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Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity's Rebirth
In Reformation Women, Rebecca Vandoodewaard introduces readers to twelve sixteenth-century women who are not as well known today as contemporaries like Katie Luther and Lady Jane Grey. Providing an example to Christians today of strong service to Christ and His church, these influential, godly women were devoted to Reformation truth, in many cases provided support for their husbands, practiced hospitality, and stewarded their intellectual abilities.
An updated text based on James I. Good's Famous women of the Reformed Church.
Anna Reinhard, Anna Adlischweiler, Katharina Schutz, Margarethe Blaurer, Marguerite de Navarre, Jeanne d'Albret, Charlotte Arbaleste, Charlotte de Bourbon, Louise de Coligny, Katherine Willoughby, Renee of Ferrara, Olympia Morata
An updated text based on James I. Good's Famous women of the Reformed Church.
Anna Reinhard, Anna Adlischweiler, Katharina Schutz, Margarethe Blaurer, Marguerite de Navarre, Jeanne d'Albret, Charlotte Arbaleste, Charlotte de Bourbon, Louise de Coligny, Katherine Willoughby, Renee of Ferrara, Olympia Morata
128 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
November 3, 2023
This is a great resource to learn about some of the lesser known reformation characters. There's just enough information to interest you and make you want to learn more about them, but not too much to where it's boring. It's so encouraging to see the example of faithful women in history. The conclusion sums it up perfectly, emphasizing that these women lived faithful lives because the only label they wore was Christian. Everything they did was simply a service to the Lord.
July 2, 2018
Fascinating accounts of true reformed heroes. These ladies were not without fault, but they each faithfully proclaimed and clung to the true Gospel in the face of violent persecution. May I be as bold and as faithful.
October 19, 2024
2024: My third read through and I am still astounded at the impact of this book on my heart and mind. These women labored “side by side” (as Paul describes Euodia and Syntyche) with the men of the Reformation we all know, from hospitality for persecuted refugees and care for the poor and sick to engaging in theological debate at the highest levels.
Not to say ecclesiology is not important— indeed, the opposite is true— but I am convicted and challenged by the accounts of these women’s lives that I need to put aside many of my qualms about how we do church together and simply get to work for the Kingdom of God, for there is plenty of work to be done. I wish every sister and brother would read this book and find the same encouragement, as well as a robust picture of what an “ezer” really can be. So grateful for this book.
2022: Again so grateful for these accounts of women fully active in the work of God’s Kingdom during a tumultuous time in history.
Not to say ecclesiology is not important— indeed, the opposite is true— but I am convicted and challenged by the accounts of these women’s lives that I need to put aside many of my qualms about how we do church together and simply get to work for the Kingdom of God, for there is plenty of work to be done. I wish every sister and brother would read this book and find the same encouragement, as well as a robust picture of what an “ezer” really can be. So grateful for this book.
2022: Again so grateful for these accounts of women fully active in the work of God’s Kingdom during a tumultuous time in history.
February 9, 2024
This book was SO amazing. Just to read about all of the wonderful women in the reformation facing REAL persecution, widowing, and many other hardships is very humbling. Their strong faith in Christ helped them get through all of it, and they show a wonderful example of what a proverbs 31 woman looks like. Super quick, easy read!
October 2, 2024
3rd Time Read: I love learning about these women and hope to find some of the their writings translated into english. I've already ordered Schutz Zell's writings through the library and am really excited to read them.
*****
This is the second time I have read this book so I thought I'd give a short review for it. This is a great introduction to some amazing women of the Reformation, from Queens to commoners, who showed great faith and perseverance in times of hardship-- and boy was there a lot of hardship.
The first time I read/listened to this was as an audiobook and I didn't realize that it had left out the preface. After reading the preface though I kinda wish I hadn't. Most of it was fine but it made it clear that the lens from which the author wrote this work was from modern complimentarianism... yeah, but without the preface spelling it out for me I might have only gotten an inkling of this. These women really had a heart for God and did all within their social capability to serve Him by serving others. In this book, and others that I've read, I've noticed that it is the women in the church who are much more ready and willing to serve and give their all for the weak and oppressed around them while also keeping their husband (if they had one) from dying for lack of self-care and raising all the children under their care (their own, their step-kids, nephews, nieces, orphans, students of their husbands). Yes, it rankles my modern feminist sensibilities that many of their husbands never asked their wives if they could invite a whole country into their house for the wives to take-care of but that's beside the point. You can truly see Christ in the service of these women. They are servants of the church in the best sense. (Men take note at the amazing example of these Christlike women.)
I also loved seeing that many of these women were also leaders and protectors. Royals and highborns using their position to protect Protestants, Queens inspiring armies, writers fighting for the faith. In some of the women's cases I think more focus could have been put on their work instead of their family life but these are short biographies so I'll let that go (though I would loved to find out why Olympia Morata was called by her detractors the "Calvinist Amazon"). Jeanne d'Albret was probably my favorite to learn about because she had real fire in her that would not be doused by any enemy.
One final note, and not to nitpick this book in particular but I see it as a trend that needs to be addressed: When you're talking about the lives of Christian women, you don't have to make a thing of pointing out: Now be sure to remember, these women aren't perfect! They have their faults! Promise!
