The Other Side of the Garden : Biblical Womanhood for Today's World

Rating:
Summary: Not for Every "Christian" Marriage!
Review: This book was a turning point in my marriage and contributed to the destruction of our family. I read it 3 years ago, and was challenged to practice what Fugate recommended and trust that God would take care of me and my kids, if I was obedient to the structure (my marriage) that God had placed me in. I agreed to do the unwise (but not immoral) things my christian husband had been bugging me about for years, instead of standing strong on my own principals. According to Fugate, when he "suffered the consequences" it would mature him. I allowed him to take out credit cards in my name and max them out, sell the house that we could afford and buy a house which we could not afford, changed churches from our church home of 13 years where my children felt comfortable and supported, stopped teaching a children's Sunday School class, and tried to dress, act and talk in the way that he felt a "christian" woman should. Three years later our marriage is almost over and our finanaces are in shreds... in MY name. The attourney explained to me that in the USA, where women are free to make their own choices in financeal matters and marriage, we are forever legally resposible for our husbands debts and mistakes. In our culture women are expected to me educated and wise, not the servants of their husbands... so beware! You could even lose your kids if you allow your husband to do things that are unsafe for them! (Not buckle them in their carseats, not take them to the doctor as needed, or use illegal substaces on your property.) This may have been good advice for the women in the days of early Christianity, when wives were legally that property of their husbands, and therefore, not held independantly responsible legally for their husbands foolishness. This is a different time, and we need to use our brains. This may be good book for women who are married to men who are just mildly foolish, but remain teachable through consequences. To assume that all men are teachable is silly.

Rating:
Summary: Scripturally and spiritually accurate
Review: This is a very important book for modern western women to read. Not many will, and many who do WILL be offended by it. THe authors tone and style are not at all offensive, quite the contrary she is gentle and honest at the same time. But the message she presents goes againts everything Western media teaches about women and sadly what vast numbers of church attendee's have accepted.
That said, if you are willing to look at men and women differently than your 21st century upbringing has taught you to, then you will most certainly learn something. She presents a picture of a woman as terribly important in society because of her influence on her husband and her children. She shows how adhering to the Biblical model for families is actually a great freedom for women, not the bondage feminists would lead you to believe.
In regard to the previous review expressing her concern about yeilding authority to an irresponsible husband, I do not believe that what occured in her home was at all what the author was allowing for. The intent was that we are to submit as long as they do not ask us to do something immoral or illegal. In such a case, a woman is supposed to take the matter to her local congregation and elders, and ask them to deal with her husband. I believe it is unfair to blame Fugate for that situation.
in addition Fugate does not express anything that contradicts scripture as a previous reviewer implied. Every point is carefully based upon scripture (exegesis). This is different from using scripture to make your point (eisigesis). After reading her book I would encourage the reader to check every scripture reference, every precept and every doctrine against scripture. After such an exploration you still feel you must reject her position, then do so carefully.
The writting is very clear and easy to read, the layout is open, and each main point is highlighted.