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A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, Really): An Adventure for the Curious Into Bodies, Womanhood, Time, Pain and Purpose--And How to Have a Better Time of the Month
The average woman has 500 periods in her lifetime. And whether yours are mildly annoying, utterly debilitating or emotionally complicated, most of us have at one time or another asked: Why?!
This warm, light-hearted, real, honest and at times surprising book gives a biblical perspective on menstruation, as well as a whole lot more. Beginning with periods, Rachel Jones takes readers on an adventure in theology, weaving together wide-ranging reflections on the nature of our bodies, the passing of time, the purpose of pain, and the meaning of life.
One thing is for sure: you've never read a Christian book quite like this one.
Whether you're in need of hope and help, or are just downright curious, you'll be refreshed and encouraged by this book. As Rachel puts it, "Whoever you are, my aim is that you reach the end of this book celebrating who God has made you, how God has saved you, and the fact that he speaks liberating and positive truth into all of life's experiences (even periods)".
This warm, light-hearted, real, honest and at times surprising book gives a biblical perspective on menstruation, as well as a whole lot more. Beginning with periods, Rachel Jones takes readers on an adventure in theology, weaving together wide-ranging reflections on the nature of our bodies, the passing of time, the purpose of pain, and the meaning of life.
One thing is for sure: you've never read a Christian book quite like this one.
Whether you're in need of hope and help, or are just downright curious, you'll be refreshed and encouraged by this book. As Rachel puts it, "Whoever you are, my aim is that you reach the end of this book celebrating who God has made you, how God has saved you, and the fact that he speaks liberating and positive truth into all of life's experiences (even periods)".
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2021
85 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Jones
8 books23 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Rachel Jones studied History at Manchester University and is now part of the editorial team at The Good Book Company.
Rachel Jones studied History at Manchester University and is now part of the editorial team at The Good Book Company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
May 3, 2021
The biblical truths in this book paired with great writing made this such an enjoyable read! It’s far from silly and actually very helpful and encouraging, especially to those who struggle with a variety of health and emotional issues surrounding their menstrual cycle.
Ignore the spiteful one star review. It’s clear she’s not read the book.
Ignore the spiteful one star review. It’s clear she’s not read the book.
May 7, 2021
I feel a little unfair giving 4 stars, as the main reason is "I'd have liked it to be a little more in-depth" and the title explicitly states that it's a *brief* theology of periods, but I do think it could have stood being a little longer. Still an excellent read and I'd recommend it - a delightful, thoughtful little book which grapples honestly, humorously and carefully with the physicality of being a woman and a Christian.
March 19, 2021
Christian women everywhere do not need this silly book.
April 15, 2022
Maybe closer to 3.5 stars?
The title isn't joking. This is a seriously brief look at the theology of periods, coming in around a hundred pages. It engages with the Old Testament's treatment of women during their menstrual cycle and the many emotions and struggles women feel on their period. Mostly it pushes for open communication and a grace-filled approach to visits from Aunt Flow.
Like many women, I have my own storehouse of period stories and I appreciated how much I connected with Rachel Jones's words. I can imagine giving this book to a high schooler just beginning to grapple with the many emotions that come with getting your cycle. At the same time, I wouldn't say this book left me with much of anything new. I appreciate that someone is talking about the subject. I appreciate feeling heard and seen. But outside of being more mindful about appreciating all the emotions that come when I'm PMSing, I don't think it really made me think about anything very differently.
Maybe there really isn't more to say. Regardless, I'm glad I picked this one up.
The title isn't joking. This is a seriously brief look at the theology of periods, coming in around a hundred pages. It engages with the Old Testament's treatment of women during their menstrual cycle and the many emotions and struggles women feel on their period. Mostly it pushes for open communication and a grace-filled approach to visits from Aunt Flow.
Like many women, I have my own storehouse of period stories and I appreciated how much I connected with Rachel Jones's words. I can imagine giving this book to a high schooler just beginning to grapple with the many emotions that come with getting your cycle. At the same time, I wouldn't say this book left me with much of anything new. I appreciate that someone is talking about the subject. I appreciate feeling heard and seen. But outside of being more mindful about appreciating all the emotions that come when I'm PMSing, I don't think it really made me think about anything very differently.
Maybe there really isn't more to say. Regardless, I'm glad I picked this one up.
May 19, 2021
I was pretty sure I was going to love this even before I read it.
Why?
Because periods are such a fundamental, intrinsic, theologically-enmeshed reality, with literally hundreds of day-to-day implications.
Menstruation is about creation, curse and the coming of the Messiah. It's about what it means to be an embodied image-bearer. What it means to be female. What it means to be mortal.
It's bound up with pain, shame, cleanliness, emotions and lineage.
On a practical level, periods affect over half the global population for over half their lives. On a spiritual level, you could honestly write an entire book simply about the meaning of blood in the Bible - it's that symbolically freighted. This little volume was so so overdue.
And the second reason?
Because Rachel Jones is 100% the best person to write a witty, straightforward, honest introduction, with zero cringe.
