What do you think?
Rate this book
Fierce: Women of the Bible and Their Stories of Violence, Mercy, Bravery, Wisdom, Sex, and Salvation
Women in the Bible—some of their names we know, others we've only heard, and others are tragically unnamed. Pastor and provocateur Alice Connor introduces these women and invites us to see them not as players in a man's story—as victims or tempters—nor as morality archetypes, teaching us to be better wives and mothers, but as fierce foremothers of the faith. These women's stories are messy, challenging, and beautiful.
Fierce will provoke you, open up possibilities for you, invite you to imagine the inner lives of other women, even offend you at times, like the prophets did. Although separated by centuries and cultures, we aren't so different from these women; we share their desires and abilities. We are all part of the story that God is telling.
We all—men and women—can be as fierce as these women of the Bible. Sometimes our ferocity is almost invisible, but it is not extinguished. When we read their stories, we can see not only their particular, fearsome lives but also our own.
Fierce will provoke you, open up possibilities for you, invite you to imagine the inner lives of other women, even offend you at times, like the prophets did. Although separated by centuries and cultures, we aren't so different from these women; we share their desires and abilities. We are all part of the story that God is telling.
We all—men and women—can be as fierce as these women of the Bible. Sometimes our ferocity is almost invisible, but it is not extinguished. When we read their stories, we can see not only their particular, fearsome lives but also our own.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2017
53 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 19, 2017
This is quickly going on my list of Favorite Books of Ever, as well as my list of "Damnit I Was Going to Write This Book" Books. Hysterical (the funny kind, not the patriarchy kind), well-written, thoughtful, empowering, inclusive, honest, brave. I LOVED it. Perfect perfect perfect for, say, a group of 20- and 30-somethings talking religion, culture, and politics over a local IPA. God, I need that group in my life. Also that beer.
5 stars. Amazing. Alice Connor, be my friend!
5 stars. Amazing. Alice Connor, be my friend!
December 22, 2017
Men figure prominently in the biblical story. When we think of the Bible, we think of Moses, Jesus, and Paul; maybe Peter and Abraham. Women always seem to sit further in the background, their stories rarely coming to the fore (unless, like Eve, they serve as temptresses). Yet, there are important stories where women figure prominently. What needs to happen is for people to step forward and bring these stories to life. Alice Connor does this in "Fierce."
The subtitle of this book, which brings these stories to life, seems to cover the bases very well: Women of the Bible and their stories of violence, mercy, bravery, wisdom, sex, and salvation. In the hands of Alice Walker, an Episcopal priest and campus minister, stories of women from Eve to Mary Magdalene are retold. These women are not portrayed as femme fatales or victims, but as strong and vital and purposeful. There is an edge to the way the stories are told, that not only brings life to the stories but strength as well. I thought of using the word "hip," and there is that, but I'm not sure that such a word does justice to this effort.
The book is divided into three parts. Part one -- "The Only Four (plus Mary) picks up on the four women who appear in the geneaology of Jesus. Thus, we meet Tamar, who slept with her father-in-law because he failed in his duty to provide her with a husband and heir. There are Rahab and Bathsheba, two foreign women, whose nakedness might give scandal but continued the story. Finally there is Ruth. Each story is told with verve, so we might learn a little more about them. Then in part two -- Hebrew Women -- we start (interestingly to me) with Asherah, a Canaanite goddess who might have been understood at some point to be Yahweh's consort/queen. I struggled with this inclusion, since in general the prophets fought against Asherah's influence, but Connor uses the elimination of Asherah from Yahweh's story to remind us of who else gets excluded. From there we move to Eve, Hagar, Deborah and Jael, Song of Songs, the widows, the city of Jerusalem (cities were often portrayed in feminine form), and finally Susanna. Susanna is an interesting addition since her story appears not in the canonical text, but the apocryphal texts. But her story is poignant for a time such as this, when we are speaking more forthrightly about sexual assault and harassment, something that is present in this story.
The final section delves into the women of the New Testament, from the woman at the well to Mary Magdalene. In between we encounter, Mary and Martha, Herodias I and Herodias II (Salome), and Paul's church ladies including Priscilla and Phoebe. Connor seeks here to enliven our understanding and take note of misrepresentations of their stories. I especially enjoyed her conversation about the woman at the well, in which Jesus talks theology with one who is his apparent equal. IN tghe same chapter she retells the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman. In both cases we have women willing to talk back to God.