No duh, it's called being human.
Also, the women didn't flourish because they followed the "biblical leadership" of their husband as "submissive wives". They flourished spiritually because they followed God's call on their lives to follow His Word, and to serve and lead their people in a Christlike way. THAT is the legacy of the Christian mothers and sisters before us.
*****
This is the second time I have read this book so I thought I'd give a short review for it. This is a great introduction to some amazing women of the Reformation, from Queens to commoners, who showed great faith and perseverance in times of hardship-- and boy was there a lot of hardship.
The first time I read/listened to this was as an audiobook and I didn't realize that it had left out the preface. After reading the preface though I kinda wish I hadn't. Most of it was fine but it made it clear that the lens from which the author wrote this work was from modern complimentarianism... yeah, but without the preface spelling it out for me I might have only gotten an inkling of this. These women really had a heart for God and did all within their social capability to serve Him by serving others. In this book, and others that I've read, I've noticed that it is the women in the church who are much more ready and willing to serve and give their all for the weak and oppressed around them while also keeping their husband (if they had one) from dying for lack of self-care and raising all the children under their care (their own, their step-kids, nephews, nieces, orphans, students of their husbands). Yes, it rankles my modern feminist sensibilities that many of their husbands never asked their wives if they could invite a whole country into their house for the wives to take-care of but that's beside the point. You can truly see Christ in the service of these women. They are servants of the church in the best sense. (Men take note at the amazing example of these Christlike women.)
I also loved seeing that many of these women were also leaders and protectors. Royals and highborns using their position to protect Protestants, Queens inspiring armies, writers fighting for the faith. In some of the women's cases I think more focus could have been put on their work instead of their family life but these are short biographies so I'll let that go (though I would loved to find out why Olympia Morata was called by her detractors the "Calvinist Amazon"). Jeanne d'Albret was probably my favorite to learn about because she had real fire in her that would not be doused by any enemy.
One final note, and not to nitpick this book in particular but I see it as a trend that needs to be addressed: When you're talking about the lives of Christian women, you don't have to make a thing of pointing out: Now be sure to remember, these women aren't perfect! They have their faults! Promise!
No duh, it's called being human.
Also, the women didn't flourish because they followed the "biblical leadership" of their husband as "submissive wives". They flourished spiritually because they followed God's call on their lives to follow His Word, and to serve and lead their people in a Christlike way. THAT is the legacy of the Christian mothers and sisters before us.
July 18, 2017
The 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s nailing his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg is coming this October, and you can be sure dozens of books commemorating the Reformation and its significance will be published. It certainly is a good time to reflect on what the Reformation is all about.
Rebecca VanDoodewaard has written a book in this vein that highlights the often forgotten impact that women made in the key events of that tumultuous period. Her book :Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity’s Rebirth" is a fascinating read and will be an encouragement and inspiration to many who read it.
Her book borrows from a series of articles written in the 1800s and compiled into one volume by James Isaac Good in 1901 under the title "Famous Women of the Reformed Church." In VanDoodewaard’s book, the content from Good is “revised, expanded, and corrected to make the stories of these remarkable women accessible for today’s church” (p. xiv). Many of the original chapters were removed and a chapter on Katherine Willoughby was added to adapt the work to its author’s purpose of highlighting lesser known Reformation-era women. Indeed, the stories of more recognizable figures, such as Katharina von Bora (Martin Luther’s wife) and Lady Jane Grey (the nine-day Protestant queen of England) are readily available elsewhere. The women included in this volume are largely forgotten, and that is part of the appeal of this short work.
Twelve women are detailed in this book, and their stories interweave with the progress of the Reformation in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, England and beyond. Since many readers will be ignorant of the historical background, a brief introduction is provided to orient us to the major historical developments of the era. A “pastoral” conclusion aims to draw life lessons for Christian women today from the history contained in this volume. A timeline, and some family trees, round out the volume, which concludes with a detailed bibliography. In all, the book is less than 130 pages, so the treatment of any one character is by necessity not fully developed.
Reading through the stories of these women transports the reader into a very different age. Daring escapes, harrowing journeys, heartbreak and sorrows abound. Many of these ladies lost husband (or husbands) and children to religious war, or violent persecution. Some had children removed and placed in Roman Catholic families. Some saw family members betray them or deny the faith. The plague, “sweating sickness” and other maladies devastated some, and others faced deprivation. In the midst of these trying circumstances, these women served their Lord and His church faithfully. They provided for the needy, sheltered the homeless, visited those in prison, secured the release of their friends and family sometimes, and one even led a Protestant army in the defense of their freedom. Many of these women were of noble birth, and some became queens, a few were scholars in their own right and kept up correspondence with leading Reformers.
