October 14, 2013
In her first book, blogger Bessey describes her personal spiritual journey and advocates for a Church that fully embraces the equality of women. Through what she often calls “narrative theology,” Bessey writes about how Jesus led her to become a feminist. She explores the controversial biblical passages that are often used to limit women’s leadership, both at home and within the Church, and encourages readers to challenge traditional interpretations. She asserts that “patriarchy is not God’s dream for humanity” and asks the Christian church to participate in a redemptive movement that dismantles unjust systems and inequalities. Bessey’s warm and intimate writing sets this book apart from others focused on similar topics. Her approach and style offer a unique addition to literature on women’s role in Christian churches. Agent: Rachelle Gardner, Books & Such Literary Agency.
November 15, 2013
Bessey, a blogger at sarahbessey.com, is not the first woman to try to reconcile faith with feminism, but her journey and insights have their own charm. Her best reflection comes early in this volume: "Patriarchy is not God's dream for humanity." Bessey goes on to elaborate, with humor, how the church can move beyond the choice between maleness and femaleness; the work of Jesus, she claims, involves a total change of the binaries we see. VERDICT A straightforward, easily read move toward deeply revolutionary ideas from a devout writer, this book ought to intrigue many individual readers and church groups.
Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 15, 2013
Bessey speaks directly and compassionately to her fellow Evangelical Christians, arguing the case for viewing Jesus as unbounded by gender considerations in valuing the worthiness of humans. Bringing an informed but nonacademic historical perspective to her reading of the Bible and using relevant examples from her personal life, both as a church member and a part of contemporary Western culture, she observes that biblical events and traditional Evangelical interpretations of them are not always what they seem. Never strident, Bessy's approach is instead solid and clear. Although apostolic admonitions read without the contexts she proposes might bolster sexism, given a larger frame of reference, they fall to her arguments. An excellent choice for a church discussion group as well as an important viewpoint to include in public library religion collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)