The only thing I'd like now is for hundreds of other writers and preachers (including men) to pick up where she's left off. This book is really only a primer. The points are pretty basic, but at least they're being made. I'd love to see some poetic meditations on wombs and womb-anhood; some systematic theologies of fertility and faith. The door’s wide open.
Why?
Because periods are such a fundamental, intrinsic, theologically-enmeshed reality, with literally hundreds of day-to-day implications.
Menstruation is about creation, curse and the coming of the Messiah. It's about what it means to be an embodied image-bearer. What it means to be female. What it means to be mortal.
It's bound up with pain, shame, cleanliness, emotions and lineage.
On a practical level, periods affect over half the global population for over half their lives. On a spiritual level, you could honestly write an entire book simply about the meaning of blood in the Bible - it's that symbolically freighted. This little volume was so so overdue.
And the second reason?
Because Rachel Jones is 100% the best person to write a witty, straightforward, honest introduction, with zero cringe.
The only thing I'd like now is for hundreds of other writers and preachers (including men) to pick up where she's left off. This book is really only a primer. The points are pretty basic, but at least they're being made. I'd love to see some poetic meditations on wombs and womb-anhood; some systematic theologies of fertility and faith. The door’s wide open.
February 9, 2025
Appreciated this biblical look at an often ignored topic in the church at large. There is so much poignant biblical symbolism in the female experience. 🤍
May 1, 2021
In this lighthearted book you're going to find an honest look at the struggles we experience with our menstrual cycle. It's not a health book. It's not a medical book. This is about taking a look at the way our body works and how it tells us about God and his work in the world. She points us to gospel truths in our suffering and circumstances to help us depend more on Christ.
I'll admit, I hadn't really considered my cycle in light of the gospel, so I found this to be an interesting and insightful read.
I'll admit, I hadn't really considered my cycle in light of the gospel, so I found this to be an interesting and insightful read.
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March 11, 2024There’s so much to take away. It’s a better understanding of Levitical law, a theology of not just periods but also menopause. It’s a wonderful reminder that what makes my body strong and beautiful is the design of its creator, and that all the things that make my body feel weak are meant to point me back to my Creator and my need of him.
All of that is encouraging and helpful, but my biggest takeaway was thankfulness for my own mom, who has always encouraged me to champion and love all the things that make me a woman, who is honest and open about its challenges, and who taught me to celebrate every good gift, including my period.
All of that is encouraging and helpful, but my biggest takeaway was thankfulness for my own mom, who has always encouraged me to champion and love all the things that make me a woman, who is honest and open about its challenges, and who taught me to celebrate every good gift, including my period.
Read
July 27, 2021What a great (brief) project. I enjoyed listening to the audio version of the book. Perhaps it is slightly more a theologically pastoral response to the reality of periods and menopause, rather than primarily “a theology” of periods. I found the section on time and menopause really provocative in thinking about how preaching could better take into account women’s embodied experiences.
Read
November 20, 2021I read this book for a better understanding of Genesis 3 and my wife. (I felt obligated to share with the goodreads community why I read a book with this title! Haha.) I’m glad I did, it was very helpful and gospel-centered. I might even get some future sermon applications from it.
May 5, 2023
'We live with - we embody - both blessing and curse, joy and sorrow, love and loss.' (p. 42)
Okay, this was heaps cool.
- It's definitely brief, but Rachel Jones does a great job walking readers through the theological implications of periods, which is a topic that gets surprisingly little mention in Christian literature and church culture in general (despite the fact that it's a regular part of life for a significant chunk of the population).
- It took me a while to get used to the relatively casual writing style, but there's some pretty solid stuff in here.
- Overall, this makes me appreciate being a woman just a little bit more, and I hope that this will be a good springboard for further discussion in the future, across different levels of 'Christian culture'.
'Sometimes it's helpful to acknowledge the fragility of our bodies and the limits of our emotional resources. We are not God. We are created beings. We're not required to be limitless.' (p. 49)
Okay, this was heaps cool.
- It's definitely brief, but Rachel Jones does a great job walking readers through the theological implications of periods, which is a topic that gets surprisingly little mention in Christian literature and church culture in general (despite the fact that it's a regular part of life for a significant chunk of the population).
- It took me a while to get used to the relatively casual writing style, but there's some pretty solid stuff in here.
- Overall, this makes me appreciate being a woman just a little bit more, and I hope that this will be a good springboard for further discussion in the future, across different levels of 'Christian culture'.
'Sometimes it's helpful to acknowledge the fragility of our bodies and the limits of our emotional resources. We are not God. We are created beings. We're not required to be limitless.' (p. 49)
May 28, 2021
I’ve had to think a lot about hormones and reproductive health in the last four years as I’ve researched perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. In that time, I’ve also come face to face with PMS for the first time (making me incredibly grateful that for the first 12 years of this part of my life I didn’t experience it!). And, like most women, I’ve wondered why in the world periods are the way they are. What of it is God’s original design? What beyond pain and PMS is a result of the fall? What was Eve’s period like?