From the descriptions above you can imagine how interesting this book is to read. And yet the stories are sad too: we don’t know enough about these women to truly appreciate their worth, and many died far too young. But what we do know is cause for reflection: we can thank God for those who worked so hard to preserve religious freedom and to keep the newly recovered faith intact. We can learn from their example of faithfulness under fire (which some endured quite literally) and be cautioned by those whose testimony was marred or confused through doctrinal laxity or temporary weakness. The examples provided do much to teach Christian women that timidity and quietness do not necessarily equate with godliness. These women were often bold and determined, yet they knew their place and served often alongside their husbands. The stories of these women is a compelling case in point that a complementarian position on women’s roles in the church need not mean that women have no meaningful contributions to make to the church and its ministry!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to encourage my girls to read it. This makes me want to read more of this period of church history, and I hope it has the same effect on others. I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
Rebecca VanDoodewaard has written a book in this vein that highlights the often forgotten impact that women made in the key events of that tumultuous period. Her book :Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity’s Rebirth" is a fascinating read and will be an encouragement and inspiration to many who read it.
Her book borrows from a series of articles written in the 1800s and compiled into one volume by James Isaac Good in 1901 under the title "Famous Women of the Reformed Church." In VanDoodewaard’s book, the content from Good is “revised, expanded, and corrected to make the stories of these remarkable women accessible for today’s church” (p. xiv). Many of the original chapters were removed and a chapter on Katherine Willoughby was added to adapt the work to its author’s purpose of highlighting lesser known Reformation-era women. Indeed, the stories of more recognizable figures, such as Katharina von Bora (Martin Luther’s wife) and Lady Jane Grey (the nine-day Protestant queen of England) are readily available elsewhere. The women included in this volume are largely forgotten, and that is part of the appeal of this short work.
Twelve women are detailed in this book, and their stories interweave with the progress of the Reformation in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, England and beyond. Since many readers will be ignorant of the historical background, a brief introduction is provided to orient us to the major historical developments of the era. A “pastoral” conclusion aims to draw life lessons for Christian women today from the history contained in this volume. A timeline, and some family trees, round out the volume, which concludes with a detailed bibliography. In all, the book is less than 130 pages, so the treatment of any one character is by necessity not fully developed.
Reading through the stories of these women transports the reader into a very different age. Daring escapes, harrowing journeys, heartbreak and sorrows abound. Many of these ladies lost husband (or husbands) and children to religious war, or violent persecution. Some had children removed and placed in Roman Catholic families. Some saw family members betray them or deny the faith. The plague, “sweating sickness” and other maladies devastated some, and others faced deprivation. In the midst of these trying circumstances, these women served their Lord and His church faithfully. They provided for the needy, sheltered the homeless, visited those in prison, secured the release of their friends and family sometimes, and one even led a Protestant army in the defense of their freedom. Many of these women were of noble birth, and some became queens, a few were scholars in their own right and kept up correspondence with leading Reformers.
From the descriptions above you can imagine how interesting this book is to read. And yet the stories are sad too: we don’t know enough about these women to truly appreciate their worth, and many died far too young. But what we do know is cause for reflection: we can thank God for those who worked so hard to preserve religious freedom and to keep the newly recovered faith intact. We can learn from their example of faithfulness under fire (which some endured quite literally) and be cautioned by those whose testimony was marred or confused through doctrinal laxity or temporary weakness. The examples provided do much to teach Christian women that timidity and quietness do not necessarily equate with godliness. These women were often bold and determined, yet they knew their place and served often alongside their husbands. The stories of these women is a compelling case in point that a complementarian position on women’s roles in the church need not mean that women have no meaningful contributions to make to the church and its ministry!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plan to encourage my girls to read it. This makes me want to read more of this period of church history, and I hope it has the same effect on others. I highly recommend this book.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by the publisher. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
January 13, 2018
Such an incredibly beautiful book! I loved how the stories of the 12 women were compiled. It was so inspiring to learn how each woman used her unique skills and abilities to honor the Lord and further the spread of the Reformation. I was also particularly struck by the amount of suffering these women faced. Even when great trials came, like widowhood or the deaths of their children, these women continued in fruitfulness for the sake of the Gospel. Highly highly recommend!!
December 25, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! This short biographical collection of 12 women who lived during the Reformation is inspring and edifying. These women faithfully served God, their families, the church, and in some cases their country! The stories of courage in persecution and perseverance in suffering are beautiful. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in church history or curious how these women ministered to others in the 16th century.
Read
November 2, 2025I think it’s worth the read and would recommend. Short simple chapters about mostly unknown women. Though- I found the conclusion to be my favorite part. The author notes seven things that all these women have in common and number three is “the reformation women who were married to godly men knew that biblical headship and submission produces fruit.” She goes on to say “one of the ways we can tell that the love of godly husbands strengthened instead of coddled or oppressed these women is how they dealt with widowhood…biblical partnerships helped make strong individuals not weak dependents.” Good word!
November 25, 2025
Such an inspiring book. The level of biblical knowledge, conviction, service and sacrifice these women demonstrate in such difficult times is encouraging and convicting.
January 30, 2020
A princess is forcibly carried to the altar and married off against her will for political gain, a noblewoman is locked in her chambers and denied all friends, even her books, a duchess is stripped of her lands and forced to flee disguised from country to country, and a young mother is forced to flee in the middle of the night, and a queen if forced to worship in the basement of her own castle all for the glory of God. But it’s not fiction; these are the true accounts of women who risked everything for the advancement of the Gospel in their own families, cities, and countries.
Why have I never heard their stories before? These women are truly inspiring. Their love for God and devotion to His service no matter the cost, whether in their homes or on the throne, is an example to every believer. I can’t recommend this little book enough.