Over all I loved the book. I As a male preacher, I was chastened by my lack of attention to many of these stories. I may have missed important clues that she brings out. I do have a couple of concerns however, mainly with the chapter on Mary and Martha. Whereas she was mostly careful about pointing out when we have mixed stories up, here she doesn't. She uses the Johannine story of Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus, as the foundation of retelling the Mary/Martha story. The only problem is that Lazarus doesn't appear in the Synoptics. And with regard to the anointing, whereas in John Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus does the anointing, in the Synoptics its other women and other places, and Lazarus is not present. This seems rather careless to me, but it doesn't take away from the entirety of the book.
I would agree with Walter Brueggemann's assessment (in his blurb), where he suggests that Connor "is a skillful artist who knows how to transpose old, old stories into new, new songs." Those who know me, know that I am not the most comfortable with certain language forms that I was taught not to use in polite company, and thus at points I winced at word usage. But, that's just me, and again it doesn't detract from the overall purpose of the book. Again, there is an edge to this book, and that is a good thing. Indeed, Connor writes with humor when appropriate and deep seriousness when appropriate. She also writes out of her own story, making his a most personal encounter with the biblical story. It's not a memoir, but it is deeply personal. I would especially recommend this book to those who, like me, spend time in the pulpit. This will be a most helpful resource.
The subtitle of this book, which brings these stories to life, seems to cover the bases very well: Women of the Bible and their stories of violence, mercy, bravery, wisdom, sex, and salvation. In the hands of Alice Walker, an Episcopal priest and campus minister, stories of women from Eve to Mary Magdalene are retold. These women are not portrayed as femme fatales or victims, but as strong and vital and purposeful. There is an edge to the way the stories are told, that not only brings life to the stories but strength as well. I thought of using the word "hip," and there is that, but I'm not sure that such a word does justice to this effort.
The book is divided into three parts. Part one -- "The Only Four (plus Mary) picks up on the four women who appear in the geneaology of Jesus. Thus, we meet Tamar, who slept with her father-in-law because he failed in his duty to provide her with a husband and heir. There are Rahab and Bathsheba, two foreign women, whose nakedness might give scandal but continued the story. Finally there is Ruth. Each story is told with verve, so we might learn a little more about them. Then in part two -- Hebrew Women -- we start (interestingly to me) with Asherah, a Canaanite goddess who might have been understood at some point to be Yahweh's consort/queen. I struggled with this inclusion, since in general the prophets fought against Asherah's influence, but Connor uses the elimination of Asherah from Yahweh's story to remind us of who else gets excluded. From there we move to Eve, Hagar, Deborah and Jael, Song of Songs, the widows, the city of Jerusalem (cities were often portrayed in feminine form), and finally Susanna. Susanna is an interesting addition since her story appears not in the canonical text, but the apocryphal texts. But her story is poignant for a time such as this, when we are speaking more forthrightly about sexual assault and harassment, something that is present in this story.
The final section delves into the women of the New Testament, from the woman at the well to Mary Magdalene. In between we encounter, Mary and Martha, Herodias I and Herodias II (Salome), and Paul's church ladies including Priscilla and Phoebe. Connor seeks here to enliven our understanding and take note of misrepresentations of their stories. I especially enjoyed her conversation about the woman at the well, in which Jesus talks theology with one who is his apparent equal. IN tghe same chapter she retells the story of the Syro-Phoenician woman. In both cases we have women willing to talk back to God.
Over all I loved the book. I As a male preacher, I was chastened by my lack of attention to many of these stories. I may have missed important clues that she brings out. I do have a couple of concerns however, mainly with the chapter on Mary and Martha. Whereas she was mostly careful about pointing out when we have mixed stories up, here she doesn't. She uses the Johannine story of Mary and Martha, and their brother Lazarus, as the foundation of retelling the Mary/Martha story. The only problem is that Lazarus doesn't appear in the Synoptics. And with regard to the anointing, whereas in John Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus does the anointing, in the Synoptics its other women and other places, and Lazarus is not present. This seems rather careless to me, but it doesn't take away from the entirety of the book.
I would agree with Walter Brueggemann's assessment (in his blurb), where he suggests that Connor "is a skillful artist who knows how to transpose old, old stories into new, new songs." Those who know me, know that I am not the most comfortable with certain language forms that I was taught not to use in polite company, and thus at points I winced at word usage. But, that's just me, and again it doesn't detract from the overall purpose of the book. Again, there is an edge to this book, and that is a good thing. Indeed, Connor writes with humor when appropriate and deep seriousness when appropriate. She also writes out of her own story, making his a most personal encounter with the biblical story. It's not a memoir, but it is deeply personal. I would especially recommend this book to those who, like me, spend time in the pulpit. This will be a most helpful resource.
