basic unity that was given to us in the cross and resurrection of Jesus.”

Powerful book!

[Mary Diebel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the stories and the ideas for scripture reading at the end. However, she can be rather wordy at times which made me impatient at times.

[Debi McGregor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and insightful, but often very wordy

[Carol Roote · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book. I used this in class when I taught at a conservative Christian college.

[Abby C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the theological points made here were very moving even to me, a non-Christian. Not just that, I found myself whipping through the chapters on the genealogy of Jesus and on the Canaanite woman, and even started highlighting and annotating (which I don’t normally do). Some parts of the book were simply speaking to an audience I’m not a part of, which is fine and I knew that going in. One of my only criticisms is that the author seems to have a misunderstanding of the pro-choice argument which threw me but didn’t deter me from finishing (this was also written in the 90’s so she gets a pass). I was left with a renewed challenge to notice those who go unnoticed in my own world, and especially challenged to reconsider if I am doing enough in my own efforts to alleviate the misery of others (author’s words). Much to confront and turn over in my mind after this book.

Gifted to Ashten.

[Aurora Deshauteurs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where are all the women and children in the Bible? Megan McKenna refreshes our memories and reveals the important roles they had in the stories and the significant relationships they had with God and Jesus.