The author is very dedicated to the Calvinist branch of the Reformation. Often she refers to a salvation experience as a conversion to Calvinism, but she does give us enough details about what they believed to know these were conversions to Biblical saving faith. The conclusion is also very good. She took our eyes off the heartbreak and pain of this world and focused us on eternity. VanDoodewaard encourages us to learn by their example and grown in the Lord so that we too may be used of the Lord.
Once again, please read this book.
Why have I never heard their stories before? These women are truly inspiring. Their love for God and devotion to His service no matter the cost, whether in their homes or on the throne, is an example to every believer. I can’t recommend this little book enough.
The author is very dedicated to the Calvinist branch of the Reformation. Often she refers to a salvation experience as a conversion to Calvinism, but she does give us enough details about what they believed to know these were conversions to Biblical saving faith. The conclusion is also very good. She took our eyes off the heartbreak and pain of this world and focused us on eternity. VanDoodewaard encourages us to learn by their example and grown in the Lord so that we too may be used of the Lord.
Once again, please read this book.
July 16, 2017
This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books for an honest review.
With the 500th anniversary of the Reformation coming this October there are a plethora of Reformation books out there, and many more coming out this year. This book showcases twelve women of amazing faith and courage who stood for the Reformed faith, even at times when it cost them their lives and/or livelihoods. Everyone knows the famous Reformers (all of whom are men) but what about Anna Reinhard, Charlotte Arbaleste, Renee of Ferrara or Olumpia Morata? These are a few of the women that honestly I would be surprised if anyone reading this review has ever heard of. We all know the Luthers, Calvins, and Knoxs of the Reformation, but these women lived lives of parallel faith and many times were responsible for what made the men around them so great. They wrote letters, papers, books, took care of houses, strangers and aliens, all the while being mothers and sisters and daughters! These women are simply some of the most amazing women who have ever been a part of the church. We need to know these women. Read this book, get to know these women. This book is essential for both men and women as we celebrate the Reformation. Get this book! You need to know these women so that you can better know your Christ!
With the 500th anniversary of the Reformation coming this October there are a plethora of Reformation books out there, and many more coming out this year. This book showcases twelve women of amazing faith and courage who stood for the Reformed faith, even at times when it cost them their lives and/or livelihoods. Everyone knows the famous Reformers (all of whom are men) but what about Anna Reinhard, Charlotte Arbaleste, Renee of Ferrara or Olumpia Morata? These are a few of the women that honestly I would be surprised if anyone reading this review has ever heard of. We all know the Luthers, Calvins, and Knoxs of the Reformation, but these women lived lives of parallel faith and many times were responsible for what made the men around them so great. They wrote letters, papers, books, took care of houses, strangers and aliens, all the while being mothers and sisters and daughters! These women are simply some of the most amazing women who have ever been a part of the church. We need to know these women. Read this book, get to know these women. This book is essential for both men and women as we celebrate the Reformation. Get this book! You need to know these women so that you can better know your Christ!
July 18, 2017
Reformation Women is about 12 women who may not be very familiar to most people. But they all played an important roll in the Reformation. Rebecca VanDoodewaard has highlighted these women lives well focusing on these women not only as Christians but also as they served as: wife, mother, queen, author, hostess, leader and teacher. Each used their gift to teach us about being a servant. They were faithful, even when it was hard.
This book would make a nice read for any adult and would be a nice addition to any homeschool family library.
*This is an ARC from the publisher through Cross Focused Reviews. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.*
This book would make a nice read for any adult and would be a nice addition to any homeschool family library.
*This is an ARC from the publisher through Cross Focused Reviews. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.*
July 31, 2018
As a Lutheran, I was hoping to find information on women involved in the reformation in Germany. This book's main focus was on those of the Reformed tradition in France, England, Italy and Spain. While it wasn't exactly what I was looking for, I was very interested in these women and their fortitude in difficult times. I appreciated the final chapter which pulled things together since, frankly, the women all became jumbled in my mind. it was a reminder of how Christians of all times and places have been under persecution, sadly many times by other Christians.
February 15, 2022
Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity’s Rebirth by Rebecca VanDoodewaard is a very inspiring and encouraging book! Although many of the twelve women highlighted (most I’d never heard of) faced incredible persecution for their beliefs, they continued in self-sacrificing service and faithfulness to Christ.
October 4, 2017
Fantastic book looking at a diverse group of women with a variety of giftings, and how they navigated their various roles, their blessings and sufferings through their common identity of faith in Christ.
February 21, 2021
The stories told in this book are awesome. I wish they had been told by a different author. My low star count is entirely for the author and not at all for the subject matter. VanDoodewaard repeatedly vilifies the Catholic Church and the Catholic faith in this book, treating it as some kind of backwoods, offshoot, absurd heresy rather than a direct descendant of the apostolic church of the New Testament, not to mention the parent of the faith VanDoodewaard so proudly proclaims (Protestantism). This attitude manifested itself in the earliest pages of the book, as evidenced by what I wrote inside my copy at the conclusion of the introduction: "I am really struggling with her superior attitude. One can be Protestant without so clearly denigrating Catholicism. Some grace and humility would be both appropriate and appreciated here."
