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

Publisher's 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

Essential history lesson for modern Christians

Having a shortsighted view of church history is a deficit I suffered being raised in the Evangelical church. B. A. Barr gave historical context to multiple doctrines I've never been able to reconcile! Zooming out to see this big picture has helped me find peace in many areas where I've otherwise felt conflicted, but couldn't quite put my finger on the reason. Highly recommend!

Exposure to Paul's Sass

I really enjoyed this book, as a Complementarian. I don't know that it changed my stance but it exposed some legalism in my heart, showed a compassionate picture of the harm Complementarian is causing in its misuse, and reminded me of Paul's sass and how we forget that. It also reminded me that as I read the Bible literally, to remember to read through versions and historical growth / changes.

Narration was okay. I wish she had given some pauses on headers and in between sections. It also got monotone in places I feel like the author would have wanted a bit of emotion. But overall it was pleasant.

Must read

Everyone in the Evamgelical church should read (or listen to) this book. Well argued and eye-opening.

Most important book I’ve read second to the Bible

This should be required reading in every seminary, every church across the nation! This book left me with zero remaining doubts about the dangers of complimentarianism. Thank you for this powerful work!

Make the men read this

I’m gonna rent a speaker to blast this book at full volume in front of my old church

Wow!

Beautiful wake up call for the church and enlightening history of women in Christianity. I highly recommend!

A must read!

I loved this well written and well researched book. Great to have a great theological, historical and personal perspective all in one!

Love these words!

This book should be read by all followers of Christ! As Ruth Bader Ginsberg said, "Women being in all places where decisions are being made," I would add EVEN in all the same places religious decisions are being made. Beth unequivocally shows that religious patriarchy has only followed the path of historical and cultural patriarchy and IS NOT God or Christ directed doctrine. BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!

God loves women — it’s the church that hates us

Turns out God loves women too! It’s the church that hates us. This was scripturally sound and freeing!

Mind officially blown

Words cannot express how much this book means to me. I stumbled upon it in what I thought was a coincidence. I decided to listen only because it was said to be expiring next month. I had just finished reading a secular book called Misogyny and I loved it but I wasn’t sure if it lined up with scripture and boom this book explained my questions so well.

The patriarchal church has damaged me personally in so many ways. I at first agreed with everything I was being taught. But lately it’s made less and less sense. Not to mention the abuse that continues to plague churches that have Complementarian doctrines. Women and men with open minds please take the time to read this book. Precious children of God are being wounded, but with knowledge, truth, unity and obedience to God we can make a difference.