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Summary: The best female theologian writing today
Review: Carolyn Custis James is the best female theologian writing today. She says in this book "why are there no great female theologians?" She is wrong - SHE is a great female theologian and every Christian woman ought to read this book, make sure her husband and pastor read it and then buy extra copies for all their friends to read as well. You will be seriously blessed if you read this fabulous life-changing book.
Rating:
Summary: Awe Inspiring Book!
Review: Carolyn has grasped an insight to Scripture that I have not found elsewhere. Her insight takes women to soaring heights and gives women the confidence to pursue God's ultimate purpose for His children: To Know Him. As Carolyn motivates and inspires women & men, she has this amazing understanding of how women & men can handle and survive crisis' by knowing God and His Character. Carolyn's biblical message through the three events that shaped Mary's theology (sister of Martha & Lazarus) has changed my life and it will yours too.
Rating:
Summary: Taking women seriously
Review: Carolyn James has done a great service to all women by writing a book that recognizes our desire to know God better and to take Him seriously. Her book underscores our need to know theology. This knowledge enables us to persevere when life's circumstances descend upon us because we can know despite the circumstances that God is good and that He is in control. I heartily recommend Carolyn's book. Read this book - for your good and God's glory!
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Summary: Carolyn is sheer genius - and someone everyone should read
Review: Carolyn James is a pure genius - a talented writer who is always intelligent and says things that people really ought to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest. She is a great writer and her book really is 5 Star stuff! Christopher Catherwood, author of CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS AND ISLAMIC RAGE (Zondervan, 2003)
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Summary: Biblically based exposition of dealing with life
Review: Carolyn James starts her book with a personal experience at a large evangelical seminary. As one of the first five women to enroll in the seminary after it opened its door to women, she experienced both support and condemnation for being there. But one remark from one professor caused her to go on a search to prove him wrong. That remark was that there "have never been any great women theologians". In a field where admittance of women to theological institutions has been very rare it seems logical that there have not been any great women theologians, not because they could not have been but because the system prevented them from existing.From this point she begins the real meat of the book, and what a fine meal it is. By first pointing out that theology is really about knowing God and not about graduation from a seminary, she then shows that there have been women in the Bible who came to know God and lived their theology every day. Through a detailed examination of Mary and Martha with an emphasis on Mary, she demonstrates how Mary grew into a strong relationship with Christ. Carolyn James examines why women often shy away from theology. She examines how Mary's experiences parallel our own in many circumstances. Starting with chapter five she looks at Mary's disappointment with Jesus as Lazarus lay dying. How did this circumstance affect her relationship with Christ as the teacher and as the healer? Why does God often seem to not be there when we need him most? How do we handle our unbelief when presented with things contrary to our beliefs? While she builds a very good case for Mary as the first great theologian who seemed to understand the mission of Jesus even when his disciples were confused, that is not the totality of the book. Chapter nine is not to be missed by anyone seeking to understand the male/female or husband/wife relationship. It is an insightful, sound and refreshing chapter. Looking beyond tradition, she does a fantastic job of shedding new light on the subject. This book is worth the price just for chapter nine. While it is directed toward women as the primary reader, it is a recommended book for anyone. However it is especially appropriate for women who feel that their theology is not important because they need to be under the headship of a husband. Your theology, your understanding of God, your relationship with God is important whether you are single, or married. For women readers it is a highly recommended book and a source of encouragement for those seeking a deeper understanding and relationship with God.