Later, I wrote inside the book at the end of the final chapter: "This book is okay, not great. Rebecca is blinded by her sexist, anti-Catholic biases, and her conclusions are flawed because of that. There is a lot of room for this book to be more imaginative, more gracious, and more critically thought out than it is currently."
Here is an excerpt from the reflection paper I was required to turn in on this book: "These women’s stories are fascinating, and I am so happy to have learned about them. But I really struggled with VanDoodewaard’s superiorist attitude throughout the book. (She also has some sexist, anti-feminist attitudes that I did not appreciate, but that is a conversation for another time.) Multiple times throughout the book, VanDoodewaard’s anti-Catholic bias comes through all too clearly, whether she is proclaiming God’s favor upon the Protestant cause over and against the Catholic Church (too many pages to count), referring to Roman Catholic nuns as “hardened and unsaved” (p. 7), declaring Roman Catholicism to be devoid of “scriptural truth,” (p. 15), or outright implying that Catholic believers do not rely on Jesus (p. 78). These biased, subjective, ahistorical, editorial intrusions into the narratives made what could have been a pleasantly educational reading experience rather frustrating on the whole."
When VanDoodewaard is able to restrain herself from editorializing, these women's stories tell themselves very well, and I devoured them and would love to learn more about each of them (preferably from a different storyteller, though). VanDoodewaard comes the closest to imparting kernels of truths worth considering in her final chapter, "Conclusion," where she lays out the seven ways that Christians today can benefit and learn from the Reformation women. This section is not entirely free of the author’s severe bias (since she insists on the complementarian view that women must submit to their husbands—what of women who are called to ministry married to men who are not? What of single women who are called to lead? What of widows called to lead?), but many of her conclusions in this section are sound enough.
One thing I would love to ask the author: when she speaks so harshly of the Catholic Church and pretends that being Catholic is akin to being an unsaved, godless heathen, is she specifically referring to the expressions of Catholicism that were intermingled with state power? If so, her harshness would make more sense--but she NEVER discusses the intermingling of Catholicism with power and never makes clear whether that is what she takes umbrage with, so the entire book comes across as a screed against general Roman Catholicism, which is an ungracious, inhospitable, and entirely inappropriate position for a sibling in the faith to occupy.
Later, I wrote inside the book at the end of the final chapter: "This book is okay, not great. Rebecca is blinded by her sexist, anti-Catholic biases, and her conclusions are flawed because of that. There is a lot of room for this book to be more imaginative, more gracious, and more critically thought out than it is currently."
Here is an excerpt from the reflection paper I was required to turn in on this book: "These women’s stories are fascinating, and I am so happy to have learned about them. But I really struggled with VanDoodewaard’s superiorist attitude throughout the book. (She also has some sexist, anti-feminist attitudes that I did not appreciate, but that is a conversation for another time.) Multiple times throughout the book, VanDoodewaard’s anti-Catholic bias comes through all too clearly, whether she is proclaiming God’s favor upon the Protestant cause over and against the Catholic Church (too many pages to count), referring to Roman Catholic nuns as “hardened and unsaved” (p. 7), declaring Roman Catholicism to be devoid of “scriptural truth,” (p. 15), or outright implying that Catholic believers do not rely on Jesus (p. 78). These biased, subjective, ahistorical, editorial intrusions into the narratives made what could have been a pleasantly educational reading experience rather frustrating on the whole."
When VanDoodewaard is able to restrain herself from editorializing, these women's stories tell themselves very well, and I devoured them and would love to learn more about each of them (preferably from a different storyteller, though). VanDoodewaard comes the closest to imparting kernels of truths worth considering in her final chapter, "Conclusion," where she lays out the seven ways that Christians today can benefit and learn from the Reformation women. This section is not entirely free of the author’s severe bias (since she insists on the complementarian view that women must submit to their husbands—what of women who are called to ministry married to men who are not? What of single women who are called to lead? What of widows called to lead?), but many of her conclusions in this section are sound enough.
One thing I would love to ask the author: when she speaks so harshly of the Catholic Church and pretends that being Catholic is akin to being an unsaved, godless heathen, is she specifically referring to the expressions of Catholicism that were intermingled with state power? If so, her harshness would make more sense--but she NEVER discusses the intermingling of Catholicism with power and never makes clear whether that is what she takes umbrage with, so the entire book comes across as a screed against general Roman Catholicism, which is an ungracious, inhospitable, and entirely inappropriate position for a sibling in the faith to occupy.
July 15, 2017
"Death comes when our work is done, not before or after" (pg. 113).
Rebecca VanDoodewaard has done the church a wonderful service in revising, expanding, and correcting James I. Good's 1901 work, Famous Women of the Reformed Church. Originally appearing as a series of magazine articles, each chapter succinctly presents the life of one saint as a "…biographical sketch--an introduction to a woman who could be the subject of an entire book" (pg. xv). Through Reformation Women, VanDoodewaard successfully whets one's appetite to learn more about the cloud of witnesses who have gone before us!