February 25, 2020
This is one of those books where I was sold on the premise alone: an exploration of various women mentioned in the Bible (the famous and the not so famous) that not only puts them front and center in whichever narrative they’re a part of, but takes a closer look through a feminist filter and reveals them to be much tougher, resilient and important than traditional takes on these stories make them look. It’s all that – and it’s a lot more personal, passionate and often angrier than I imagined, as Connor is pretty fierce herself (to the point that this is easily the first Christian book I’ve read to date written by an ordained priest with lots of salty language). Which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does sometimes distract from the stories she is trying to tell (or retell) and their theological message – at least if yr expecting a relatively straightforward Bible-study book, which this isn’t.
In any case, between Connor’s retellings, sweariness and feminist viewpoint, this book obviously isn’t for everyone – people of certain religious and/or political persuasions (and associated opinions about feminism and LGBT issues) probably wouldn’t make it past the first 20 pages. Personally, my two main problems with this book are (1) Connor tends to overdo it with the snarky humor and pop culture references for my taste, and (2) occasionally she pushes her luck by trying to shoehorn otherwise valid points where they don’t necessarily belong (the chapter on Asherah being a case in point). Both of these issues make it all too easy for even well-intentioned readers to misunderstand the overall point she’s trying to make. Starting an argument is great, but it’s pointless if people think you're making a completely different point from the one you're actually making. (Then again, it could just as easily be my problem, not hers, so, you know.)
That said, where the book really succeeds for me is bringing these women to life and humanizing their experience, which is (for me) an important tool for really understanding the deeper point of these stories (through which we understand God) and how they relate to us today. That in itself makes it worth reading – but as I say, it’s best to approach this with an open (and critical) mind, and a willingness to have your preconceptions challenged.
In any case, between Connor’s retellings, sweariness and feminist viewpoint, this book obviously isn’t for everyone – people of certain religious and/or political persuasions (and associated opinions about feminism and LGBT issues) probably wouldn’t make it past the first 20 pages. Personally, my two main problems with this book are (1) Connor tends to overdo it with the snarky humor and pop culture references for my taste, and (2) occasionally she pushes her luck by trying to shoehorn otherwise valid points where they don’t necessarily belong (the chapter on Asherah being a case in point). Both of these issues make it all too easy for even well-intentioned readers to misunderstand the overall point she’s trying to make. Starting an argument is great, but it’s pointless if people think you're making a completely different point from the one you're actually making. (Then again, it could just as easily be my problem, not hers, so, you know.)
That said, where the book really succeeds for me is bringing these women to life and humanizing their experience, which is (for me) an important tool for really understanding the deeper point of these stories (through which we understand God) and how they relate to us today. That in itself makes it worth reading – but as I say, it’s best to approach this with an open (and critical) mind, and a willingness to have your preconceptions challenged.
February 9, 2018
An absolutely fun and wonderful read. Connor dives into these somewhat familiar stories of biblical women bringing fresh air, perspective and humor. As a product of my own white feminist liberal perspective not much of what Connor wrote was ground breaking for me but it is a gift to have these stories and perspectives told so articulately in this small accessible volume. If you haven't had much exposure to fuller portraits of the biblical women this is a great book written for anyone, faithful or not and if you are exposed to the complexity of these stories this might be an enjoyable read anyway! Happy reading!
May 27, 2020
Initially I thought this book would be a deep dive into the women's stories of the Bible, giving me a better opportunity to learn about these women whose stories had been overshadowed. And while parts of that were true, there were too many other things that got in the way for me.
I'm sure that Alice Connor knows way more about the Bible and it's translations than I do. However, I still felt that she took many liberties in the translations and what she thought certain passages meant. It caused me to go back and read various translations myself trying to see where she could have gotten that from.
Hey trying to fit jokes in certain places felt forced and mostly unfunny (pete-za delivery anyone?)
Some sentences were worded weirdly and I had to reread them a few times to try to figure out what she was trying to say.
While some chapters gave way to her examples well (such as the Mary and Martha story connecting to LGBT issues) other examples felt forced where you would be reading about the person at hand and next thing you know you're reading about police brutality. And while something like police brutality is something that needs to be taken seriously, my wife and I were very confused as to how she got from point a to that.