So I was excited for Rachel Jones’s book A Brief Theology of Periods, because I’ve pondered these questions and more a lot.
If you’ve already tried to think theologically about periods, there may not be much new in Jones’s book, but she still does a wonderful job of packing a lot into a little book. She considers what periods say to us about our womanhood (even when you’re single), pain and weakness, shame, and uncleanness. My favorite chapter was the one on emotions, especially the tension Jones holds there and throughout of not excusing sin because of hormones but also of making use of practical helps and getting medical care to alleviate suffering. The chapter on menopause was also encouraging, and even though I have years before that, her admonition to groan with longing for the future not the past was welcome. Her appendix was also really good and practical and answered a lot of more random questions (and also talked about why men should care about periods).
I’d like more (I’d especially have loved a Jen Wilkin quote, “Every 28 days a woman’s body preaches the shedding of blood for the giving of life,” as I remember it), but it does say “brief” in the title. It is also a mix of theology “of” periods and theology “for” or applied to periods, so sometimes it drifts to more general theology or drawing out metaphors, which is still good, but not quite the same.
Still, it’s a great little book and I highly recommend it.
So I was excited for Rachel Jones’s book A Brief Theology of Periods, because I’ve pondered these questions and more a lot.
If you’ve already tried to think theologically about periods, there may not be much new in Jones’s book, but she still does a wonderful job of packing a lot into a little book. She considers what periods say to us about our womanhood (even when you’re single), pain and weakness, shame, and uncleanness. My favorite chapter was the one on emotions, especially the tension Jones holds there and throughout of not excusing sin because of hormones but also of making use of practical helps and getting medical care to alleviate suffering. The chapter on menopause was also encouraging, and even though I have years before that, her admonition to groan with longing for the future not the past was welcome. Her appendix was also really good and practical and answered a lot of more random questions (and also talked about why men should care about periods).
I’d like more (I’d especially have loved a Jen Wilkin quote, “Every 28 days a woman’s body preaches the shedding of blood for the giving of life,” as I remember it), but it does say “brief” in the title. It is also a mix of theology “of” periods and theology “for” or applied to periods, so sometimes it drifts to more general theology or drawing out metaphors, which is still good, but not quite the same.
Still, it’s a great little book and I highly recommend it.
August 30, 2021
So, so helpful. Thank you, Rachel Jones. As someone who lives with women, pastors women, and exists in a world of women I’m called to love, this book was immensely helpful. While it is true that I haven’t read any other books on the topic (unfortunately), Rachel’s excellent way of integrating theology and life, her thoughtfulness about the differences of embodied existence, and her great writing style were delightful and have given me a lot to think about. I don’t know who shouldn’t read this book.
July 28, 2021
I loved this book. It was funny, encouraging, challenging, informative, helpful, and theologically sound.
My only questions for the author are how would she define the word "weak," and how does she practically see women "living out the stereotypes."
Highly recommend.
My only questions for the author are how would she define the word "weak," and how does she practically see women "living out the stereotypes."
Highly recommend.
January 22, 2025
3.5/5 I had such high hopes for this book. But for the most part I found it very mediocre. Maybe my qualms with it are because it is *brief* and doesn’t dive super deep. However, it was a very light overview of issues and trying almost too hard to relate every aspect to the gospel. Jones was limited by her lack of experience in some of the topics she discussed like motherhood and giving birth, painful chronic conditions like endometriosis, and menopause. These topics didn’t feel very well researched so it would be interesting to have a perspective from someone who had experienced these things.
Things I did enjoy:
I love the explanation of what actually is happening when a period occurs. Many women do not know what a period actually is and all the hormones at play, not that everyone necessarily needs to have in depth knowledge about it. But the intricacy of it all shows the brilliance of the Creator and brings a new appreciation of the body, at least for me. I do appreciate this book so much because this is a topic that is nearly never discussed in the church. And if it’s never discussed, how can we know and appreciate a Christian worldview? Why did God give women periods? What does the Bible say about them and whoa well what does that mean for us now? They are an unavoidable fact of life for many of us. She did a good job of going through the passage in Leviticus and all the different explanations it could have.
Honestly, the appendix was my favorite part. She talked through different questions people may have and it felt more like a discussion.
It was worth the read and gave me some things to think about but not my favorite book.
Things I did enjoy:
I love the explanation of what actually is happening when a period occurs. Many women do not know what a period actually is and all the hormones at play, not that everyone necessarily needs to have in depth knowledge about it. But the intricacy of it all shows the brilliance of the Creator and brings a new appreciation of the body, at least for me. I do appreciate this book so much because this is a topic that is nearly never discussed in the church. And if it’s never discussed, how can we know and appreciate a Christian worldview? Why did God give women periods? What does the Bible say about them and whoa well what does that mean for us now? They are an unavoidable fact of life for many of us. She did a good job of going through the passage in Leviticus and all the different explanations it could have.
Honestly, the appendix was my favorite part. She talked through different questions people may have and it felt more like a discussion.
It was worth the read and gave me some things to think about but not my favorite book.