In her Introduction, VanDoodewaard attempts to set the stage by detailing "…major events, documents, and figures…to provide a larger context" (pg. xvii) so that each chapter can focus on a specific woman. Unlike many modern works, she selected "…believing women who helped form our Reformed faith but who are largely unknown now" (pg. xi). Throughout Reformation Women, VanDoodewaard highlights the beauty in the diversity of God's people:
"A range of personalities, abilities, and positions gives us a sample spectrum of what faithful, strong service to Christ and His church looked like then. These same principles and examples are invaluable for helping women today bear fruit within the broad boundaries that God gives us in His Word" (pg. xi).
Within the Preface and Conclusion, VanDoodewaard considers some of the characteristics that were common to all of these believing women: they were devoted, faithful, brave, compassionate, and self-sacrificing; given to hospitality; stewarded their intellectual abilities to understand Scripture, theology, correspond, etc.; and sought, above all, to glorify Christ and build His Church. They weren't always right, but God was faithful to use them to influence, protect, and multiply His church. Reformation Women illustrates that change truly is a process, not an event. VanDoodewaard honestly allows us to see both the good and the bad in the lives of these saints so that God gets the glory rather than merely elevating humankind.
One of the things that I appreciate about this book is its emphasis on truly biblical womanhood. Through these women, VanDoodewaard shows us that "Real femininity is strength--a uniquely feminine strength that is tough and ladylike" (pg. xiii). She shows us what Christ-centered, healthy marriages look like (and some unhealthy ones!). She shows that there are times when it is appropriate for a woman to submit to her husband and authorities (church and government) and times when she should obey God rather than man. These women were not doormats or mindless. Education was a high priority with God's Word being of utmost importance. For example, Charlotte Arbaleste was involved in an odd case of church discipline in which,
"She genuinely believed that the local church was overstepping its bounds and was willing to argue the point to keep her biblical freedom and clarify procedure. She could only do this with integrity because she knew her Bible and church polity. The fact that she was a woman in no way diminished her responsibility to understand the denomination's ecclesiology and to speak out when it was being abused" (pg. 59).
We desperately need examples of women who submit to godly leadership, as well as, examples of women who know when to stand their ground and fight for what is right, regardless of the consequences.
The "…women of that day were not just sitting around waiting for their husbands to do things: they were reading, writing, and ruling. They were teaching children, sheltering refugees, and balancing husbands. They directed armies, confronted kings, and rebuked heretics" (pg. x). They comforted, encouraged, served, and studied. As VanDoodewaard records:
"These women were not hanging out on social media or mommy blogs, waiting for spiritual maturity to happen. They actively pursued it: Bible reading, prayer, attendance at worship (often several times a week), fellowship with the saints, theological study and discussions, and conscious self-denial matured them into usefulness that God blessed. Personal projects, comfort, and plans were subservient to the mission of the Great Commission" (pg. 113).
Reformation Women isn't a book that seeks to merely entertain the reader but is immensely practical. Many chapters close with a practical application for modern Christian women, and the Conclusion fittingly brings the book to a close by outlining seven application points that will strengthen the church today based on common facts about these women's lives. Among them, she shows how these women were able to live the way that they did:
"Their goals were not a great weekend, or seeing kids through college, or even helping with grand-children. Their goal, in different spheres, was the establishment and flourishing of a strong and faithful church that would be there long after they were gone. Because they were aiming for things beyond their life spans, it gave perspective and purpose to their everyday actions. Thinking long term gives us the ability to act meaningfully in the short term" (pg. 113).
That being said, Reformation Women isn't a "preachy" book. These women's stories are absolutely fascinating. Filled with accounts of joy, sorrow, and humor; victory and defeat, loyal friends and plotting enemies, I could hardly put this book down. VanDoodewaard highlights both unusual deeds (fleeing in disguise, preventing war, enduring persecution, and resisting arranged marriages) as well as everyday faithfulness in the mundane. It is encouraging to see how God faithfully intervenes in people's life circumstances to bring them to the Gospel and use them for His glory, especially when it seems unlikely from a limited, human perspective.
Throughout this book, I found myself longing for more details and jotting down questions for further study. Mrs. VanDoodewaard successfully whetted my appetite for further study, indeed. I would love to know more about how these women balanced their many responsibilities, educated their children, managed their homes, etc., and because her sources are well-documented in footnotes, I know just where to turn for additional information!
Most importantly, VanDoodewaard uses Reformation Women to point us to Christ and His all-sufficiency in the midst of life, whether that's joy or sorrow, peace or anxiety, prosperity or poverty, comfort or persecution, affliction, exile, and/or death.
I'm grateful that Rebecca's husband brought her Good's book, as well as, other resources and supported this project with peanut butter cups and pizza for supper. I pray that many will be encouraged to faithfully use what God has given them and where He has placed them for His glory and trust that many will be blessed by Mrs. VanDoodewaard's labor and sacrifice! :)
*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews and Reformation Heritage Books for sending me a complimentary copy of Reformation Women in exchange for my honest opinion!
Rebecca VanDoodewaard has done the church a wonderful service in revising, expanding, and correcting James I. Good's 1901 work, Famous Women of the Reformed Church. Originally appearing as a series of magazine articles, each chapter succinctly presents the life of one saint as a "…biographical sketch--an introduction to a woman who could be the subject of an entire book" (pg. xv). Through Reformation Women, VanDoodewaard successfully whets one's appetite to learn more about the cloud of witnesses who have gone before us!
In her Introduction, VanDoodewaard attempts to set the stage by detailing "…major events, documents, and figures…to provide a larger context" (pg. xvii) so that each chapter can focus on a specific woman. Unlike many modern works, she selected "…believing women who helped form our Reformed faith but who are largely unknown now" (pg. xi). Throughout Reformation Women, VanDoodewaard highlights the beauty in the diversity of God's people:
"A range of personalities, abilities, and positions gives us a sample spectrum of what faithful, strong service to Christ and His church looked like then. These same principles and examples are invaluable for helping women today bear fruit within the broad boundaries that God gives us in His Word" (pg. xi).
Within the Preface and Conclusion, VanDoodewaard considers some of the characteristics that were common to all of these believing women: they were devoted, faithful, brave, compassionate, and self-sacrificing; given to hospitality; stewarded their intellectual abilities to understand Scripture, theology, correspond, etc.; and sought, above all, to glorify Christ and build His Church. They weren't always right, but God was faithful to use them to influence, protect, and multiply His church. Reformation Women illustrates that change truly is a process, not an event. VanDoodewaard honestly allows us to see both the good and the bad in the lives of these saints so that God gets the glory rather than merely elevating humankind.
One of the things that I appreciate about this book is its emphasis on truly biblical womanhood. Through these women, VanDoodewaard shows us that "Real femininity is strength--a uniquely feminine strength that is tough and ladylike" (pg. xiii). She shows us what Christ-centered, healthy marriages look like (and some unhealthy ones!). She shows that there are times when it is appropriate for a woman to submit to her husband and authorities (church and government) and times when she should obey God rather than man. These women were not doormats or mindless. Education was a high priority with God's Word being of utmost importance. For example, Charlotte Arbaleste was involved in an odd case of church discipline in which,
"She genuinely believed that the local church was overstepping its bounds and was willing to argue the point to keep her biblical freedom and clarify procedure. She could only do this with integrity because she knew her Bible and church polity. The fact that she was a woman in no way diminished her responsibility to understand the denomination's ecclesiology and to speak out when it was being abused" (pg. 59).
We desperately need examples of women who submit to godly leadership, as well as, examples of women who know when to stand their ground and fight for what is right, regardless of the consequences.
The "…women of that day were not just sitting around waiting for their husbands to do things: they were reading, writing, and ruling. They were teaching children, sheltering refugees, and balancing husbands. They directed armies, confronted kings, and rebuked heretics" (pg. x). They comforted, encouraged, served, and studied. As VanDoodewaard records:
"These women were not hanging out on social media or mommy blogs, waiting for spiritual maturity to happen. They actively pursued it: Bible reading, prayer, attendance at worship (often several times a week), fellowship with the saints, theological study and discussions, and conscious self-denial matured them into usefulness that God blessed. Personal projects, comfort, and plans were subservient to the mission of the Great Commission" (pg. 113).
Reformation Women isn't a book that seeks to merely entertain the reader but is immensely practical. Many chapters close with a practical application for modern Christian women, and the Conclusion fittingly brings the book to a close by outlining seven application points that will strengthen the church today based on common facts about these women's lives. Among them, she shows how these women were able to live the way that they did:
"Their goals were not a great weekend, or seeing kids through college, or even helping with grand-children. Their goal, in different spheres, was the establishment and flourishing of a strong and faithful church that would be there long after they were gone. Because they were aiming for things beyond their life spans, it gave perspective and purpose to their everyday actions. Thinking long term gives us the ability to act meaningfully in the short term" (pg. 113).
That being said, Reformation Women isn't a "preachy" book. These women's stories are absolutely fascinating. Filled with accounts of joy, sorrow, and humor; victory and defeat, loyal friends and plotting enemies, I could hardly put this book down. VanDoodewaard highlights both unusual deeds (fleeing in disguise, preventing war, enduring persecution, and resisting arranged marriages) as well as everyday faithfulness in the mundane. It is encouraging to see how God faithfully intervenes in people's life circumstances to bring them to the Gospel and use them for His glory, especially when it seems unlikely from a limited, human perspective.
Throughout this book, I found myself longing for more details and jotting down questions for further study. Mrs. VanDoodewaard successfully whetted my appetite for further study, indeed. I would love to know more about how these women balanced their many responsibilities, educated their children, managed their homes, etc., and because her sources are well-documented in footnotes, I know just where to turn for additional information!
Most importantly, VanDoodewaard uses Reformation Women to point us to Christ and His all-sufficiency in the midst of life, whether that's joy or sorrow, peace or anxiety, prosperity or poverty, comfort or persecution, affliction, exile, and/or death.
I'm grateful that Rebecca's husband brought her Good's book, as well as, other resources and supported this project with peanut butter cups and pizza for supper. I pray that many will be encouraged to faithfully use what God has given them and where He has placed them for His glory and trust that many will be blessed by Mrs. VanDoodewaard's labor and sacrifice! :)
*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews and Reformation Heritage Books for sending me a complimentary copy of Reformation Women in exchange for my honest opinion!