As I've said there are chapters in here that were well done and helpful, but unfortunately this was not the book we were expecting.
I'm sure that Alice Connor knows way more about the Bible and it's translations than I do. However, I still felt that she took many liberties in the translations and what she thought certain passages meant. It caused me to go back and read various translations myself trying to see where she could have gotten that from.
Hey trying to fit jokes in certain places felt forced and mostly unfunny (pete-za delivery anyone?)
Some sentences were worded weirdly and I had to reread them a few times to try to figure out what she was trying to say.
While some chapters gave way to her examples well (such as the Mary and Martha story connecting to LGBT issues) other examples felt forced where you would be reading about the person at hand and next thing you know you're reading about police brutality. And while something like police brutality is something that needs to be taken seriously, my wife and I were very confused as to how she got from point a to that.
As I've said there are chapters in here that were well done and helpful, but unfortunately this was not the book we were expecting.
July 11, 2017
As a reformed evangelical complementarian feminist I approached this book gingerly, worried it may be toxic, or even radioactive. Such is the divide between the different approaches to the Bible and Christian practice and thought. But I like to know what my friends are thinking and I know that I can glean new ideas and fresh perspectives from all sources. This book did that. It is written in an engaging and open style, much like, I assume, the author. I suspect it will date quickly, both in style and possibly ideas, given its particularly targeted feminist perspective, however, it may well retain its ability to provoke thought. Connor appears to approach the Bible as a book, with narrative themes characters and intentions. This gives rise to very interesting observations about the persons in the biblical account and what those people and their stories have to say to us. It assumes the Bible is descriptive rather than prescriptive and thus grapples with the Word in an entirely different way to that which is familiar to me. Some of the ideas which resulted from this approach were new to me, or at least presented in a new way, which was refreshing. Worth reading with your eyes open.
July 26, 2019
Alice Connor is funny, thoughtful, occasionally outrageous (and maybe a little blasphemous?) in her inquiries into the lives of some of the most interesting women in the Bible. You'll learn a lot, and maybe you'll gain a new appreciation for those women who had a larger impact on the growth of Christianity that some white, male church leaders would like you to believe.
February 25, 2020
Reading Fierce is a lot like sitting down with a friend who has been on an amazing adventure and has a lot to tell you. Connor's style is personal, conversational, colorful, and imaginative; she puts her whole self into the retelling of biblical stories in a way that gap-fills ancient texts (there are a lot of gaps where women are concerned) and makes you feel like you might actually know or even be some of these women - at least through Conner's eyes. It's a work of engagement. She loves these texts, the ferocity of these biblical women, and she wants you to, also.
Connor infuses her modern midrash with elements of personal memoir, and she blurs the lines of biblical interpretation with a lens of theological suggestiveness that didn't always work for me. Other times, her wittiness made me smile. Overall, I admire the ferocity of her creation and appreciate her pastoral spirit in this world.
Connor infuses her modern midrash with elements of personal memoir, and she blurs the lines of biblical interpretation with a lens of theological suggestiveness that didn't always work for me. Other times, her wittiness made me smile. Overall, I admire the ferocity of her creation and appreciate her pastoral spirit in this world.
January 16, 2020
One of the best books I've read in a while and certainly one of the best religious-based books I've read in a LONG while. We seldom hear of the women in the Bible...to such an extent that I, as a teenager, turned away from the Church for a couple of decades, because I couldn't stand much more of all the dudes in power and why women were basically ignored.
If only I had read books like this one, maybe I'd never have left, but everything happens for a reason and this book is a must read for anyone who is a believer and anyone who is simply curious about the amazing, fierce, outspoken, and even ordinary female heroes of the Bible.
Loved it.
If only I had read books like this one, maybe I'd never have left, but everything happens for a reason and this book is a must read for anyone who is a believer and anyone who is simply curious about the amazing, fierce, outspoken, and even ordinary female heroes of the Bible.
Loved it.
May 30, 2017
This beautiful, funny, and moving collection of essays of Biblical womanhood is easily one of my favorite spiritual/religious reads in recent years. Conner's writing is reminiscent of the always inspiriting Anne Lamott, Barbara Taylor Brown, and Lauren Winner and like these powerful writers she brings both intellectual scholarship, relatable experiences, and emotional nuance to difficult and often ignored stories. I'll be recommending this one to friends for a long time to come.