Rating:
Summary: Biblically based exposition of dealing with life
Review: Carolyn James starts her book with a personal experience at a large evangelical seminary. As one of the first five women to enroll in the seminary after it opened its door to women, she experienced both support and condemnation for being there. But one remark from one professor caused her to go on a search to prove him wrong. That remark was that there "have never been any great women theologians". In a field where admittance of women to theological institutions has been very rare it seems logical that there have not been any great women theologians, not because they could not have been but because the system prevented them from existing. From this point she begins the real meat of the book, and what a fine meal it is. By first pointing out that theology is really about knowing God and not about graduation from a seminary, she then shows that there have been women in the Bible who came to know God and lived their theology every day. Through a detailed examination of Mary and Martha with an emphasis on Mary, she demonstrates how Mary grew into a strong relationship with Christ. Carolyn James examines why women often shy away from theology. She examines how Mary's experiences parallel our own in many circumstances. Starting with chapter five she looks at Mary's disappointment with Jesus as Lazarus lay dying. How did this circumstance affect her relationship with Christ as the teacher and as the healer? Why does God often seem to not be there when we need him most? How do we handle our unbelief when presented with things contrary to our beliefs? While she builds a very good case for Mary as the first great theologian who seemed to understand the mission of Jesus even when his disciples were confused, that is not the totality of the book. Chapter nine is not to be missed by anyone seeking to understand the male/female or husband/wife relationship. It is an insightful, sound and refreshing chapter. Looking beyond tradition, she does a fantastic job of shedding new light on the subject. This book is worth the price just for chapter nine. While it is directed toward women as the primary reader, it is a recommended book for anyone. However it is especially appropriate for women who feel that their theology is not important because they need to be under the headship of a husband. Your theology, your understanding of God, your relationship with God is important whether you are single, or married. For women readers it is a highly recommended book and a source of encouragement for those seeking a deeper understanding and relationship with God.
Rating:
Summary: Read it and talk about it
Review: Carolyn's book has been a tremendous encouragement in very difficult circumstances. From the day to day to several war zones, her message of the importance of theology (a relationship with God) has been a "saving" grace. In particular the concept that God is sovereign and that we run a race "marked out" for us, that the path we are on is Plan A no matter what happens, is a comfort when the going gets rough. Each time I read it, Carolyn's book has new insights for me wherever God has me. Having also read the book, my husband's perspective is that her book strengthens the church body by encouraging everyone to deepen his or her relationship with God for the good of families and the church at large. Carolyn's practical notes that follow the text, have been valuable resources. Read it and talk about it with anyone who will listen. It will benefit you and them!
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Summary: Beyond Expectations!
Review: Finally, a book that exceeds the comments on the back cover! I do not get excited about many books, but this one makes my short list for books to recommend to men and women alike. My wife read it and agrees. What makes this such a good read? (1) It addresses a universal topic--every church community has men and women who need to stand shoulder to shoulder and answer God's call to ministry; (2) It rests on excellent insights from the Bible (this may be it's most significant contribution); (3) It avoids the normal we/they distinctions (and distractions) of other books I have read on men and women in the church; (4) It is written in a style that is pleasant to read, very pastoral, yet challenging; and, (5) It is very practical and offers much food for thought. This is not just a book about the need for women to seek a deeper appreciation for God, it is a book for all Christians to pursue God in such a way we become more like Him and more aware of His provision in all of life. As a pastor, I look forward to the contributions this writing will make to the life of my congregation.
Rating:
Summary: THIS is what theology is
Review: I am in awe of this book. Someone once said "The most important thing in life is what you believe about God." I didn't understand what they were saying at the time; now, after reading this book, I do.
Ms. James shows time and again how what I believe about God affects the way I view life, and the way I view life can be seen in my reactions.
I have read scores of books on theology. The last books that had this much impact on me were books written by John Piper and Francis Schaeffer.
This book can change your life...really.
Rating:
Summary: THIS is what theology is
Review: I am in awe of this book. Someone once said "The most important thing in life is what you believe about God." I didn't understand what they were saying at the time; now, after reading this book, I do.
Ms. James shows time and again how what I believe about God affects the way I view life, and the way I view life can be seen in my reactions.
I have read scores of books on theology. The last books that had this much impact on me were books written by John Piper and Francis Schaeffer.
This book can change your life...really.
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