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  • The Making of Biblical Womanhood

  • How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth
  • By: Beth Allison Barr
  • Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman
  • Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (46 ratings)

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The Making of Biblical Womanhood cover art

The Making of Biblical Womanhood

By: Beth Allison Barr
Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman
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Summary

Biblical womanhood - the belief that God designed women to be submissive wives, virtuous mothers, and joyful homemakers - pervades North-American Christianity. From choices about careers to roles in local churches to relationship dynamics, this belief shapes the everyday lives of evangelical women. Yet biblical womanhood isn't biblical, says Baylor University historian Beth Allison Barr. It was born in a series of clearly definable historical moments.

This book moves the conversation about biblical womanhood beyond Greek grammar and into the realm of church history - ancient, medieval, and modern - to show that this belief is not divinely ordained but a product of human civilization that continues to creep into the church. Barr's historical insights provide context for contemporary teachings about women's roles in the church and help move the conversation forward.

Interweaving her story as a Baptist pastor's wife, Barr sheds light on the #ChurchToo movement and abuse scandals in Southern Baptist circles and the broader evangelical world, helping listeners understand why biblical womanhood is more about human power structures than the message of Christ.

©2021 Beth Allison Barr (P)2021 eChristian

What listeners say about The Making of Biblical Womanhood

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  • Jo
  • 25-11-21

Eye opener

Makes we want to research Christian women in history even more. An insightful thought-provoking book.

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Life changing

If you've grown up as a woman (or a man too I guess) in a complementarian church then this is MUST READ. Having an accurate historical context as well as a biblical one results in some 'mind blown' moments! Amazingly well written. Buy it, give copies to your girl friends.

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Essential Reading

Great book. Well researched and narrated in an engaging enjoyable way.
This book was recommended and I am impressed by how much is covered and the contents are delivered in such a light and honest way. Anyone who struggles with those discussions on Paul's texts and female ordination must read this.

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great book with lots of insights

researching all the different insights and new found information I got from this work was such a delight.

thanks to Beth Allison Barr for this book, I will make sure my kids read this book and I will recommend it to everyone I can.

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  • E
  • 24-06-21

Challenging and thought provoking.

This book provides an excellent historical overview of a cultural belief that has affected everyone in the west.
It is suitably referenced throughout and there is a clear structure.

The audible version is clear and listenable. The style of speaking used underlines this as a work using thorough research to explain, evidence and challenge a problematic but current cultural situation in Western Society. You might need a dictionary as the author uses correct terms throughout to prevent misunderstanding. (In my opinion, this is a really good thing.)

I would recommend that everyone who reads or has read the Christian Bible also reads this book.

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Must read book about Women in ministry

It's not a conclusive theological argument for Egalitarianism, though it does contain solid theological argument and addresses many key parts of the Bible debated over on this topic. Beth is a historian, so this is written with those expertise given priority. It's a great book for someone who's just starting to investigate this issue!

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Eye opening and important

I’m not a historian but I found this easy to read and I’m glad I did. So much of the church’s current teachings around women’s roles are incredibly recent, and write out of history the many women who have helped build the church and the roles they have played. A much needed correction and call to action to rectify these wrongs for the sake of the kingdom.

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Good for southern baptist, possibly

Very specific to an American audience. Some good stuff about medieval Christianity but nothing that much moves the debate on.

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