October 31, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I love it when a book can surprise you.
I’m ashamed to say I was skeptical that menstrual cycles could teach me theological truths. But Rachel Jones has written a book actually packed with biblical truth (in a concise 120 pages). Her book is also practical, with a fantastic Question-and-Answer format at the end with questions we’ve all wrestled with: Is it ok to use hormonal birth control? Did Eve have periods in the Garden of Eden? Is it ok for Christians today to have sex while the wife is on her period? (Addressing Leviticus 18 & 20) And my personal favorite: I’m a husband whose wife struggles with her period; what can I do?
Jones deftly handles the topics of menstrual pain, shame, emotions, and the “biological clock” while grounding everything in a rock-solid theology of the body.
Having a theology of periods demonstrates that all of a person’s life is lived out before the Lord, and there is nothing we experience that is outside the bounds of His lordship or His shepherding care.
I love it when a book can surprise you.
I’m ashamed to say I was skeptical that menstrual cycles could teach me theological truths. But Rachel Jones has written a book actually packed with biblical truth (in a concise 120 pages). Her book is also practical, with a fantastic Question-and-Answer format at the end with questions we’ve all wrestled with: Is it ok to use hormonal birth control? Did Eve have periods in the Garden of Eden? Is it ok for Christians today to have sex while the wife is on her period? (Addressing Leviticus 18 & 20) And my personal favorite: I’m a husband whose wife struggles with her period; what can I do?
Jones deftly handles the topics of menstrual pain, shame, emotions, and the “biological clock” while grounding everything in a rock-solid theology of the body.
Having a theology of periods demonstrates that all of a person’s life is lived out before the Lord, and there is nothing we experience that is outside the bounds of His lordship or His shepherding care.
May 6, 2021
The novelty of this book is the selling point for me to get this book. I’ve reviewed books that are quite unique and rarely been discussed. Books on sleeping, sports and poetry plus an unfinished book on writing got my attention. Then this book on menstruation came and could be the most peculiar book that I have encountered. But I got some questions as I read this latest from Rachel Jones: Does this book stands on biblical grounds or it’s just to tease our curiosity? Do we really need a book like this in the first place? After diving in the book, I found answers to those inquires.
A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, Really) started a bit The introduction doesn’t convince me that I should read this book. However when I got pass some chapters it got me hooked. I love the way Jones connects menstruation to the fall is worth noting. As a Christian, these story in Genesis never gets old.
The middle part of the book is good and I’m impress how Jones manage to connect periods with suffering. However, it feels sometimes stretching it a bit to fit the biblical framework. So she needs it to bring it back to the “big picture” so the reader wont get lost. That’s a big let down all through out this book. Chapter 4 is enjoyable for me and that one really got me off my feet.
The latter part of the gave me reasons to finish it to the end. Jones insight on how menstruation and menopause hinder in the OT the coming of the Messiah brings on the table is good insight. However, I cant shake the thought that was brought all along the book that its a bit stretching the the Scriptures. And because its short I’m thankful Jones didn’t use it as justification for the writing of the book. Another what I find quite annoying is that she keeps on repeating lines that goes like I hope you find book… kind of a filler for me as a reader.
A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, Really) is a nice excursion to the woman’s body that is an image bearer of God and how the effects of the fall brought a curse (but also a blessing) to God’s creation. I might give this a pass not because of the novelty or I’m not the target audience. It’s just that Jones is limited on things to back up to make a good case for the topic. Yes, its accessible. Yes, its brief. Yes, it drives the gospel well. It’s an enjoyable adventure to be sure. Then again, that’s not enough to have a solid book. However, I think new believers specially women will appreciate more of this kind book. Also to guys who are definitely clueless on periods but too embarrassed to ask his wife. I think this is a primer that doesn’t need an in-depth book because there is nothing to ground with the topic.
My verdict:
4 out of 5
Purchase the book by clicking this link.
Read my favorite quotes from the book
here.
(Review copy of this book was provided by The Good Book Company.)
A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, Really) started a bit The introduction doesn’t convince me that I should read this book. However when I got pass some chapters it got me hooked. I love the way Jones connects menstruation to the fall is worth noting. As a Christian, these story in Genesis never gets old.
The middle part of the book is good and I’m impress how Jones manage to connect periods with suffering. However, it feels sometimes stretching it a bit to fit the biblical framework. So she needs it to bring it back to the “big picture” so the reader wont get lost. That’s a big let down all through out this book. Chapter 4 is enjoyable for me and that one really got me off my feet.
The latter part of the gave me reasons to finish it to the end. Jones insight on how menstruation and menopause hinder in the OT the coming of the Messiah brings on the table is good insight. However, I cant shake the thought that was brought all along the book that its a bit stretching the the Scriptures. And because its short I’m thankful Jones didn’t use it as justification for the writing of the book. Another what I find quite annoying is that she keeps on repeating lines that goes like I hope you find book… kind of a filler for me as a reader.
A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, Really) is a nice excursion to the woman’s body that is an image bearer of God and how the effects of the fall brought a curse (but also a blessing) to God’s creation. I might give this a pass not because of the novelty or I’m not the target audience. It’s just that Jones is limited on things to back up to make a good case for the topic. Yes, its accessible. Yes, its brief. Yes, it drives the gospel well. It’s an enjoyable adventure to be sure. Then again, that’s not enough to have a solid book. However, I think new believers specially women will appreciate more of this kind book. Also to guys who are definitely clueless on periods but too embarrassed to ask his wife. I think this is a primer that doesn’t need an in-depth book because there is nothing to ground with the topic.
My verdict:
4 out of 5
Purchase the book by clicking this link.
Read my favorite quotes from the book
here.
(Review copy of this book was provided by The Good Book Company.)
October 28, 2024
I have been looking for a book like this one for at least seven years. Hormones, specifically related to PMS, are not discussed in church, yet they are such a major, powerful part of most women's lives. They feel like sin, but are they? Why do we feel so powerless in the face of them--and ARE we powerless, actually? Why do I feel like one person on one day and a completely different person the next, with no changes to any part of my life except the day of my cycle? HOW DO I THINK ABOUT THIS?
So first of all, I'm just really glad this book exists.
This book had one excellent chapter on hormones, and though not quite the in-depth treatment I was looking for, it proved very helpful. The rest of the book? Clear-headed and insightful, it applies the Gospel to how we think about period shame, period mess, period hormones, and even periods ending. I love seeing how the Gospel perfectly answers every area of life, and Jones' writing pushed it into some new corners for me. The symbolism of blood, the nature of OT uncleanness and its significance today, the NT definition of fruitfulness... all come into play and are handled well. Jones' counsel is likely to affect more areas of my life than just this one, because the Gospel, as she deftly shows, is relevant to all areas of life.
So first of all, I'm just really glad this book exists.
This book had one excellent chapter on hormones, and though not quite the in-depth treatment I was looking for, it proved very helpful. The rest of the book? Clear-headed and insightful, it applies the Gospel to how we think about period shame, period mess, period hormones, and even periods ending. I love seeing how the Gospel perfectly answers every area of life, and Jones' writing pushed it into some new corners for me. The symbolism of blood, the nature of OT uncleanness and its significance today, the NT definition of fruitfulness... all come into play and are handled well. Jones' counsel is likely to affect more areas of my life than just this one, because the Gospel, as she deftly shows, is relevant to all areas of life.
December 10, 2024
Rachel Jones is a brave and clever writer for tackling such a sensitive topic with humor, sincerity, and openness. As a husband, father of two young daughters, and a pastor I was intrigued to say the least when a friend gave “A Brief Theology of Periods” to my wife to read. So, when she finished it, I picked it up and I couldn’t put it down. I appreciate the way Jones delicately dissects some of the more difficult topics and passages where biology and theology intersect. She offers a better perspective on pain, blood, and what it means to be a woman than is given in the world or in the church oftentimes. This brief theology has challenged me to be more aware as a husband, father and pastor of the potential pain (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) of my wife, daughters, and sisters in Christ and given me insight so that I might encourage and point them to the only true source of comfort in a broken and dying world.
May 10, 2023
A great resource for men and women alike. I love how Rachel reminds us that being a Christian affects how we think about all aspects of life, right down to menstruation. She writes in an easy-to-read, honest manner, anticipating questions from the reader as she goes. Her 'theology of periods' is pastorally applied, which I think is the real strength of this book. How does knowing x/y/z actually affect the reader, or women he knows?
Short and snappy, and a prompt for further reflection. I think this is an excellent starting point for thinking about something that affects 50% of the world; one to recommend to men as much as women.
Short and snappy, and a prompt for further reflection. I think this is an excellent starting point for thinking about something that affects 50% of the world; one to recommend to men as much as women.
September 20, 2023
The book I didn’t know I needed. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but then again, I don’t really know what I was expecting. With humor and humility, Rachel Jones illuminates the gospel through the lens of periods. Who knew that by the end of a short little book on periods I’d be experiencing a deepened awe of God and the gospel as well as a rejuvenated passion for helping others know this truly incredible Creator & Savior? Bravo, Rachel, bravo.
February 17, 2025
A topic that I'm particularly passionate about (and have a lot of experience in...), I've been wanting to read this for a while. Jones is a straightforward writer, which made this easy to consume and think about. However, I wanted MORE. This is truly a "brief" theology.
I most enjoyed the chapter about marking time, aging, and Paul's famous phrase, "jars of clay." There's a lot of joy and spiritual fruit to be found in physical aging and feeling the effects of brittle and broken bodies. There's also a lot of real grief and uncertainty. Jones leaves us with the call to use the innate marking of time that women's bodies give us (whether through the regular cycle or the physical stages of life) as a reflection and reminder of the Word of God, the mission of God's people, and the ultimate end vision. Physical cycles mirror spiritual truths (i.e., the call to be fruitful is also a call to make disciples under the covenant of Christ). The physical can also be the inverse of the inner spiritual life which I find heartening (i.e., bodies fail but the soul can flourish and grow in sanctification).