August 2, 2018
This is a wonderful and cleverly written resource of feminist theology. Connor brings the women of scripture to light that you most certainly were never taught about in Sunday school. Alice Connor is sassy, bad-ass, and up front in her presentation of their stories. This book will give you a deeper appreciation for scripture, while also making you angry at the modern evangelical church for skirting these narratives out of the pulpit.
June 10, 2020
Excellent review of the women of the Bible.
Excellent review of the women of the Bible. The author does an awesome job of dissecting their roles within power structures of the time (many that are still in place now) and reconsideration a lot of the sexist assumptions that make up much of the present day understanding of the female's worth to the church and her Creator. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a different perspective on a very old book.
Excellent review of the women of the Bible. The author does an awesome job of dissecting their roles within power structures of the time (many that are still in place now) and reconsideration a lot of the sexist assumptions that make up much of the present day understanding of the female's worth to the church and her Creator. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a different perspective on a very old book.
October 27, 2021
I found this book when I was looking to lead a study on women in the Bible. I’m so glad I did. Conner’s writing is engaging, relatable and fun while also delivering hard truths about the ways society over looks, dismisses, hates and attacks the gifts and brilliance of fierce women. We read the scriptures along with each chapter which helped me to appreciate her writing even more. I’ll be returning to this one again and again.
September 5, 2019
Amazing
I really enjoyed this book from the start. Alice caught my attention with a real voice, not just facts but in a way that was easy to understand. Who knew woman during this time were so strong minded and heard too. Thanks Alice for showing us this side of the Bible. I enjoyed hearing you speak several weeks ago, you are a “Fierce” women yourself.
I really enjoyed this book from the start. Alice caught my attention with a real voice, not just facts but in a way that was easy to understand. Who knew woman during this time were so strong minded and heard too. Thanks Alice for showing us this side of the Bible. I enjoyed hearing you speak several weeks ago, you are a “Fierce” women yourself.
August 21, 2017
Tfw fofof wrote a book, and you just hope it doesn't suck. I really enjoyed reading this. It was refreshing to read a clearly feminist Christian pov. While I didn't agree with every statement, it really made me think (which is better anyway).
November 17, 2017
There weren't many things I didn't "know" from previous Bible study, but the author's engaging and frank writing style had me feeling like this was an intimate discussion between friends. Good scholarship, engaging writing!
April 19, 2022
This was by far the best book on biblical women that I’ve ever read. It didn’t dumb the women down or make them out to be simple pawns in a man’s world. Rather, these women were strong, even in their gentlest moments. This is what I wish the church would teach. Not the “submit to all” nonsense.
July 4, 2024
Fierce gives us a different view of the few women represented in the Bible. The males are not devalued and we are provided with the role and women time in history and how women believers and teachers. Interesting read.
August 18, 2025
A better, comprehensive take on the women of the Bible. Raw, emotional, snarky and irreverently reverent! She hits the mark in so many ways, as an Episcopal priest who is not afraid of challenging what we think we know about these fierce Biblical women!
March 16, 2017
Educational and approachable. Great read!
July 10, 2017
Intriguing thoughts on some of these women others, I had difficulty with the direction that she took them. Still I can see where this could generate some decent discussion.
January 5, 2018
Fantastic book,using it for our book group
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
January 17, 2018
Fierce
Great practical teachings extracted from the stories of the Bible of the women we often overlook and never knew existed.
Great practical teachings extracted from the stories of the Bible of the women we often overlook and never knew existed.
August 19, 2018
Disgusted
February 26, 2019
This book made me think more about the stories I already know. It is interesting and makes me want to learn more. Which is what good books are supposed to do right?
March 15, 2022
Great way to present and make the women of the Bible relevant to today. Really enjoyed and opened my eyes
March 2, 2024
Alice Connor is a biblical scholar and yet with these stories, she brought these women alive with humor and relatability for women of today.
March 23, 2024
Took me way too long to finish this awesome book. Connor really knows how to tell a story. Love her version of these women of valor’s stories.
February 9, 2017
This book was incredible! As a progressive minister, this book helped push me, helped educate me, and helped to not bore me. It was incredibly well written, relevant, and powerful. It was deeply biblical, but not overly scholarly (read - very readable, especially for lay people/non scholars). I am excited about it and we are looking forward to studying the book in our church small groups and Bible Study. I would most certainly recommend this to everyone! Thank you Alice!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews