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Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World
Biblical womanhood is not for the weak. In an age that seeks to obliterate God and His authority, modeling biblical womanhood involves spiritual warfare. Radical Womanhood seeks to equip new believers and long-time Christians alike, exposing the anti-God agenda of the three waves of feminism to date and presenting the pro-woman truth of the Scriptures. Illustrated with numerous personal testimonies, this book will dig deep into the Word and show how it can be lived out today.
The foundation and core message of Radical Womanhood is consistent with the traditional complementarian teaching on biblical womanhood. However, the target audience, tone, and style are radically different. Most books on this subject take a heavily didactic tone that assumes an awareness of Christian lingo and a high degree of spiritual maturity. Radical Womanhood has the narrative approach appreciated by postmodern readers, but still incorporates solid, biblically-based teaching for personal application and growth.
The foundation and core message of Radical Womanhood is consistent with the traditional complementarian teaching on biblical womanhood. However, the target audience, tone, and style are radically different. Most books on this subject take a heavily didactic tone that assumes an awareness of Christian lingo and a high degree of spiritual maturity. Radical Womanhood has the narrative approach appreciated by postmodern readers, but still incorporates solid, biblically-based teaching for personal application and growth.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
100 people are currently reading
1098 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn McCulley
11 books32 followersCarolyn McCulley is the author of Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World (Moody, 2008) and Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye? Trusting God with a Hope Deferred (Crossway, 2004), as well as hundreds of articles for publications, including Christianity Today, Boundless.org, and the Washington Post. She is also a contributor to Sex and the Supremacy of Christ and the ESV Women's Devotional Bible. She is a frequent conference speaker and the founder/owner of Citygate Films LLC, a documentary film production company based near Washington, DC. She is single and the proud aunt of six nieces and nephews.
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March 9, 2018
Let me preface this by saying I am not a radical feminist. I struggle, however, with the premise of this book, that feminism is anti-biblical. There is probably a time when I would not have questioned the preface (or bothered to read the book), but since then I have witnessed a lot more brokenness in the lives of people I am close to and am also much more informed on issues of violence and injustice (globally as well as here at home) than I was 10 or 15 years ago. I have come to believe that taking a hard stand against feminism at large as an evil of Satan is likely naive or misguided.
I think pitting femininity and feminism against each other (per the title) is a bit of a straw man argument. The claim that all feminists are conceptually identified with the Second Wave movement of the 60s/70s (that was tied to the sexual revolution and Roe v Wade) is unhelpful because most women I know today don't define feminism that narrowly and they also don't hate, want to control, or disengage from men. Within evangelicalism, many people agree on the biblical concepts of imago Dei, mutual (& wifely) submission, and the beauty of marriage as a picture of Christ and the Church, but sometimes have difficulty communicating with each other because clarity of definition is needed. And this book somewhat muddies the waters in that area.
The book is largely a history of women's rights and the feminist movement/s in America and if you like history (I do), it is interesting. However, the stories she shares often fail to support her argument that feminism is the enemy of godliness and faith. Rather, these stories evidence that oppression and objectification of women have always been a problem and the feminist movement is a reaction against that, albeit an incomplete and largely gospel-less one. Personally, I am a bit confused when highly educated, often professionally employed women denounce the entire feminist movement as if they have not personally benefitted from it. First wave feminism secured women more than voting rights - access to higher education, property ownership and public speaking are all things women did not have consistent legal rights to in the United States prior to that. (As a side note, early feminists were largely anti-abortion as well and legal protection in domestic abuse was largely unavailable until the second wave).
My favorite story in the book is a letter exchange between John Adams and his wife Abigail. In 1776, Abigail wrote an eloquently articulated letter to her husband, asking him to think of women when drafting laws in the newly forming USA. She wrote,
Overall, I came away with the impression that she had not wrestled personally with the ramifications of her arguments and in that sense, the book rang a bit hollow. It feels impersonal, overzealous, and does not seem to come from a place of humble conviction that has wrestled with God through a difficult and complex subject. 2.5 stars.
I think pitting femininity and feminism against each other (per the title) is a bit of a straw man argument. The claim that all feminists are conceptually identified with the Second Wave movement of the 60s/70s (that was tied to the sexual revolution and Roe v Wade) is unhelpful because most women I know today don't define feminism that narrowly and they also don't hate, want to control, or disengage from men. Within evangelicalism, many people agree on the biblical concepts of imago Dei, mutual (& wifely) submission, and the beauty of marriage as a picture of Christ and the Church, but sometimes have difficulty communicating with each other because clarity of definition is needed. And this book somewhat muddies the waters in that area.
The book is largely a history of women's rights and the feminist movement/s in America and if you like history (I do), it is interesting. However, the stories she shares often fail to support her argument that feminism is the enemy of godliness and faith. Rather, these stories evidence that oppression and objectification of women have always been a problem and the feminist movement is a reaction against that, albeit an incomplete and largely gospel-less one. Personally, I am a bit confused when highly educated, often professionally employed women denounce the entire feminist movement as if they have not personally benefitted from it. First wave feminism secured women more than voting rights - access to higher education, property ownership and public speaking are all things women did not have consistent legal rights to in the United States prior to that. (As a side note, early feminists were largely anti-abortion as well and legal protection in domestic abuse was largely unavailable until the second wave).
My favorite story in the book is a letter exchange between John Adams and his wife Abigail. In 1776, Abigail wrote an eloquently articulated letter to her husband, asking him to think of women when drafting laws in the newly forming USA. She wrote,
"I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do no put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies, we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation. That your sex are naturally tyrannical is a truth so thoroughly established as to admit of no dispute; but such of you as wish to be happy willingly give up the harsh title of master for the more tender and endearing one of friend. Why, then, not put it out of the power of the vicious and the lawless to use us with cruelty and indignity with impunity? Men of sense in all ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your sex; regard us then as being placed by Providence under your protection, and in imitation of the Supreme Being make use of that power only for our happiness."Heartbreakingly, her husband's reply was, "As to your extraordinary code of laws, I cannot but laugh....Depend upon it, We know better than to repeal our Masculine systems." My heart hurt for her when I read his reply and thankfully, Carolyn also acknowledged his disregard for his wife's plea as a great injustice to American women for many years.
Overall, I came away with the impression that she had not wrestled personally with the ramifications of her arguments and in that sense, the book rang a bit hollow. It feels impersonal, overzealous, and does not seem to come from a place of humble conviction that has wrestled with God through a difficult and complex subject. 2.5 stars.
August 1, 2018
An interesting exploration of feminism and Christianity, and tackles passages of the Bible excellently. Some of the research was biased, especially on first wave feminism. McCulley denounces first wave feminism as being anti-Christian when in fact most first wave feminists were adamant Christians, and one could argue that feminism itself was able to come forth because of progressive advances in evangelicalism.
McCulley points to Elizabeth Cady Stanton's heretical “Women's Bible" as evidence, but in fact this work and Stanton herself in her later years were largely rejected from first wave feminists who wanted to align the movement with the Church. In addition, most first wave feminists were also subscribed to the temperance movement and the abolitionist movement, other movements closely associated with protestant reforms. I disagree with the notion that feminism, at least in its first wave, is anti-Christian.
My disconnect with McCulley starts from the beginning - McCulley became a Christian after being a feminist throughout college. For someone like me who grew up in the church and was raised with traditional ideas of male headship, the ideas laid out in the book aren’t “revolutionary” but part of a larger set of behaviors that I have come to believe are oppressive to women within the church. Going in with that mindset, I found myself struggling against McCulley at various points throughout the book.
As a whole, reading this book gave me a better understanding of the beliefs some Christians hold around gender.
McCulley points to Elizabeth Cady Stanton's heretical “Women's Bible" as evidence, but in fact this work and Stanton herself in her later years were largely rejected from first wave feminists who wanted to align the movement with the Church. In addition, most first wave feminists were also subscribed to the temperance movement and the abolitionist movement, other movements closely associated with protestant reforms. I disagree with the notion that feminism, at least in its first wave, is anti-Christian.
My disconnect with McCulley starts from the beginning - McCulley became a Christian after being a feminist throughout college. For someone like me who grew up in the church and was raised with traditional ideas of male headship, the ideas laid out in the book aren’t “revolutionary” but part of a larger set of behaviors that I have come to believe are oppressive to women within the church. Going in with that mindset, I found myself struggling against McCulley at various points throughout the book.
As a whole, reading this book gave me a better understanding of the beliefs some Christians hold around gender.
August 13, 2022
“I wrote this book for my thirty-year-old self, the woman who needed to understand why much of what she had been taught in college and read in the media led to a dead end, and why the Bible inspired joy and peace.”
This is an excellent book about biblical womanhood written by a woman who understands the feminism movement. Knowing it was written in 2008, I wasn’t sure how relevant it would be. But it is probably even more so relevant now than in 2008.
It’s fair. It’s honest. And as a woman, struggling with the push and pull of what I’m being told to be or do as a woman, everything she said resonated with me like compassionate words from a friend.
There are many books written on this topic that expound more on interpreting the biblical passages (a few listed below). What I feel is unique about this book is the attention to historical figures and context, the inclusion of personal stories, and discussion on some topics not typically broached in these types of books. Plus McCulley has a background in cultural feminism, herself.
What is Feminism?
‘Feminism’ is a weighty term that means different things to different people. Several reviewers are turned off by her seeming placement of feminism as an opposite to biblical womanhood. I can see how they might perceive that from this book but I think definitions would clear that up.
Throughout the whole book McCulley is clear that the historical feminist movement has made great progress for women’s social and legal standing— voting rights, end of coverture, higher education, etc. She is also clear that the Bible affirms that women and men are equal and were equal from the first.
“There’s a difference between restoring God-given rights to women and setting women above both men and God. The history of the feminist movement shows that one led to another…”
The murkiness comes when we define what ‘equal’ means. The Bible is clear all people are equal in worth for we are all image-bearers of the Creator. And in this way, we are all feminists. But if we start to see different roles in the church as being more valuable than others, an ‘equal outcome’ looks different for different people.
As McCulley says, “Feminist ideology arose from partially accurate observations but offered faulty interpretations and flawed solutions.”
Another reason feminism seems at odds with McCulley’s biblical presentation of womanhood is because of some of the specific beliefs certain waves of feminism seemed to push at large. There is obviously no one platform of beliefs in which all feminists adhere to and I don’t believe McCulley attempts to create one. So, too, we must be careful to take into account all of this book before assuming McCulley’s intentions based on her use of one loaded term.
What is at Stake?
The most important thing to determine when speaking about feminism and biblical womanhood is to establish your ultimate authority and your view of the Bible.
Wayne Grudem, in his excellent book, Evangelical Feminism, systematically exposes how many interpretations of the Bible used by Christian feminists undermine Scripture by implementing theological liberalism which he defines as: “a system of thinking that denies the complete truthfulness of the Bible as the Word of God and denies the unique and absolute authority of the Bible in our lives.”
At the heart of this issue, in terms of how Christians view biblical womanhood, is the Bible. Is your authority God’s complete and inerrant Word? Grudem asks this hard question: “Is the authority of the Bible really primary for egalitarians? Or is there a deep-seated mentality that actually puts feminism first and the Bible second?”
McCulley affirms this position in her book.
The Real Problem
Having discovered feminism in her women’s studies courses in college, she had been attracted to their explanation for the problems in the world: Men. The Patriarchy.
Long story short, she ends up encountering Jesus in South Africa and realizes that, men, in fact, are not the problem.
Sin is. And it’s found in both men and women.
“The kicker is that feminism is partially right. Men do sin. They can diminish women’s accomplishments and limit women’s freedoms for self-centered reasons. Some men sexually assault women. Some men abuse their wives and children. Many men degrade women through pornography. Feminism didn’t rise up because of fabricated offenses.”
“Sin warps everything, including the good that God has designed in being a man or a woman. Women sin against men and men sin against women, and everyone sins against God and falls short of His standard of holiness and perfection. Sin is the reason men have oppressed women and women have usurped men. Sin is the reason for the jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and every vile practice that characterizes false wisdom.”
I love McCulley’s approach to this topic of laying out the gospel in the very beginning because this is our framework..
She acknowledges the real offenses and wrongs that led to women’s resistance, past and present, yet she reminds us that neither men nor feminists are the enemy. The enemy is Satan and his lies.
If the problem is sin, then the solution is righteousness which can only be found through Jesus Christ. By grace through faith in his death and resurrection, paying the penalty for all of our sins.
Real joy, peace, redemption, healing, and rescue can only come through Christ.
We can’t get that wrong.
And I’m glad she began this book on such a controversial topic by clarifying that gospel message and reminding us what is ultimate. Much gets lost in these debates and we can’t settle for anything less than truth.
Does Feminism Help or Hurt Women?
While that is what is ultimately at stake in this discussion there are plenty of other things to talk about.
Something I found particularly compelling was to consider some of the main topics that feminists today are vocal about. Many feminists want the freedom to have abortions. They want the decriminalization of prostitution. They want the revealing of their body to be seen as empowerment.
Aside from the commonly expressed moral arguments against abortion, let’s consider:
Is this actually better for women?
There are millions of abortions done every year. And the majority of them are female fetuses worldwide (mostly China and India). Not only does abortion kill more women, but it has created a shortage of wives for males in India and China and thus created a lucrative market for human trafficking. Of women.
This is also connected to sex work. Is that better for women? Maybe it makes women feel empowered to use their bodies however they want to, but if they truly feel they have the control over men by doing this, they are sadly mistaken. It also creates a greater market for human trafficking to satiate the demand for more of the like.
The effects of abortion, sexual promiscuity, pornography, and prostitution are most damaging to women. And most damaging to women of color. McCulley shares some of the statistics for abortions and STDs to support this.
And yet, no ones talks about these things. Many are blinded by their misguided, culturally groomed need for certain ‘freedoms’ that they fail to see the consequences, or fail to see them as significant.
Feminism’s Influence on our Culture
McCulley observes: “Feminism has profoundly altered our culture’s concept of what it means to be a woman. We need to understand how this movement came about and what its goals have been because these are now our culture’s assumptions.”
There are many things that could be talked about here. Here are a few things she touched on that I found to be very telling, yet not told. Things that are enlightening but you don’t hear much about.
And I can already hear the objection— You are correct- not all feminists advocate for these things, past or present. But McCulley makes compelling connections to these things and popular feminist ideals.
Like how fewer people are getting married or having kids. And more divorces are happening, mostly initiated by women. Like how people who cohabit are less happy than people who are married. And cohabiting is actually a predictor of divorce.
Like how pornography degrades women and is heavily connected to violence. It also hinders positive and healthy sexual encounters because of the unrealistic expectations it creates for people. Here’s an irony for you, WAP used to stand for a feminist organization called “Women Against Porn.”
She traces the history of the home being integrated with the workplace and being a place of production to, after the Industrial Revolution, the home being separated from the marketplace which has led women to believe the home is a less worthy place to be. It has also led to the home being more about consumption than production.
A Biblical Attitude
Though McCulley addresses the Ephesians verses on submission, exposition of these verses was not her main drive for this book, and other books below would pair well with this. Yet she reminds us of very significant things that are all too often completely ignored when considering the biblical viewpoint.
The Bible calls women to submit to their husbands, not all men. And it is not a submission to abuse.
“It is not an absolute surrender of her will. Rather, we speak of her disposition to yield to her husband’s guidance and her inclination to follow his leadership. Christ is her absolute authority, not the husband.”— Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
While women are choosing to follow their husband’s leadership, the Bible is directing men to care and love their wives as Christ loved the church. How did Christ love the church? He died for it. The Bible calls men to sacrificial and servant leadership that puts their wives interests ahead of their own, not a domineering control where the wife has no voice.
With every chapter, McCulley reminds us how the Bible is pro-woman. God’s design for men and women is good and for our good.
“Every one of us is prone to agree with Satan’s character assassination of God. We often chafe at the good boundaries God has given us. We are easily tempted to think the worst of God. And we doubt that what God has provided is anywhere near as good as what He has restricted.”
Frankly, I don’t think it takes much research to realize that many of the ‘freedoms’ people want today do more harm than good. Boundaries are not a bad thing.
We can trust God with our gender, our role, our worth, and our marriage.
Radical Womanhood
I’m realizing more and more the complexity of what ‘biblical womanhood’ means for Christians. That’s why I want to keep reading these kinds of books to expand my knowledge of what has led us to where we are today and to constantly be checking ideas and beliefs against the Bible, our ultimate authority.
McCulley acknowledges: “In the twenty-first century, few things are more controversial than the Bible’s plain teaching on sexuality and gender roles.”
It is true.
And I don’t see the controversy lessening any time soon.
But matters of gender, sex, and marriage are important to God and because they matter to God, they should matter to us.
As Christians, we need to put the work in to finding truth, not just assimilating into culture or choosing beliefs that allow the ‘freedoms’ we desire the most.
Biblical womanhood seems radical today but it is nothing less than trusting God and his Word.
I’ll end with this quote that brings it all back to the gospel:
“If this stirs up resentment in our hearts, I believe that’s because we’ve lost sight of the gospel… Does it really matter how our Lord asks us to serve Him for just a few short years on this earth when we will equally delight in Him for time without end?! Even those men who are called to be pastors will only serve in that position for a portion of their lives. All the good things we can do here on earth are trumped by the one thing that is truly good— to worship Jesus now and for all of eternity! We have received far better than we deserved, thanks to the mercy of the cross. Let us not quibble about the small part we play in advancing Christ’s kingdom and the good news of salvation.”
Further Reading
Evangelical Feminism: A New Path to Liberalism? by Wayne Grudem
A(Typical) Woman: Free, Whole, and Called in Christ by Abigail Dodds
What God Has to Say About our Bodies: How the Gospel is Good News for Our Physical Selves by Sam Allberry
Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction by Kevin DeYoung
Designed for Joy: How the Gospel Impacts Men and Women, Identity, and Practice by Owen Strachan
The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims by Rebecca McLaughlin
Book Blog: www.shelfreflection.com
Pinterest: @shelfreflectionblog
This is an excellent book about biblical womanhood written by a woman who understands the feminism movement. Knowing it was written in 2008, I wasn’t sure how relevant it would be. But it is probably even more so relevant now than in 2008.
It’s fair. It’s honest. And as a woman, struggling with the push and pull of what I’m being told to be or do as a woman, everything she said resonated with me like compassionate words from a friend.
There are many books written on this topic that expound more on interpreting the biblical passages (a few listed below). What I feel is unique about this book is the attention to historical figures and context, the inclusion of personal stories, and discussion on some topics not typically broached in these types of books. Plus McCulley has a background in cultural feminism, herself.
What is Feminism?
‘Feminism’ is a weighty term that means different things to different people. Several reviewers are turned off by her seeming placement of feminism as an opposite to biblical womanhood. I can see how they might perceive that from this book but I think definitions would clear that up.
Throughout the whole book McCulley is clear that the historical feminist movement has made great progress for women’s social and legal standing— voting rights, end of coverture, higher education, etc. She is also clear that the Bible affirms that women and men are equal and were equal from the first.
“There’s a difference between restoring God-given rights to women and setting women above both men and God. The history of the feminist movement shows that one led to another…”
The murkiness comes when we define what ‘equal’ means. The Bible is clear all people are equal in worth for we are all image-bearers of the Creator. And in this way, we are all feminists. But if we start to see different roles in the church as being more valuable than others, an ‘equal outcome’ looks different for different people.
As McCulley says, “Feminist ideology arose from partially accurate observations but offered faulty interpretations and flawed solutions.”
Another reason feminism seems at odds with McCulley’s biblical presentation of womanhood is because of some of the specific beliefs certain waves of feminism seemed to push at large. There is obviously no one platform of beliefs in which all feminists adhere to and I don’t believe McCulley attempts to create one. So, too, we must be careful to take into account all of this book before assuming McCulley’s intentions based on her use of one loaded term.
What is at Stake?
The most important thing to determine when speaking about feminism and biblical womanhood is to establish your ultimate authority and your view of the Bible.
Wayne Grudem, in his excellent book, Evangelical Feminism, systematically exposes how many interpretations of the Bible used by Christian feminists undermine Scripture by implementing theological liberalism which he defines as: “a system of thinking that denies the complete truthfulness of the Bible as the Word of God and denies the unique and absolute authority of the Bible in our lives.”
At the heart of this issue, in terms of how Christians view biblical womanhood, is the Bible. Is your authority God’s complete and inerrant Word? Grudem asks this hard question: “Is the authority of the Bible really primary for egalitarians? Or is there a deep-seated mentality that actually puts feminism first and the Bible second?”
McCulley affirms this position in her book.
The Real Problem
Having discovered feminism in her women’s studies courses in college, she had been attracted to their explanation for the problems in the world: Men. The Patriarchy.
Long story short, she ends up encountering Jesus in South Africa and realizes that, men, in fact, are not the problem.
Sin is. And it’s found in both men and women.
“The kicker is that feminism is partially right. Men do sin. They can diminish women’s accomplishments and limit women’s freedoms for self-centered reasons. Some men sexually assault women. Some men abuse their wives and children. Many men degrade women through pornography. Feminism didn’t rise up because of fabricated offenses.”
“Sin warps everything, including the good that God has designed in being a man or a woman. Women sin against men and men sin against women, and everyone sins against God and falls short of His standard of holiness and perfection. Sin is the reason men have oppressed women and women have usurped men. Sin is the reason for the jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and every vile practice that characterizes false wisdom.”
I love McCulley’s approach to this topic of laying out the gospel in the very beginning because this is our framework..
She acknowledges the real offenses and wrongs that led to women’s resistance, past and present, yet she reminds us that neither men nor feminists are the enemy. The enemy is Satan and his lies.
If the problem is sin, then the solution is righteousness which can only be found through Jesus Christ. By grace through faith in his death and resurrection, paying the penalty for all of our sins.
Real joy, peace, redemption, healing, and rescue can only come through Christ.
We can’t get that wrong.
And I’m glad she began this book on such a controversial topic by clarifying that gospel message and reminding us what is ultimate. Much gets lost in these debates and we can’t settle for anything less than truth.
Does Feminism Help or Hurt Women?
While that is what is ultimately at stake in this discussion there are plenty of other things to talk about.
Something I found particularly compelling was to consider some of the main topics that feminists today are vocal about. Many feminists want the freedom to have abortions. They want the decriminalization of prostitution. They want the revealing of their body to be seen as empowerment.
Aside from the commonly expressed moral arguments against abortion, let’s consider:
Is this actually better for women?
There are millions of abortions done every year. And the majority of them are female fetuses worldwide (mostly China and India). Not only does abortion kill more women, but it has created a shortage of wives for males in India and China and thus created a lucrative market for human trafficking. Of women.
This is also connected to sex work. Is that better for women? Maybe it makes women feel empowered to use their bodies however they want to, but if they truly feel they have the control over men by doing this, they are sadly mistaken. It also creates a greater market for human trafficking to satiate the demand for more of the like.
The effects of abortion, sexual promiscuity, pornography, and prostitution are most damaging to women. And most damaging to women of color. McCulley shares some of the statistics for abortions and STDs to support this.
And yet, no ones talks about these things. Many are blinded by their misguided, culturally groomed need for certain ‘freedoms’ that they fail to see the consequences, or fail to see them as significant.
Feminism’s Influence on our Culture
McCulley observes: “Feminism has profoundly altered our culture’s concept of what it means to be a woman. We need to understand how this movement came about and what its goals have been because these are now our culture’s assumptions.”
There are many things that could be talked about here. Here are a few things she touched on that I found to be very telling, yet not told. Things that are enlightening but you don’t hear much about.
And I can already hear the objection— You are correct- not all feminists advocate for these things, past or present. But McCulley makes compelling connections to these things and popular feminist ideals.
Like how fewer people are getting married or having kids. And more divorces are happening, mostly initiated by women. Like how people who cohabit are less happy than people who are married. And cohabiting is actually a predictor of divorce.
Like how pornography degrades women and is heavily connected to violence. It also hinders positive and healthy sexual encounters because of the unrealistic expectations it creates for people. Here’s an irony for you, WAP used to stand for a feminist organization called “Women Against Porn.”
She traces the history of the home being integrated with the workplace and being a place of production to, after the Industrial Revolution, the home being separated from the marketplace which has led women to believe the home is a less worthy place to be. It has also led to the home being more about consumption than production.
A Biblical Attitude
Though McCulley addresses the Ephesians verses on submission, exposition of these verses was not her main drive for this book, and other books below would pair well with this. Yet she reminds us of very significant things that are all too often completely ignored when considering the biblical viewpoint.
The Bible calls women to submit to their husbands, not all men. And it is not a submission to abuse.
“It is not an absolute surrender of her will. Rather, we speak of her disposition to yield to her husband’s guidance and her inclination to follow his leadership. Christ is her absolute authority, not the husband.”— Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
While women are choosing to follow their husband’s leadership, the Bible is directing men to care and love their wives as Christ loved the church. How did Christ love the church? He died for it. The Bible calls men to sacrificial and servant leadership that puts their wives interests ahead of their own, not a domineering control where the wife has no voice.
With every chapter, McCulley reminds us how the Bible is pro-woman. God’s design for men and women is good and for our good.
“Every one of us is prone to agree with Satan’s character assassination of God. We often chafe at the good boundaries God has given us. We are easily tempted to think the worst of God. And we doubt that what God has provided is anywhere near as good as what He has restricted.”
Frankly, I don’t think it takes much research to realize that many of the ‘freedoms’ people want today do more harm than good. Boundaries are not a bad thing.
We can trust God with our gender, our role, our worth, and our marriage.
Radical Womanhood
I’m realizing more and more the complexity of what ‘biblical womanhood’ means for Christians. That’s why I want to keep reading these kinds of books to expand my knowledge of what has led us to where we are today and to constantly be checking ideas and beliefs against the Bible, our ultimate authority.
McCulley acknowledges: “In the twenty-first century, few things are more controversial than the Bible’s plain teaching on sexuality and gender roles.”
It is true.
And I don’t see the controversy lessening any time soon.
But matters of gender, sex, and marriage are important to God and because they matter to God, they should matter to us.
As Christians, we need to put the work in to finding truth, not just assimilating into culture or choosing beliefs that allow the ‘freedoms’ we desire the most.
Biblical womanhood seems radical today but it is nothing less than trusting God and his Word.
I’ll end with this quote that brings it all back to the gospel:
“If this stirs up resentment in our hearts, I believe that’s because we’ve lost sight of the gospel… Does it really matter how our Lord asks us to serve Him for just a few short years on this earth when we will equally delight in Him for time without end?! Even those men who are called to be pastors will only serve in that position for a portion of their lives. All the good things we can do here on earth are trumped by the one thing that is truly good— to worship Jesus now and for all of eternity! We have received far better than we deserved, thanks to the mercy of the cross. Let us not quibble about the small part we play in advancing Christ’s kingdom and the good news of salvation.”
Further Reading
Evangelical Feminism: A New Path to Liberalism? by Wayne Grudem
A(Typical) Woman: Free, Whole, and Called in Christ by Abigail Dodds
What God Has to Say About our Bodies: How the Gospel is Good News for Our Physical Selves by Sam Allberry
Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction by Kevin DeYoung
Designed for Joy: How the Gospel Impacts Men and Women, Identity, and Practice by Owen Strachan
The Secular Creed: Engaging Five Contemporary Claims by Rebecca McLaughlin
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October 17, 2017
Livro maravilhoso! Realmente irá te trazer muito conhecimento sobre o assunto. Carolyn fala sobre as ondas do feminismo e seus resultados na sociedade e na Igreja. A autora traz reflexões bíblicas sobre o assunto e ao final de cada capítulo conta a história de alguma conhecida sua que foi vítima do feminismo. O livro mostra as raízes do feminismo, o verdadeiro problema das mulheres, a virtude das donas de casa, o engano da cultura da vulgaridade e como ter uma fé feminina em um mundo feminista. A leitura desse livro é importante para homens e mulheres, porque trata de um assunto que todos nós vemos no dia-a-dia. O livro é muito interessante e bem escrito!
Recomendo para todos!
PS: Veja os conteúdo de rodapé! McCulley recomenda livros ótimos que abordam temas relacionados.
Recomendo para todos!
PS: Veja os conteúdo de rodapé! McCulley recomenda livros ótimos que abordam temas relacionados.
February 23, 2022
Que livro maravilhoso!
Leitura empolgante que me fez pensar sobre o impacto de cada uma das três ondas do feminismo, e o quanto o assunto é relevante para os dias de hoje.
Considerar toda a temática a luz da bíblia só nos faz ver o valor que a feminilidade tem diante de Deus.
O evangelho da cruz alcança homens e mulheres, transforma vidas e faz dos pecadores filhos de Deus.
Ser feminina no mundo do feminismo tem sido um desafio, quando há discurso de ódio, e grande incentivo a odiar os homens e construir a vida sem eles, entre outras coisas que certamente caminham para lados oposto daquilo que a Bíblia ensina.
É um grande investimento tirar um tempo para ler esse livro.
Leitura empolgante que me fez pensar sobre o impacto de cada uma das três ondas do feminismo, e o quanto o assunto é relevante para os dias de hoje.
Considerar toda a temática a luz da bíblia só nos faz ver o valor que a feminilidade tem diante de Deus.
O evangelho da cruz alcança homens e mulheres, transforma vidas e faz dos pecadores filhos de Deus.
Ser feminina no mundo do feminismo tem sido um desafio, quando há discurso de ódio, e grande incentivo a odiar os homens e construir a vida sem eles, entre outras coisas que certamente caminham para lados oposto daquilo que a Bíblia ensina.
É um grande investimento tirar um tempo para ler esse livro.
February 5, 2017
The title, subtitle, and cover don't do this book justice! What I thought was going to be just one woman's interpretation of what it "really means" to be a "woman of God" was actually an excellently written, well-researched history of feminism and how the world and the Church have responded (or failed to respond) to it. It is full of wisdom and truth, and answered many questions- some of which I've been asking for a while and some of which I didn't know I had until they were answered. A satisfying read for any woman (or man) wondering why we believe what we believe about femininity.
February 14, 2018
Uma abordagem sobre a influência do feminismo e seus perigos com bom panorama histórico e abordagem bíbilco teológico. Conteúdo bem acessível.
January 7, 2020
Ao mesmo tempo que é honesto sobre vários aspectos históricos, é desonesto e super pretensioso em assuntos mais práticos e ideológicos.
June 12, 2025
I just didn’t find this book very compelling. The author (a former feminist) is largely arguing against feminism. However, I felt like her focus was so heavily on what she was arguing against (feminism, its history, and supporters) that she missed the mark and didn’t build solid or practical biblical arguments for what she was supposed to be arguing for: biblical femininity. It felt like her answers were mostly reactionary to feminism (i.e. feminism says don’t get married, so get married; feminism says don’t stay home with your kids, so stay home with your kids) rather than focusing on the heart and what it means to be a biblical woman and honor the Lord no matter what your life looks like. Lastly, while almost 20 yrs old, this book felt outdated as so much has changed in the world. I think much better thoughts on feminism can be found in the works of Rosaria Butterfield.
May 26, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to learn some of the history of feminism but also look into Scripture and see what a Biblical response to these attributes are. The author was also very gracious and not condemning of the women who hold to unbiblical views. Our battle is not against these women but is a spiritual battle. I did have a couple small issues of disagreement with the author but after some of the books I have read about a woman's role, I thought she did a great job with her topic.
July 2, 2022
I struggle to figure out how to rate this book. It is not a bad book, it is also just not a helpful book. She says some good things and tells some good stories. However, she is severely misunderstanding the root of feminism which is found in the curse in Genesis and never points to or gives a clear picture of what biblical womanhood actually is. In an effort to avoid writing a 10 page paper for a review, i’ll just end by pointing you to Eve in Exile by Rebekah Merkle for your next and far more comprehensive read!
July 6, 2022
Although it was interesting to read about the history of feminism, it fell short as far as the biblical position, and in many places, I strongly disagreed with her conclusions.
April 11, 2021
É uma leitura até interessante, mas, o estudo sobre o tema não deve parar por aí. Carolyn omite certos fatos e o que deveria ser neutro acaba sendo tendencioso.
Como, por exemplo, quando ela apresenta o feticídio feminino que ocorre na Índia e na China — importante dizer que esse feticídio ocorre porque a cultura deles é extremamente machista e não reconhece valor a mulher — e diz que em regiões que o Evangelho está sendo pregado o aborto de meninas diminui, e glória a Deus por isso! Mas, porque ela também não fala sobre o trabalho de ativistas feministas que lutam contra isso, e não só isso, mas ajudam em diversas outras questões?
Além de que esse texto é apresentado na sessão que fala sobre a luta das feministas para a liberação do aborto. Quem lê, acaba pensando que as próprias ativistas são a favor de tão feito, e não é que não seja! Mas é necessário um recorte.
O livro apresenta as três ondas do feminismo, mas não explica as vertentes, o feminismo radical acaba sendo a base da "comparação" que é hoje o mais contrariado, refutado e menos aceito no meio feminista.
Ela apresenta algumas mulheres extremistas, frustradas e, por assim dizer, faz você pensar que feminismo não é nada mais do que uma "capa" de vitimismo para as mulheres.
Logo no início, Carolyn, diz que não conhece nenhuma mulher que esteja em um casamento nos conformes bíblicos que esteja se sentindo oprimida. Pois, bem! Eu conheço, e não é apenas uma ou duas mulheres. A narrativa é feita aparentemente de um mundo idealista que infelizmente está bem longe de ser realidade, é como se ela vivesse em uma bolha.
Na citação "Entender Sanger nos ajuda a entender porque as crianças são hoje descartáveis" ao meu é uma conclusão sem sentido, Sanger fala diversas coisas ridículas e sim não deve ser levada como exemplo em hipótese nenhuma! Mas desde os primórdios crianças são tratadas como descartáveis, citando textos bíblicos, por exemplo, vemos elas sendo oferecidas como sacrifícios a outros deuses, a época em que Jesus andou sobre à terra as crianças também não eram consideradas, sem contar o trabalho infantil na idade Média, e exploração durante a Revolução Industrial.
Não estamos enfrentando uma guerra contra as mães, como diz a autora — mas devemos considerar que também não é completamente aceito, existe sim, uma resistência — mas a verdadeira guerra é contra as crianças.
O que me fez não classificar esse livro como péssimo foi a abordagem sobre a adoção e o capítulo sete, que é fenomenal. Se todos que criticam tão ferozmente o aborto adotasse uma criança, tenho certeza que existiriam pouquíssimas crianças em abrigos. Isso é inclusive que um dado aqui no Brasil, se cada IGREJA adotasse UMA criança, não teria mais crianças a serem adotadas.
Infelizmente não posso ignorar as inverdades ali contidas, esse assunto é muito mais complexo e o livro aborda de uma forma rasa.
O movimento é pintado como "antimãe, antifilho e antijesus" o que não é uma verdade completa, pois, o feminismo nasceu em uma igreja. Houve uma ruptura entre o fim da segunda onda e o início da segunda.
Sobre ser contra mães e filhos, e ai que apresentar as vertentes se torna necessário. Hoje em dia, o maior enfoque do feminismo é prezando a liberdade. Quer ficar em casa criando seus filhos? Tudo bem! Quer sair e trabalhar? Tudo bem! Desde que seja o que você quer.
Importante dizer que não acredito de forma alguma que o feminismo seja o salvador da humanidade, mas deveríamos abrir os olhos e entender que o movimento trouxe muitos avanços para nós, porém infelizmente no meio do caminho ele se perdeu e foi banalizado. Ao invés de passarmos tanto tempo na ‘internet’ criticando o feminismo, por que não manifestamos o reino? Por que homens não se comportam como Cristo?
Quando a igreja realmente se preocupar em manifestar a glória de Deus discussões como essas serão inúteis.
Como, por exemplo, quando ela apresenta o feticídio feminino que ocorre na Índia e na China — importante dizer que esse feticídio ocorre porque a cultura deles é extremamente machista e não reconhece valor a mulher — e diz que em regiões que o Evangelho está sendo pregado o aborto de meninas diminui, e glória a Deus por isso! Mas, porque ela também não fala sobre o trabalho de ativistas feministas que lutam contra isso, e não só isso, mas ajudam em diversas outras questões?
Além de que esse texto é apresentado na sessão que fala sobre a luta das feministas para a liberação do aborto. Quem lê, acaba pensando que as próprias ativistas são a favor de tão feito, e não é que não seja! Mas é necessário um recorte.
O livro apresenta as três ondas do feminismo, mas não explica as vertentes, o feminismo radical acaba sendo a base da "comparação" que é hoje o mais contrariado, refutado e menos aceito no meio feminista.
Ela apresenta algumas mulheres extremistas, frustradas e, por assim dizer, faz você pensar que feminismo não é nada mais do que uma "capa" de vitimismo para as mulheres.
Logo no início, Carolyn, diz que não conhece nenhuma mulher que esteja em um casamento nos conformes bíblicos que esteja se sentindo oprimida. Pois, bem! Eu conheço, e não é apenas uma ou duas mulheres. A narrativa é feita aparentemente de um mundo idealista que infelizmente está bem longe de ser realidade, é como se ela vivesse em uma bolha.
Na citação "Entender Sanger nos ajuda a entender porque as crianças são hoje descartáveis" ao meu é uma conclusão sem sentido, Sanger fala diversas coisas ridículas e sim não deve ser levada como exemplo em hipótese nenhuma! Mas desde os primórdios crianças são tratadas como descartáveis, citando textos bíblicos, por exemplo, vemos elas sendo oferecidas como sacrifícios a outros deuses, a época em que Jesus andou sobre à terra as crianças também não eram consideradas, sem contar o trabalho infantil na idade Média, e exploração durante a Revolução Industrial.
Não estamos enfrentando uma guerra contra as mães, como diz a autora — mas devemos considerar que também não é completamente aceito, existe sim, uma resistência — mas a verdadeira guerra é contra as crianças.
O que me fez não classificar esse livro como péssimo foi a abordagem sobre a adoção e o capítulo sete, que é fenomenal. Se todos que criticam tão ferozmente o aborto adotasse uma criança, tenho certeza que existiriam pouquíssimas crianças em abrigos. Isso é inclusive que um dado aqui no Brasil, se cada IGREJA adotasse UMA criança, não teria mais crianças a serem adotadas.
Infelizmente não posso ignorar as inverdades ali contidas, esse assunto é muito mais complexo e o livro aborda de uma forma rasa.
O movimento é pintado como "antimãe, antifilho e antijesus" o que não é uma verdade completa, pois, o feminismo nasceu em uma igreja. Houve uma ruptura entre o fim da segunda onda e o início da segunda.
Sobre ser contra mães e filhos, e ai que apresentar as vertentes se torna necessário. Hoje em dia, o maior enfoque do feminismo é prezando a liberdade. Quer ficar em casa criando seus filhos? Tudo bem! Quer sair e trabalhar? Tudo bem! Desde que seja o que você quer.
Importante dizer que não acredito de forma alguma que o feminismo seja o salvador da humanidade, mas deveríamos abrir os olhos e entender que o movimento trouxe muitos avanços para nós, porém infelizmente no meio do caminho ele se perdeu e foi banalizado. Ao invés de passarmos tanto tempo na ‘internet’ criticando o feminismo, por que não manifestamos o reino? Por que homens não se comportam como Cristo?
Quando a igreja realmente se preocupar em manifestar a glória de Deus discussões como essas serão inúteis.
June 4, 2020
É um livro que apresenta pesquisas interessantes e dados confiáveis (conferi vários). A autora coloca a Bíblia como uma peneira para os fundamentos do feminismo, em cada onda ao longo dos anos até o que o feminismo “radical” apresenta no período em que o livro foi escrito.
Como acontece com uma peneira real, algumas coisas passam, ou seja, algumas ideias e posicionamentos são “aceitas” por ela (digo ela porque não acho certo usar “aceita pelos cristãos, uma vez que ela não fala por todos). E, claro, outros pontos não são aceitos ou compatíveis com a interpretação bíblica aqui usada.
É um livro que talvez faça um jovem cristão ver o feminismo com olhos menos preconceituosos e despertar nele uma visão mais crítica e observadora, e quem sabe até curiosa. Contudo, aos mais conservadores e menos dispostos a análise e pesquisa, pode apenas aumentar o distanciamento. E, para os não-cristãos, não sei se os argumentos aqui os “convenceriam” sobre acreditar no ponto de vista cristão somente pelos versículos bíblicos e histórias compartilhadas. Não dá tempo para que a autora aprofunde conceitos bíblicos, ela cita e exemplifica através de alguns testemunhos de vida.
Como acontece com uma peneira real, algumas coisas passam, ou seja, algumas ideias e posicionamentos são “aceitas” por ela (digo ela porque não acho certo usar “aceita pelos cristãos, uma vez que ela não fala por todos). E, claro, outros pontos não são aceitos ou compatíveis com a interpretação bíblica aqui usada.
É um livro que talvez faça um jovem cristão ver o feminismo com olhos menos preconceituosos e despertar nele uma visão mais crítica e observadora, e quem sabe até curiosa. Contudo, aos mais conservadores e menos dispostos a análise e pesquisa, pode apenas aumentar o distanciamento. E, para os não-cristãos, não sei se os argumentos aqui os “convenceriam” sobre acreditar no ponto de vista cristão somente pelos versículos bíblicos e histórias compartilhadas. Não dá tempo para que a autora aprofunde conceitos bíblicos, ela cita e exemplifica através de alguns testemunhos de vida.
January 3, 2011
I am in the middle of this book and I am so excited to finish. I am so glad to have a better knowledge base for discussions with more liberal minded friends who I love and appreciate, but do not necessarly agree with. I am most remembering the statement that the first 2 waves of feminisim had very valid offenses to battle....rights to vote and hold property and fair equal standing in church and society (both biblical) but the third wave that most of us under 40 remember and have been most influenced by found against.....BOREDOM. Wow. Suggestive thoughts of discontent, that has permeated our culture, male and female, and taken God's grace and provision out of our equation.
So I recommend this book. She sensitively and in a new way explains submission (the no no of today)and gender roles. I appreciate the helpmate section. I find myself many times, gently correcting or encouraging my husband with real direction from the Holy Spirit and that section affirmed that for me.
So I recommend this book. She sensitively and in a new way explains submission (the no no of today)and gender roles. I appreciate the helpmate section. I find myself many times, gently correcting or encouraging my husband with real direction from the Holy Spirit and that section affirmed that for me.
November 21, 2015
I've had this book on my shelf for at least 5 years, so I finally took the plunge to read it. I'm glad I waited as long as I did. This book gave an interesting overview of feminism through time from an extremely conservative Biblical perspective. From what I've been learning lately, I can't say I agree with everything she said regarding women in the church (which wasn't a lot, to her credit) and her biblical perspective of the role of women through time. All in all, I was most intrigued by her summarizing the feminist movement over time and less impressed with her conservative Biblical approach to "radical womanhood." There are too many holes in her argument for me to stomach the role she calls Christian women to have in the world and in the church.
August 18, 2012
This book was in opposition to my perspective as a female minister, but I appreciate the way she wrote and explained her interpretation of scripture as well as the extensive history of the feminist movement. She also supports the full equality of women, which is a positive stance in spite of the often harmful and repressive repercussions of this theology. It hopefully will stimulate positive dialogue on both sides of the issue.
October 6, 2017
Melhor livro sobre o tema! Preciso, bíblico, atual e relevante.
February 11, 2018
Este livro é essencial para toda mulher cristã. Entenda em detalhes a evolução do pensamento feminista e onde estamos nos dias de hoje na igreja. Leitura obrigatória!
April 24, 2020
Um livro que nos leva a pensar o quanto alguns temas mundanos tem tomado nossas vidas e guiados nossas escolhas.
March 20, 2017
The concept of feminism has always been hazy for me. Recently, feminism has been especially prominent in media and sparked my interest in to learning more about feminism –when did it start, how has it evolved into what it is today, and – most importantly – how can we approach feminism in a Christlike manner?
I wasn’t sure which Christian-based book on feminism to pick up. After reading reviews and reading excerpts on Radical Womanhood, I headed to Amazon and purchased it. Before going any further in my review, I want to say that this book is informative for all women regardless of age and marital status. While marriage, divorce, and motherhood are a large part of the book, I was still able to learn and apply certain things to my life as a single woman in my late twenties.
This is as much as a historical book as a theological one. Author Carolyn McCulley does a good job giving us historical details on the origins of feminism, including backgrounds on famous feminists, the three waves of feminism (who knew, right?), and how the different waves have affected society and the church as a whole. McCulley takes common themes discussed by feminists and she cites Scripture where God specifically talks about these themes. Some of these themes include submission; abortion; definition of marriage and the husband and wife’s roles within marriage; and women’s roles in the home and church. I found it very interesting to read how much feminism has evolved and how much of it was shaped by other historical occurrences, such as the Industrial Revolution, the Second Great Awakening, and World War II. At the end of the book, McCulley offers further resources for abuse. Sadly – because of human’s sinful nature – some men do defy God’s command to honor women by abusing them. This is an important section of the book that may help women who have been abused.
I usually don’t have lengthy reviews with tangents, yet I feel I must insert this tangent. In Chapter 3, McCulley discusses submission and how it is present in the Divine Trinity. Yes, you read correctly! She quotes Wayne Grudem as he says that headship and submission always was with “the eternal nature of God himself.” She states, "The three divine persons of the Trinity are equal in nature, but different in role" (p. 61). I never before thought of submission being present in the Trinity, but it really stayed with me and helped me understand that submission is not a sign of weakness or lesser value.
Overall, I recommend this book to those wanting to learn more about the rise of feminism. I also recommend to those who want to know more on what the Bible says about being a Godly woman. There is nothing preachy or fluffy in this one. I recommend especially to young women as they may be confused on where they stand on being a woman in today’s society. Many women in mainstream media have taken feminism to the extreme and have distorted women’s image. As McCulley states in her book, “There is a difference between restoring God-given rights to women and setting women above both men and God” (p. 32). This is what many women today have done and I fear it has negatively impacted many young women. And as author McCulley says, the overall cause of this twisted form of feminism is sin of both men and women. I continue to pray that with God’s grace and redemptive powers that we will be able to turn messy affairs around and men can respect women and women can respect men and live as they should – lovingly with equal but different roles. After all, we both share the privileged status of being created in the image of God.
I wasn’t sure which Christian-based book on feminism to pick up. After reading reviews and reading excerpts on Radical Womanhood, I headed to Amazon and purchased it. Before going any further in my review, I want to say that this book is informative for all women regardless of age and marital status. While marriage, divorce, and motherhood are a large part of the book, I was still able to learn and apply certain things to my life as a single woman in my late twenties.
This is as much as a historical book as a theological one. Author Carolyn McCulley does a good job giving us historical details on the origins of feminism, including backgrounds on famous feminists, the three waves of feminism (who knew, right?), and how the different waves have affected society and the church as a whole. McCulley takes common themes discussed by feminists and she cites Scripture where God specifically talks about these themes. Some of these themes include submission; abortion; definition of marriage and the husband and wife’s roles within marriage; and women’s roles in the home and church. I found it very interesting to read how much feminism has evolved and how much of it was shaped by other historical occurrences, such as the Industrial Revolution, the Second Great Awakening, and World War II. At the end of the book, McCulley offers further resources for abuse. Sadly – because of human’s sinful nature – some men do defy God’s command to honor women by abusing them. This is an important section of the book that may help women who have been abused.
I usually don’t have lengthy reviews with tangents, yet I feel I must insert this tangent. In Chapter 3, McCulley discusses submission and how it is present in the Divine Trinity. Yes, you read correctly! She quotes Wayne Grudem as he says that headship and submission always was with “the eternal nature of God himself.” She states, "The three divine persons of the Trinity are equal in nature, but different in role" (p. 61). I never before thought of submission being present in the Trinity, but it really stayed with me and helped me understand that submission is not a sign of weakness or lesser value.
Overall, I recommend this book to those wanting to learn more about the rise of feminism. I also recommend to those who want to know more on what the Bible says about being a Godly woman. There is nothing preachy or fluffy in this one. I recommend especially to young women as they may be confused on where they stand on being a woman in today’s society. Many women in mainstream media have taken feminism to the extreme and have distorted women’s image. As McCulley states in her book, “There is a difference between restoring God-given rights to women and setting women above both men and God” (p. 32). This is what many women today have done and I fear it has negatively impacted many young women. And as author McCulley says, the overall cause of this twisted form of feminism is sin of both men and women. I continue to pray that with God’s grace and redemptive powers that we will be able to turn messy affairs around and men can respect women and women can respect men and live as they should – lovingly with equal but different roles. After all, we both share the privileged status of being created in the image of God.
December 31, 2021
Esse ano tentei focar mais em livros cristãos, mas confesso que tive muita dificuldade como iniciante nesse gênero de livro. Ainda questiono muito as doutrina por não conhecer o embasamento, motivo pelo qual quero estudar mais o assunto. Além disso, há muitos livros nada cativantes sobre esse tipo de estudo. Já esse livro… ele me surpreendeu MUITO. Primeiro, porque ele é fácil de entender. Segundo, porque ele é MUITO bem embasado e com argumentos lógicos, sensíveis e bíblicos
Muita esclarecedor a visão cristã sobre as ondas feministas, estou gostando muita da fundamentação da autora e ela tem me convencido com relação a maioria dos temias abordados. Recomendo a leitura para todos que sentem que o debate sobre o feminismo sempre foca na superfície, sendo que há muitíssimo a ser explorada. E preciso enfatizar que a maneira como a autora conta na maior parte do livro sobre o conflitos entre feminismo e cristianismo é acolhedor, não há um tom de combate nem de desprezo. Enfim… demorei muito para ler esse livro, achei que ele denso e tive uns problemas na vida que me realmente me atrapalharam a focar na leitura mais técnica, mas valeu a pena porque agora sei o lado das duas histórias (feminismo/feminilidade) e hoje entendo melhor o posicionamento cristão. Há algumas abordagens que tenho dúvidas, há outras que eu vou aprofundar para entender melhor. Esse livro é perfeito para todas as idades, foi isso que me encantou. Ele é muito acessível. Sempre comento sobre ele em conversas sobre igualdade de gênero. Resumindo: esse livro é uma experiência sensacional
Muita esclarecedor a visão cristã sobre as ondas feministas, estou gostando muita da fundamentação da autora e ela tem me convencido com relação a maioria dos temias abordados. Recomendo a leitura para todos que sentem que o debate sobre o feminismo sempre foca na superfície, sendo que há muitíssimo a ser explorada. E preciso enfatizar que a maneira como a autora conta na maior parte do livro sobre o conflitos entre feminismo e cristianismo é acolhedor, não há um tom de combate nem de desprezo. Enfim… demorei muito para ler esse livro, achei que ele denso e tive uns problemas na vida que me realmente me atrapalharam a focar na leitura mais técnica, mas valeu a pena porque agora sei o lado das duas histórias (feminismo/feminilidade) e hoje entendo melhor o posicionamento cristão. Há algumas abordagens que tenho dúvidas, há outras que eu vou aprofundar para entender melhor. Esse livro é perfeito para todas as idades, foi isso que me encantou. Ele é muito acessível. Sempre comento sobre ele em conversas sobre igualdade de gênero. Resumindo: esse livro é uma experiência sensacional
December 6, 2019
Esse livro é para aquelas pessoas que acreditam na Bíblia e no plano de Deus para a humanidade. Mesmo se você é uma dessas pessoas ainda assim corre o risco de se sentir desconfortável com alguns pontos abordados por ele, mas isso só corrobora um dos argumentos principais do livro que é a constatação de que o feminismo está tão enraizado em nossa sociedade que vem ao longo dos anos mudando conceitos e princípios, não só socialmente falando, mas também religiosamente.
O livro perde por ser curto e com isso a autora foi um pouco superficial em alguns temas. Outro aspecto não necessariamente negativo mas que me incomodou um pouco foi o fato de em diversos momentos a autora transcrever textos de outros livros, reportagens, estudos, etc., que apesar de estarem totalmente dentro do contexto do assunto acabava quebrando o ritmo da leitura e muitas vezes a linha de raciocínio. Porém ao longo das páginas pude perceber o esforço da autora em trazer a verdade bíblica em sua forma mais pura e verdadeira, sem floreios, sem teorias ou máscaras, para que o leitor pudesse entender a genuína vontade de Deus para as mulheres nessa sociedade.
Ao final do livro considero um saldo positivo pois tive muitas reflexões, confirmei algumas antigas convicções e no fim de tudo continuei com a certeza de que a vontade de Deus é sempre boa, perfeita e agradável e não importa quão sedutoras sejam as ofertas ideológicas que recebemos diariamente, não vale a pena abrir mão do evangelho.
O livro perde por ser curto e com isso a autora foi um pouco superficial em alguns temas. Outro aspecto não necessariamente negativo mas que me incomodou um pouco foi o fato de em diversos momentos a autora transcrever textos de outros livros, reportagens, estudos, etc., que apesar de estarem totalmente dentro do contexto do assunto acabava quebrando o ritmo da leitura e muitas vezes a linha de raciocínio. Porém ao longo das páginas pude perceber o esforço da autora em trazer a verdade bíblica em sua forma mais pura e verdadeira, sem floreios, sem teorias ou máscaras, para que o leitor pudesse entender a genuína vontade de Deus para as mulheres nessa sociedade.
Ao final do livro considero um saldo positivo pois tive muitas reflexões, confirmei algumas antigas convicções e no fim de tudo continuei com a certeza de que a vontade de Deus é sempre boa, perfeita e agradável e não importa quão sedutoras sejam as ofertas ideológicas que recebemos diariamente, não vale a pena abrir mão do evangelho.
December 31, 2016
I got Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World by Carolyn McCulley some years ago when I caught it on sale – both because it was on sale and because I have enjoyed some of Carolyn’s writing in the past. It’s been on my TBR shelf ever since, and every now and then when I’ve noticed it, I’ve wondered why I keep getting books on this topic when I’ve already studied it out in Scripture and read several books on it and pretty much have nailed down my views. I guess because it’s one of my main interests. But I was compelled to pick it up recently (maybe due to guilt for its having been there so long) – and I was extremely glad I did.
Carolyn comes at the topic from a different angle than I have read in the past, and that makes for a refreshing viewpoint. She grew up as an unbeliever and a full-blown feminist. Her world changed completely when she became a Christian at 29, and attending church was a major culture shock. Over time and through her own study of the Bible and the preaching and teaching of it by her church, she came to different conclusions about womanhood than she had been raised with. She wrote this book partly because she wished her 30 year old self had had something like it to help her navigate through the conflicting viewpoints, but also because she discovered in her speaking engagements that a lot of women didn’t know what the Bible said plus didn’t know how our feminist-influenced culture got where it is today.
The eight chapters are divided by topic, with a history of feminism related to that topic, a Biblical perspective, and a testimony from different women about living out that particular aspect of Biblical femininity.
She points out that feminism did address some serious needs and inequalities, but then went too far. “There’s a difference between restoring God-given rights to women and setting women above both men and God. The history of the feminist movement shows that one led to another–and much earlier than the 1960s” (p. 32).
Abigail Adams wrote to her husband in 1776 concerning the fact that women were not equal in legal status to men and urging him to “remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power in the hands of husbands…Men of sense in all ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your sex; regard us then as being placed by Providence under your protection, and in imitation of the Supreme Being make use of that power only for our happiness” (p. 32). She “was not suggesting that women should throw off every aspect of feminine existence, trashing the roles of wives and mothers. She simply wanted laws that recognized women as fully legal, adult entities in this new nation” (p. 33). She predicted that failure would “foment a rebellion” in which women would “not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation” (p. 32). Unfortunately, though they had a “close and loving marriage,” he “did not take her seriously on this point” (p. 33).
Her prediction proved true, though. By 1848 the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention met and compiled a “Declaration of Sentiments” including a list of their grievances.
These grievances led to needed reforms in education, marriage, suffrage, and employment for women. But mixed in with those needed social reforms was a challenge to Christianity–its church governance, biblical teaching, and community service…eventually [leading] to the destruction of biblically defined concepts of God, sin, gender differences, marriage, and more (p. 36).
Carolyn deftly details the history of feminism from there, comparing it to what the Scripture actually teaches, and providing some background information on some of its activists. I was surprised to learn–though I shouldn’t have been–that some of feminism’s most strident voices had distinctly anti-Christian views at the core of their philosophies.
I have many more places marked than I can quote here, but here are just a few quotes that stood out to me:
Back to my beginning thoughts about why I should read a book like this when I’ve already studied it out, Carolyn had this to say:
This was quite an eye-opening book for me. Though every chapter was interesting and filled with information, most interesting to me was the one on the home and it’s history from home-based businesses producing goods to consuming goods, and the fact that my beloved major, home economics, was originally an outgrowth of Social Darwinism!
I wouldn’t agree with just every little thing taught by every Christian leader Carolyn quotes, but I don’t recall coming across anything I would consider a glaring error in the book.
I feel like I have only shared the tip of the iceberg and haven’t done this book justice. Let’s just say I highly recommend it.
Carolyn comes at the topic from a different angle than I have read in the past, and that makes for a refreshing viewpoint. She grew up as an unbeliever and a full-blown feminist. Her world changed completely when she became a Christian at 29, and attending church was a major culture shock. Over time and through her own study of the Bible and the preaching and teaching of it by her church, she came to different conclusions about womanhood than she had been raised with. She wrote this book partly because she wished her 30 year old self had had something like it to help her navigate through the conflicting viewpoints, but also because she discovered in her speaking engagements that a lot of women didn’t know what the Bible said plus didn’t know how our feminist-influenced culture got where it is today.
The eight chapters are divided by topic, with a history of feminism related to that topic, a Biblical perspective, and a testimony from different women about living out that particular aspect of Biblical femininity.
She points out that feminism did address some serious needs and inequalities, but then went too far. “There’s a difference between restoring God-given rights to women and setting women above both men and God. The history of the feminist movement shows that one led to another–and much earlier than the 1960s” (p. 32).