Jones handles the wide range of hurts in the realm of menstration and childbearing with emotional sensitivity and honesty. Her own experiences, stage of life, and friendships seemed to allow her to write with clarity, purpose, and empathy.
If we're embodied beings, then this is an important discussion to be had. Body and soul are intertwined; it is good and right to include the uncomfortable and messy physicality of living in our relationship with God, in discipleship relationships, and in the Church.
I most enjoyed the chapter about marking time, aging, and Paul's famous phrase, "jars of clay." There's a lot of joy and spiritual fruit to be found in physical aging and feeling the effects of brittle and broken bodies. There's also a lot of real grief and uncertainty. Jones leaves us with the call to use the innate marking of time that women's bodies give us (whether through the regular cycle or the physical stages of life) as a reflection and reminder of the Word of God, the mission of God's people, and the ultimate end vision. Physical cycles mirror spiritual truths (i.e., the call to be fruitful is also a call to make disciples under the covenant of Christ). The physical can also be the inverse of the inner spiritual life which I find heartening (i.e., bodies fail but the soul can flourish and grow in sanctification).
Jones handles the wide range of hurts in the realm of menstration and childbearing with emotional sensitivity and honesty. Her own experiences, stage of life, and friendships seemed to allow her to write with clarity, purpose, and empathy.
If we're embodied beings, then this is an important discussion to be had. Body and soul are intertwined; it is good and right to include the uncomfortable and messy physicality of living in our relationship with God, in discipleship relationships, and in the Church.
November 17, 2024
I know several women who highly recommend this book, and I'm very glad I read it. I learned quite a bit about the female body and the unique experiences women have. Husbands, fathers, and pastors all should read it.
April 5, 2022
"anything that makes you need God is a blessing" 👌
am always skeptical of the women's theology books but boi is this one I'll come back to :))
am always skeptical of the women's theology books but boi is this one I'll come back to :))
May 3, 2021
In this short book, Rachel Jones shares insight into the role of periods in women's lives. She acknowledges the widely varying range of experiences that women have based on their ages, life situations, and health issues, and shares anecdotes from her own and others' experiences. She encourages women to develop a strong theology of the body, leave behind unnecessary, destructive shame, and think through the emotional impacts of their time of the month. Jones also writes about historic social stigma surrounding menstruation, and thoughtfully addresses parts of Leviticus that deal with monthly bleeding. She outlines the honest, unfiltered reactions that Christian women often have to this part of the Bible, but puts these passages in context with an understanding of Israel's ceremonial laws.
This book is interesting and unusual, and I appreciate Jones's courage in writing about something that Christians are so often silent about, or don't know how to discuss in a constructive way. She encourages women to encourage and support each other, especially when they are dealing with health issues that make periods complicated, and reminds readers that Jesus is familiar with and understands pain. "Whatever you do or don't feel comfortable sharing in your small-group prayer times, there's nothing you can't share with Jesus in your personal prayer times. He sees. He knows. He's listening." She also encourages women who struggle with irritability and other significant PMS symptoms to find peace in the gospel. She pushes back against secular messages of total self-acceptance, saying that we should feel rightly ashamed of our wrong behavior, but she emphasizes that Christ provides rest for us in his total forgiveness and mercy.
Jones covers a variety of issues, and keeps this book accessible and relevant to Christian women of different ages, backgrounds, and life situations. Not all women will be interested in this book or feel represented here, but Jones addresses young women and older women, married and unmarried, with children or childless, and with or without significant pain or emotional upheaval around that time of the month. She also encourages men to read this book to develop a better understanding of this experience and women around them. Not everyone will agree with or connect with everything in this book, but it is a great conversation-starter for Christians, and will hopefully help Christian women develop a stronger bodily theology and become more equipped to have supportive conversations with others about this topic.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is interesting and unusual, and I appreciate Jones's courage in writing about something that Christians are so often silent about, or don't know how to discuss in a constructive way. She encourages women to encourage and support each other, especially when they are dealing with health issues that make periods complicated, and reminds readers that Jesus is familiar with and understands pain. "Whatever you do or don't feel comfortable sharing in your small-group prayer times, there's nothing you can't share with Jesus in your personal prayer times. He sees. He knows. He's listening." She also encourages women who struggle with irritability and other significant PMS symptoms to find peace in the gospel. She pushes back against secular messages of total self-acceptance, saying that we should feel rightly ashamed of our wrong behavior, but she emphasizes that Christ provides rest for us in his total forgiveness and mercy.
