Altogether Beautiful: A Study of the Song of Songs

by Heidi Goehmann

You are beautiful.
You might not believe it, but you are.

The world might tell you that your beauty comes from your curly hair or your long eyelashes or your perfectly spaced freckles, but the truth is you are beautiful because of who you are in Christ.

Altogether Beautiful is a video-based Bible study of the Song of Songs that explores what it means to be loved fiercely and called beautiful by the God of the universe. Led by Heidi Goehmann, this study walks through each chapter to not only help you better understand and apply the wisdom offered in the Song, but also challenge you to securely ground your identity in the one who makes you beautiful—Jesus.

Whether you’re married or single, young or old, you will find truth and comfort in the Song of Songs because this song, ultimately, is about the fierce love God has for you, His bride, whom He declares altogether beautiful.

Genres: Faith

208 pages, Paperback

Published April 10, 2018

About the author

Writer, licensed clinical social worker, and theologian, Heidi Goehmann, produces resources that advocate for mental health and genuine relationships. She loves her family, post it notes, Jesus, adventure, Star Wars, Star Trek, and new ideas…not necessarily in that order. Heidi can always be found writing and producing resources at heidigoehmann.com.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully, compassionately written study! The homework included a nice variety of questions that were well paced with commentary. I did this with a small group of friends and definitely recommend doing it with the video accompaniment. Whereas it isn’t necessary, it added a lot to the study! My only critique was that it felt a lot less exegetical than I was expecting and more theme-driven. Certainly not a bad thing, but just different than what I expected. Instead of the subtitle “A Study of the Song of Songs,” the subtitle “A Study on Our Identity in Christ” might have been more appropriate. All in all a well done resource that is sure to bless many!

[Pat Maier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Altogether Beautiful invites connection on a personal level from the very beginning, and the life applications are deep, probing, and significantly relevant. The study conversation not only prompts self-examination but also inspires outward concern and consideration for others, touching on important themes for today including vocation, true beauty, and relationships. Whether you are a forever-believer, a new Christian, a skeptic, or a seeker, you will find this book inviting and enjoyable as Heidi's words come alongside as a friend to make you want to dig into the Word; understand, apply and learn it by heart; and discover new directions for prayer. Choices for meaningful involvement and levels of commitment make this study doable for everyone - lots of grace!

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just didn’t love it. The book itself was beautiful and very well done, I can tell that tremendous insight and study went into creating it. I just never really felt excited to dive into the Song of Solomon. The poetry itself was obscure and at times downright cringe-worthy (yes, I realize I am reviewing the Bible) and I could just never buy into the epic love story knowing that Solomon had 999 others.

I would pick up a different study by the author, but I am ready to leave the Song behind.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great, in-depth study of a book of the Bible that is rarely covered so thoroughly. It's overall message is one of God's overwhelming love, and of the beauty in everything through him. But many other aspects of Scripture and faith are covered in the daily homework. Goehmann gives many options for how to use this book. The videos are helpful, but not necessary. Personally, I do much better with studies that involve answering questions if I have a group to discuss them with, and I am grateful for the ladies I did this with.

[Greta Linnik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a wonderful study! I absolutely loved how clear it made Song of Solomon. The author did an excellent job of using Scripture to interpret Scripture. There were many Bible passages that she brought us to that were eye opening and seemed like they were verses I had never even read before (I love how God's Word comes alive). The one draw back was that as a Bible believer, I cannot agree with her stand on baptism and there were a few places I think she was adding to what Scripture was saying. To me this is all part of Bible study; you have to let God guide you. I would definitely recommend this, and I think it would be super beneficial for older teen girls.

[DoRena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed working through this with a group of ladies at my church. It was meatier than I expected, well researched, and served as a nice guide for a book of the Bible I wouldn't have spent as much time contemplating otherwise.

It has a very casual, conversational tone, and at several points I thought to myself that it will likely seem dated in a few years, which is unfortunate because the real content is quite good. Some of the formatting and worksheets weren't my favorite, just not my personal preference.

But overall great resource, I recommend!

[Sharla Fritz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ladies Bible study group loved this study. From the opening story to the last page we were drawn into the way God loves us and sees each of us as beautiful in Christ. We all want to feel pretty and often doubt our worth, but author Heidi Goehmann reassures us that our beauty depends on Christ's redemption and not on our outward appearance. Song of Songs is a confusing book, but Altogether Beautiful helps the reader grasp its themes and message.

[Joyce Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding study. Our group enjoyed very much. Most of us had little exposure to Song of Songs and Heidi did a great job of explaining its themes and helping us connect with it in meaningful ways. We will do lots more of her studies because she teaches in depth yet is fun and understandable. She always leaves her readers with a deeper understanding of God’s great love and forgiveness.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t have loved this more i will definitely go through this again at some point

[Dawn Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good