Beth Allison Barr+

Beth Allison Barr includes this book in her recommended reading list because Beth Allison Barr values the way this work provides necessary counter-perspectives to harmful purity culture.

Beth Allison Barr recommends this book for its powerful emphasis on the harm complementarian theology inflicts on women.

Beth Allison Barr recommends this work for its vital insight into how patriarchal visions of masculinity have distorted the Christian faith.

“In the end, Doug Wilson, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, James Dobson, Doug Phillips, and John Eldredge all preached a mutually reinforcing vision of Christian masculinity—of patriarchy and submission, sex and power.”

Beth Allison Barr recommends this book for its intellectual rigor in countering complementarian arguments, even while criticizing its lack of pastoral engagement.

“The rationale that underlies the egalitarian view is more theologically compelling.”

Beth Allison Barr values this work because it provides a crucial framework for understanding how to confront and name historical instances of systemic harm.

“They are horrible objects—evidence for and of scapegoating, fear of the other, inflicted pain, opportunism, warped devotion, and deep belief.”

Beth Allison Barr recommends this book for its successful contextualization of historical widowhood within the broader history of women's leadership.

Beth Allison Barr cites this text for providing a necessary perspective on how women are defined independently of patriarchal structures.

Beth Allison Barr values this work for its insightful explanation of the unique Greek title given to Tabitha in the New Testament.

Beth Allison Barr values this work for providing critical insights into the faith and devotion of St. Brigid as described in ancient accounts.

“The woman portrayed in these texts, “is a woman of the deepest faith and devotion to God.””