Jones covers a variety of issues, and keeps this book accessible and relevant to Christian women of different ages, backgrounds, and life situations. Not all women will be interested in this book or feel represented here, but Jones addresses young women and older women, married and unmarried, with children or childless, and with or without significant pain or emotional upheaval around that time of the month. She also encourages men to read this book to develop a better understanding of this experience and women around them. Not everyone will agree with or connect with everything in this book, but it is a great conversation-starter for Christians, and will hopefully help Christian women develop a stronger bodily theology and become more equipped to have supportive conversations with others about this topic.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2021
Why did God give women periods? In A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really), Rachel Jones takes us on an adventure for the curious into bodies, womanhood, time, pain and purpose—and shares how to have a better time of the month! This book lives up to its title by presenting a brief theology of periods that celebrates the uniqueness of womanhood and the intentional design of God.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Periods show us how God designed us. Women are fearfully and wonderfully made. While not being overly scientific, Jones explains what is actually happening during the menstrual cycle. It is a display of God’s glory and should cause us to worship and wonder at our Creator.
Jones reveals how periods showcase complementarian beauty, looking at 1 Peter 3:7 and explaining what it means that women are a “weaker vessel.” The book of Leviticus presents a problem as the issue of cleanliness is discussed, but Jones puts it in proper perspective by hearing what Jesus has to say in Mark 5:31 to the woman with uncontrolled bleeding.
Nothing but the Blood
What impressed me the most was how much Jones was able to show that the Bible actually has a lot to say about periods. With feelings and emotions that are constantly shifting, Jones encourages us to differentiate between what we feel and what we say.
Our bodies are timepieces in the sense that menopause and the ability to have children remind us of our creatureliness. Jones reminds us that blood stains are difficult to remove, and we are reminded of the blood of Jesus that freely flows to wash away our sins.
Biology and Theology
A Q&A section is included at the end of the book with excellent questions including “Is it ok for Christians today to have sex while the wife is on her period?” and “Is it ok to use hormonal birth control to regulate my periods or treat pain?” I found her answers to be persuasive.
I am especially grateful for this book as it does not seek to separate our biology from our theology. I am glad to have this book to help me live with my wife in an understanding way. Our bodies are created by God to be special, beautiful, and wonderful.
I received a media copy of A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really) and this is my honest review.
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
Periods show us how God designed us. Women are fearfully and wonderfully made. While not being overly scientific, Jones explains what is actually happening during the menstrual cycle. It is a display of God’s glory and should cause us to worship and wonder at our Creator.
Jones reveals how periods showcase complementarian beauty, looking at 1 Peter 3:7 and explaining what it means that women are a “weaker vessel.” The book of Leviticus presents a problem as the issue of cleanliness is discussed, but Jones puts it in proper perspective by hearing what Jesus has to say in Mark 5:31 to the woman with uncontrolled bleeding.
Nothing but the Blood
What impressed me the most was how much Jones was able to show that the Bible actually has a lot to say about periods. With feelings and emotions that are constantly shifting, Jones encourages us to differentiate between what we feel and what we say.
Our bodies are timepieces in the sense that menopause and the ability to have children remind us of our creatureliness. Jones reminds us that blood stains are difficult to remove, and we are reminded of the blood of Jesus that freely flows to wash away our sins.
Biology and Theology
A Q&A section is included at the end of the book with excellent questions including “Is it ok for Christians today to have sex while the wife is on her period?” and “Is it ok to use hormonal birth control to regulate my periods or treat pain?” I found her answers to be persuasive.
I am especially grateful for this book as it does not seek to separate our biology from our theology. I am glad to have this book to help me live with my wife in an understanding way. Our bodies are created by God to be special, beautiful, and wonderful.
I received a media copy of A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really) and this is my honest review.
February 12, 2022
This is the book we've needed for ages. The fact that the topic is so "embarrassing" only means we need it more. When 50% of our church congregations will experience menstruation, and nearly a quarter of them will be bleeding on any given Sunday morning, this is not a topic we can afford to ignore. As the world becomes more vocal on this topic, the church needs to know how to respond both with biblical truth and with compassion.
Jones' primary strength is how she places the emotions surrounding our period (and, as she says, there are a lot of those!) in the context of the gospel. She doesn't try to explain away difficult bible passages or uncomfortable physical truths. Rather, she demonstrates how they fit within the context of a broken world, a loving God, and ultimate renewal. The best bits of the book left me feeling gratitude to God for making me a woman, even when aspects of how my body works are painful, confusing, or embarrassing. This book gave me a new love for my body and for God's design for me.
My one frustration was that this book needed to be longer. It's wonderful to finally read a book on this neglected topic, but it only scratches the surface of everything that could be said. I read it in just over an hour one evening and immediately wished there was more I could go on to read about how to understand our female bodies in light of the gospel. While Jones covers many of the most important topics, some big question like "did periods exist before the fall?" get relegated to the appendix. She also doesn't go on to discuss any related topics, like sex or pregnancy/childbirth. While those topics lie outwith the narrow scope of this book, there's a lot of overlap that a wider theological study of the female body could address.
Overall, this is exactly the book we need as a conversation starter. Jones is succinct and relatable, not sugar-coating the challenges of periods nor shying away from challenging bible passages. A lot of this book is basic, but it's still true and helpful. There's much more that desperately needs to be said, but I'm thankful for this excellent opening to a long-overdue conversation.
