Radical Womanhood

Title: Radical Womanhood: Feminine Faith in a Feminist World
Author: Carolyn McCulley
Publisher: Moody Publishers, 2008
Pages: 199
Begun: January 27, 2009
Finished: February 3, 2009

Carolyn McCulley does an excellent job at outlining the three waves of feminism with a biblical perspective. Having been an outspoken feminist before her life was radically changed by the Gospel when she was thirty years old, she is very knowledgeable about the beliefs, trends, and ideologies of the feminist movement.

She gives a historical outline beginning with Abigail Adams in her request to her husband, John Adams, to "not forget the women" in the writing of the Declaration of Independence. Abigail Adams rightly predicted that the women would rise up and rebel. McCulley then walks through the progression of the feminist movement. She rightly observes that, "while the crowning achievements of the first wave feminist movement were the legal reforms of coverture and suffrage...the ongoing target was the authority of Scripture." (p. 39) As McCulley noted, this is still the battle today.

It would be difficult to really walk through this book and give an accurate summary of everything included. Because of this I think I will focus my "summary" more on my observations and why I would recommend this book. Take it or leave it!

As a woman who was born in the 1980's, the feminist movement is really just a title that I have heard vaguely talked about. However, it has drastically affected my life as it has every woman's life living today. Young woman today are so trenched in feminist thinking that we possibly don't even know it. Obviously this is more true in the secular world, but sadly it has creeped into our churches as well. This book was extremely helpful in seeing what exactly the battles were about. In some cases, I was more sympathetic to the plight of woman. I have grown up in an environment where I have never been looked down on for being a woman. For that I am grateful to some of the reforms that have taken place in the last several generations. In many cases, however, I was completely apalled. Some of the writings of the feminist, their beliefs, and what they promoted, are, quite frankly, degrading to me as a woman.

While the feminists many times made some accurate observations about the need for reform, they were not able to interpret the real problem, which is ofcourse sin. Sin on the part of both man and woman. This book gives a biblical answer to many of the issues that the feminists have stood for.

At the end of each chapter, McCulley includes personal stories of individuals who have been radically changed by the gospel. Many of the personal stories were about women who's lives have been negatively influenced by the feminist culture we live in today. Some having to deal with things in their past such as abortions, leaving husband and children behind, and even being a prostitute which are all results of this feminist thinking. This was such a blessing to read because it loudly proclaimed the power of the Gospel to change lives.

This is not a "christian living" book. It is more informational with a call to give a spiritual response. However, this is an excellent book for those who are struggling with their role as women. It is also excellent for those who work with women who are steeped in this mindset. It is important to know what the true battles are and therefore how to answer them biblically.

I really enjoyed reading this and it was beneficial to me.

posted by Johanna