August 12, 2023
Brief but insightful introductions to the lives of some of the lesser known women of the reformation. I found it helpful the chapters were in order of when the woman lived, so you could track the progress of the reformation through the accounts of their lives. There’s also a timeline and family trees at the back to give a little more context to who they were and when they lived. You’d of course have to do a lot more reading on this to fully appreciate the eras they were living in and the significance of that. I enjoyed the concluding section, which gives a good summary of 7 key lessons we can take away from these women. It would maybe even be helpful to read this section first and consider these points as you read about each of the women. This is definitely not a history textbook - there’s a bit of a strange lack of sources given, which makes you wonder where the information came from and would limit your ability to read further into what’s stated. (EDIT: maybe we’re just meant to assume anything not sourced came from Good’s original text?) However, I think it’s a good primer for people not very familiar with the reformation and it’s key players but wanting to start learning.
August 2, 2024
5 stars for the women's stories in this book. Learning about such a diverse group of women, who experienced so many horrible things was so interesting. Their faith and determination were incredibly inspiring.
3 stars for the writing. I enjoyed all the biographies. The author is Reformed from the way she discusses Arminians and Roman Catholics, but that's expected due to the topic and period.
4 stars for the conclusion. I loved the way the author tied everything together. Especially how united we all are in Christ despite challenges or differences. Vandoodeward's point that a godly marriage isn't oppressive or codependent but encourages and strengthens believers in Christ and other pursuits was very important. It opened my perspective as she related her points to each woman's story.
Short but good read. overall 3.5 stars
3 stars for the writing. I enjoyed all the biographies. The author is Reformed from the way she discusses Arminians and Roman Catholics, but that's expected due to the topic and period.
4 stars for the conclusion. I loved the way the author tied everything together. Especially how united we all are in Christ despite challenges or differences. Vandoodeward's point that a godly marriage isn't oppressive or codependent but encourages and strengthens believers in Christ and other pursuits was very important. It opened my perspective as she related her points to each woman's story.
Short but good read. overall 3.5 stars
February 9, 2022
Some of the accounts were written rather dryly; they were written as a series of facts and events. Despite that, I still enjoyed reading the stories of these women. I was frequently surprised how often they crossed paths with each other and with other Reformers - it must have been a small circle indeed. I very much appreciated the author's conclusion and analysis of the things all these women had in common. It was helpful to me as I was left with what to do with these stories I now know, especially since my life as a Christian woman doesn't look anything like theirs. It was definitely encouraging to see how women in the past stood up for their faith even in great opposition.
September 3, 2019
I really enjoyed learning about these formally unknown to me early reformers. For instance, I never really considered that there were women out there marrying priests in the late 1400's and helping their husbands petition Rome to abolish the law of Celibacy. I also never considered that there were women who were forced to become nuns and then left their convents to join the early days of the reformation. This book also features a few royal women from thrones across Europe as well. I find this period in history so fascinating.
March 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this series of brief biographies of largely unknown, but instrumental women in the Reformation. Rebecca Vandoodewaard does a wonderfully job distilling the facts of their lives while showcasing the variety of ways these women used their gifts, seasons of life, and social status to further the gospel and build the church.
I found the whole book encouraged me toward faithfulness and fruitfulness, like Vandoodewaard says when writing on Katherine Willoughby’s death, “having been fruitful when free and faithful when persecuted, the duchess died…” What a great witness — fruitful when free, and faithful when persecuted!
I found the whole book encouraged me toward faithfulness and fruitfulness, like Vandoodewaard says when writing on Katherine Willoughby’s death, “having been fruitful when free and faithful when persecuted, the duchess died…” What a great witness — fruitful when free, and faithful when persecuted!
June 28, 2022
Excellent book. And short. I “read” audio version and the reader was very good. Her skills contributed to my enjoyment of the book.
These women’s stories are compelling, but my favorite chapter was the final one where the author lists what we can learn from their lives. Their stories weren’t for our entertainment, but for us to learn from and be encouraged by their examples.
These women’s stories are compelling, but my favorite chapter was the final one where the author lists what we can learn from their lives. Their stories weren’t for our entertainment, but for us to learn from and be encouraged by their examples.
December 9, 2018
In the words of one pastor’s wife whose kids will tell of her faithfulness long after she is gone, “Those were some tough ladies. Nice to have them to look to. “
January 3, 2021
Short chapters about lesser known women whose everyday bravery and faithfulness contributed to our Christianity today.
October 28, 2022
Such an inspiring, fun, and captivating read! I really enjoyed learning about some of the women of the reformation. Biographies like this always spur me on to faithfulness. At the end, it was such a comfort to read, "there is no such thing as Wonder Woman. There is such a thing as obedient, sanctified women."
August 29, 2023
Fantastic little book.
June 9, 2024
This was a really good read about 12 women from the reformation, my favourite being Jeanne d'Albret. Only gripe was I wish each chapter had been longer. A really good book though - and easy to read.
June 18, 2021
Very fascinating snapshots of women from the Reformation, which is a pretty new subject for me. I wish there had been more explanation about certain elements in some parts of the book, as it sometimes read like a textbook. That being said, it was still very inspiring and really makes me grateful that I didn’t live in the 1500s. The infant mortality rate was horrendous and everybody died before 45. That aside, the persecution these women endured was unthinkable. May we have their courage, too, going forward into the rest of these troubling times.
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