Jones' primary strength is how she places the emotions surrounding our period (and, as she says, there are a lot of those!) in the context of the gospel. She doesn't try to explain away difficult bible passages or uncomfortable physical truths. Rather, she demonstrates how they fit within the context of a broken world, a loving God, and ultimate renewal. The best bits of the book left me feeling gratitude to God for making me a woman, even when aspects of how my body works are painful, confusing, or embarrassing. This book gave me a new love for my body and for God's design for me.
My one frustration was that this book needed to be longer. It's wonderful to finally read a book on this neglected topic, but it only scratches the surface of everything that could be said. I read it in just over an hour one evening and immediately wished there was more I could go on to read about how to understand our female bodies in light of the gospel. While Jones covers many of the most important topics, some big question like "did periods exist before the fall?" get relegated to the appendix. She also doesn't go on to discuss any related topics, like sex or pregnancy/childbirth. While those topics lie outwith the narrow scope of this book, there's a lot of overlap that a wider theological study of the female body could address.
Overall, this is exactly the book we need as a conversation starter. Jones is succinct and relatable, not sugar-coating the challenges of periods nor shying away from challenging bible passages. A lot of this book is basic, but it's still true and helpful. There's much more that desperately needs to be said, but I'm thankful for this excellent opening to a long-overdue conversation.
May 28, 2025
General Revelation is the belief that all things in creation tell us something about our Creator, or ourselves in relation to the Creator.
That means…
Periods say something about God and something about us.
The Bible is not a book that has ever shied away from periods. However, I had never heard of a book, written from a Biblical perspective, on periods! That feels weird!
I am so thankful a friend let me borrow this book. It was refreshing and interesting. I loved how the author did not shy away from Leviticus, and in so, made some amazing points on how periods are painfully (pun intended) symbolic of our uncleanness. She followed this point up with the story about the woman who had suffered from an abnormal bleeding for years, but was healed in an instant by touching Christ. I won’t regurgitate the symbolism Jones drew from that. You get the themes. It’s beautiful.
I especially loved the chapter on feelings. So much practical and Biblical advice!
One *very* mild critique…
Sometimes Jones makes aside comments that are slightly self-deprecating. For example, this might be a comment right after she draws a beautiful illustration for the reader: “I know what you all are thinking… where is she going with this?” Even the “(Yes, Really)” in the title seems to imply she has some abashment over writing the book. Maybe she was just trying to be relatable, but I felt many of the aside comments felt like trembles in her confidence that the subject was even worth addressing. It certainly is, and I’m glad she did.
Overall, I loved this book. It made Christ sweeter in my eyes, and my periods (that is impressive).
That means…
Periods say something about God and something about us.
The Bible is not a book that has ever shied away from periods. However, I had never heard of a book, written from a Biblical perspective, on periods! That feels weird!
I am so thankful a friend let me borrow this book. It was refreshing and interesting. I loved how the author did not shy away from Leviticus, and in so, made some amazing points on how periods are painfully (pun intended) symbolic of our uncleanness. She followed this point up with the story about the woman who had suffered from an abnormal bleeding for years, but was healed in an instant by touching Christ. I won’t regurgitate the symbolism Jones drew from that. You get the themes. It’s beautiful.
I especially loved the chapter on feelings. So much practical and Biblical advice!
One *very* mild critique…
Sometimes Jones makes aside comments that are slightly self-deprecating. For example, this might be a comment right after she draws a beautiful illustration for the reader: “I know what you all are thinking… where is she going with this?” Even the “(Yes, Really)” in the title seems to imply she has some abashment over writing the book. Maybe she was just trying to be relatable, but I felt many of the aside comments felt like trembles in her confidence that the subject was even worth addressing. It certainly is, and I’m glad she did.
Overall, I loved this book. It made Christ sweeter in my eyes, and my periods (that is impressive).
January 3, 2022
Candid, conversational, and sensitive to the wide range of menstruating experiences women face, from the pre-teen years to menopause. Jones' strongest writing surfaces in chapter 3, where she addresses head-on the controversial Levitical law that declared a menstruating woman unclean. Through her careful exegesis, I gained a deeper appreciation for how the biological rhythms of my body serve to remind me, month after month, of the invitation to come to Christ in my mess and be washed in His blood. I would have liked to see more depth applied to other topics in the book, but true to the title, this is a brief theology. Still, well worth the read for those interested in the theological implications of female embodiment.
August 19, 2023
Eine wertvolle biblische Betrachtung über den weiblichen Zyklus, den Sinn der Periode und dem Schmerz welcher oft mit einhergeht. Die Autorin macht deutlich, dass Schwäche in Gottes Augen nie verachtet ist und Gott besonders in der Schwäche wirkt. Außerdem sieht sie die Chance im Zyklus, dass wir Gott suchen und uns ihm nähern. Alles in allem geht es letztlich um Gott, seine Verherrlichung und die Chance die Periode als stetige Erinnerung zu nehmen, wo ich geistlich stehe, was Jesus für uns getan hat und die erlösende Bedeutung von Blut. (mein Mann fand das Buch ebenfalls sehr gut)
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