Abigail Adams wrote to her husband in 1776 concerning the fact that women were not equal in legal status to men and urging him to “remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power in the hands of husbands…Men of sense in all ages abhor those customs which treat us only as the vassals of your sex; regard us then as being placed by Providence under your protection, and in imitation of the Supreme Being make use of that power only for our happiness” (p. 32). She “was not suggesting that women should throw off every aspect of feminine existence, trashing the roles of wives and mothers. She simply wanted laws that recognized women as fully legal, adult entities in this new nation” (p. 33). She predicted that failure would “foment a rebellion” in which women would “not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice or representation” (p. 32). Unfortunately, though they had a “close and loving marriage,” he “did not take her seriously on this point” (p. 33).
Her prediction proved true, though. By 1848 the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention met and compiled a “Declaration of Sentiments” including a list of their grievances.
These grievances led to needed reforms in education, marriage, suffrage, and employment for women. But mixed in with those needed social reforms was a challenge to Christianity–its church governance, biblical teaching, and community service…eventually [leading] to the destruction of biblically defined concepts of God, sin, gender differences, marriage, and more (p. 36).
Carolyn deftly details the history of feminism from there, comparing it to what the Scripture actually teaches, and providing some background information on some of its activists. I was surprised to learn–though I shouldn’t have been–that some of feminism’s most strident voices had distinctly anti-Christian views at the core of their philosophies.
I have many more places marked than I can quote here, but here are just a few quotes that stood out to me:
All my previous feminist philosophies resulted in merely kicking at the darkness, expecting it would bleed daylight. But Scripture says it is by God’s light that we see light (Psalm 36:9) (p. 26).
The irony of Stanton’s claims is that when the Bible is actually properly taught, history shows that women’s status improves (p. 38).
Spiritual battles are won or lost in the day-to-day thoughts we harbor. Ideas matter! (p. 59).
Every one of us is prone to agree with Satan’s character assassination of God. We often chafe at the good boundaries God has given us. We are easily tempted to think the worst of God. And we doubt that what God has provided is anywhere near as good as what He has restricted. In some ways, we may have more in common with self-proclaimed feminists than we may realize (p. 60).
Back to my beginning thoughts about why I should read a book like this when I’ve already studied it out, Carolyn had this to say:
If you are a longtime Christian, I pray you will be refreshed in your commitment to these godly principles. Biblical womanhood is not a one-size-fits-all mold. It’s not about certain dress styles, Jane Austen movies, tea parties, quiet voices, and exploding floral patterns…or whatever stereotype you are picturing right now. To live according to biblical principals today requires women to be bold enough to stand against philosophies and strongholds that seek to undermine God’s Word and His authority (p. 29).
This was quite an eye-opening book for me. Though every chapter was interesting and filled with information, most interesting to me was the one on the home and it’s history from home-based businesses producing goods to consuming goods, and the fact that my beloved major, home economics, was originally an outgrowth of Social Darwinism!
I wouldn’t agree with just every little thing taught by every Christian leader Carolyn quotes, but I don’t recall coming across anything I would consider a glaring error in the book.
I feel like I have only shared the tip of the iceberg and haven’t done this book justice. Let’s just say I highly recommend it.
December 2, 2021
Eu amei este livro. A autora estudou e pesquisou muito para trazer-nos uma obra completa. É uma leitura agradável e seu vocabulário é bem claro e objetivo. O fato de citar versículos bíblicos com as suas referências é fantástica.
Nos primeiros capítulos, é basicamente explicando como começou a onda do feminismo. Contém bastante informações que eu não sabia, o que é gratificante.
Mas depois senti que o livro é mais para mulheres casadas (ou noivas) do que para solteiras, o que de certa forma, me entristeceu um pouco. Há muitas frases como "você e seu esposo" e "seu marido" ao invés de também incluir palavras referente ao futuro. Mas nada isso me impediu de continuar a leitura.
Um pouco depois da metade do livro é dedicado à mães, o que também me senti de fora porque é um tema em que eu não vivo.
Por fim, os dois últimos capítulos são os que as solteiras "podem ser incluídas". Confesso que fiquei um pouco decepcionada pois, como sou solteira, gostaria de aprender mais sobre como as solteiras podem enfrentar o feminismo atual. Porque as solteiras possuem lutas diferentes das casadas e das mães.
Mas, novamente, nada disso me impediu de continuar minha leitura. É um livro que eu recomendo muito pois há muitos testemunhos, entrevistas e textos de outros livros.
Nos primeiros capítulos, é basicamente explicando como começou a onda do feminismo. Contém bastante informações que eu não sabia, o que é gratificante.
Mas depois senti que o livro é mais para mulheres casadas (ou noivas) do que para solteiras, o que de certa forma, me entristeceu um pouco. Há muitas frases como "você e seu esposo" e "seu marido" ao invés de também incluir palavras referente ao futuro. Mas nada isso me impediu de continuar a leitura.
Um pouco depois da metade do livro é dedicado à mães, o que também me senti de fora porque é um tema em que eu não vivo.
Por fim, os dois últimos capítulos são os que as solteiras "podem ser incluídas". Confesso que fiquei um pouco decepcionada pois, como sou solteira, gostaria de aprender mais sobre como as solteiras podem enfrentar o feminismo atual. Porque as solteiras possuem lutas diferentes das casadas e das mães.
Mas, novamente, nada disso me impediu de continuar minha leitura. É um livro que eu recomendo muito pois há muitos testemunhos, entrevistas e textos de outros livros.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2023
Esse é, definitivamente, um dos melhores livros cristãos que já li!
A autora já foi feminista e é muito legal ver como ela foi transformada e foi a fundo pesquisar, ler e entender sobre o movimento.
Ela mostra nos capítulos coisas como: a hipocrisia das feministas e como a sociedade hoje quer deturpar o casamento e diminuir o seu valor, o quanto a maternidade é desvalorizada no mundo, a banalização do sexo e tantas outras coisas.
A viés bíblica para todos esses temas é essencial para a mulher cristã! Precisamos entender, por exemplo, que o problema da mulher não é o homem, mas que o de ambos é o PECADO.
Excelente livro e de grande aprendizado! Livro de cabeceira para ser relido, com certeza.
A autora já foi feminista e é muito legal ver como ela foi transformada e foi a fundo pesquisar, ler e entender sobre o movimento.
Ela mostra nos capítulos coisas como: a hipocrisia das feministas e como a sociedade hoje quer deturpar o casamento e diminuir o seu valor, o quanto a maternidade é desvalorizada no mundo, a banalização do sexo e tantas outras coisas.
A viés bíblica para todos esses temas é essencial para a mulher cristã! Precisamos entender, por exemplo, que o problema da mulher não é o homem, mas que o de ambos é o PECADO.
Excelente livro e de grande aprendizado! Livro de cabeceira para ser relido, com certeza.
November 26, 2022
The history of feminism is very well researched. The firsthand accounts are interesting. However, this is a book specifically for complementarians, and while there is nothing wrong with that, the egalitarian perspective or even a middle perspective should be presented. Not all women are called to be homemakers or wives. Furthermore, women are not called to a lesser role in supporting their husband's ministry. They are both called to the unifying role of building Christ's kingdom. There should be no "deferring to your husband's gifts." It should be a deferring to one another in advancement of the Gospel.
February 20, 2021
I highly recommend this book, especially to young women. We really have been affected by feminism more than we know, as the author states and then demonstrates repeatedly. This book covers the history of feminism more thoroughly than Eve in Exile did (though that book left me with more practical application) and the author includes concise biblical teaching about femininity and Christ-likeness in each chapter. I really enjoyed her direct, humble, Christ-centered tone. I also liked the short stories as examples as well as breaks between intense chapters.
April 12, 2020
The author gives an informative story of her own interactions with each of the three waves of cultural feminism, highlighting key points of the history for even the most ignorant of readers. Her style is not argumentative but relentlessly turns back to redemptive gospel truths. Would highly recommend for someone trying to sort through the sometimes seemingly contradicting views of women in Scripture and throughout history.
March 31, 2022
The most interesting part about this book was the feminist history that was included in it, from 1st and 2nd wave feminism all the way up through the more-subtle 3rd wave. There are several testimonies that McCulley includes as well, and many Biblical references, which (on the whole) were not as compelling as I thought they would be.
That said, Radical Womanhood is an interesting read -- though it's probably not worth 200 pages of content.
That said, Radical Womanhood is an interesting read -- though it's probably not worth 200 pages of content.
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