Book Review: Resignation of Eve

The Resignation of Eve: What if Adam's Rib is no Longer Willing to be the Church's Backbone?
By Jim Henderson
Tyndale, 2012
English, 320 pgs


Description:
Why millions of today’s most committed church members may be ready to bolt—and what to do about it
In talking with women around the country, Jim Henderson has come to believe that an epidemic of quiet, even sad resignation is developing among dedicated Christian women who feel overworked and undervalued in the church. As a result, many women are discouraged. Some, particularly young women, respond by leaving the organized church . . . or walking away from the faith altogether.

The Resignation of Eve is a field report on what women have to say about how they’ve been affected—both positively and negatively—by their experiences within the church. Listening to their stories is crucially important because, across the board, the research shows that women are driving changes in the church. What will happen if many of them resign?

It’s time to pay attention before it’s too late—time to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who went out of his way to honor, elevate, and work through women wherever he went.

Containing personal interviews with women and surprising research from George Barna, The Resignation of Eve is a game-changing, conversation-starting book for women who have been engaged in the Christian church, as well as for their pastors and ministry leaders.

Review:
I was really interested in reading this because I have been feeling unappreciated in working for our church. I've seen lots of other women feeling this way. I didn't expect this to be a series of stories in a collection. I understand why it's written in this way, but it just wasn't what I thought it was going to be. The women in the stories are all relateable and honest and I appreciate them telling their stories.

It's my opinion that this feeling of resignation is what leads to resentment and ultimately women not wanting to be in a church. This is a very relevant book that I believe ministers need to read. Mainly to make sure this doesn't happen in their churches.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: Real Marriage

Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship & Life Together
By Mark and Grace Driscoll
Thomas Nelson, 2012
English, 272 pages


Description:

Pastor Mark Driscoll and his wife, Grace, talk about sex and marriage in down-to-earth terms, hitting issues other Christian books won't.

While a wonderful wedding day is important, it's the last day of marriage that really counts. Will the last day of your marriage come prematurely through divorce? Will it be filled with regrets as you sit at the funeral of your spouse? Or, by God's grace, will the last day be a day to rejoice in the life you lived together?

Pastor Mark Driscoll and his wife, Grace, want you to finish well on the last day. From the importance of date nights to answers to the most tricky "can we do that?" sex questions, they share practical help and hope with people just like them-who entered marriage a complete mess-or who are planning to be married someday and want to avoid some sticky pitfalls.

Together Pastor Mark and Grace tackle the tough issues, such as:

• Why being your spouse's best friend changes everything and how to achieve it.
• Pornography and sexual sin inside and outside of marriage.
• Submission and respect - marriage's most misunderstood tenets-and what they should really look like.
• Honoring your spouse emotionally, technologically, and financially.
• What the Bible says about masturbation and oral sex.
• The "Can we do that?" questions you're too embarrassed to ask your pastor.
• How to deal with intimacy issues and create the joyful and fun sex life God intended you to have.
• What type of man or woman are you? What type of lover are you? And what type of marriage do you have?

Review:
I have a good marriage. I have an amazing partner and friend. I did not pick this book because something was bad and it needed to be fixed or anything like that. This is a very practical book written by one of our shared favorite authors/pastors. This would be a great engagement present for a young Christian couple. It's important to understand how to love and respect each other, and the Biblical mandate behind each one.

It does get pretty graphic with the sexual talk, but what doesn't these days? I'd rather read and understand from a Biblical/Christian perspective than from another view.

The chapter that hit home most with me was "Taking out the Trash". I can become very critical and can harbor resentments really quickly. This has taught me the error in that and I'm working on being better with my husband.

I think what I like best is that they don't hold back. They're open and honest and, most importantly, Scripturally based. It's a book that should be read together. I can't imagine doing this in a small group, although there is material available for this.

I received a copy of the book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: What a Son Needs From His Dad

What a Son Needs From His Dad: How a Man Prepares His Sons for Life
By Michael O'Donnell
Bethany House, 2011
English, 141 pages


Description:

No one can prepare a son for life better than his father. Dads are role models and this book encourages fathers to grow into the kind of men they want their sons to become. Practical topics include preparing boys for work, marriage, sexuality, friendships, and their relationships with God. The author researches and speaks on family issues, and is also a dad himself. Originally published as How a Man Prepares His Sons for Life. Updated by the author.

 

Review:

If I were allowed a one word review, it would be...EXCELLENT! I love this book. This is my new official "congrats on having a baby boy" gift book for dads.

My husband read it too and I wasn't sure if he was going to feel like I picked this book to review because I was saying something about him or whatever, but he read it and loved it too. He has started implementing some of the lessons from the book with our sons and I'm seeing a difference in behavior.

My 5 year old is understanding better what it means to work hard. I can tell him that all day, but when Daddy shows him with a lesson, he seems to get it. They've been playing a lot more together. We've been enjoying that as a family, but I know it's important for Dad to get on the floor and play. (Living room obstacle courses are great!) We haven't quite moved on to the good citizenship and sexuality chapters, but I know they're coming...way too soon for my taste...and we'll be able to handle them when they get here.

I received a copy of the book for review purposes and was not required to write a positive review.

Book Review: The Exceptional Life

The Exceptional Life
By Stephen Arturburn
Bethany House, 2011
English, 224 pgs


Description:

Steven Arterburn, popular author, speaker, and radio host, shows readers what they need to give up in order to have God's best for their lives. After candidly sharing his give-up moment, he examines eight things that hold Christians back--including guilt and shame, resentment, ear, anger, and isolation. He then helps readers give up their lives to God, resulting in lives full of hope, love, trust, forgiveness, connection, community, and much more. Discussion questions are included for individual and small-group use.

 

Review:

This is one of the more amazing books I've read lately. It's not a long book, only 8 chapters, but each chapter is packed full of good stuff. The book deals with guilt, shame, resentment, fear, anger, instant gratification, learned helplessness, isolation and addiction and how each can harm your personal relationships. Each chapter has 5 parts to discuss how to break the cycle of each and move toward a healthier you. Each chapter discusses what needs to be given up, why, how, what you'll gain from God and what you'll be able to do and be after giving it up.

This is not a light, sit down and read it real quick book. This is a change-your-life book. It has questions at the end of each chapter for diving deeper into what you think and feel. I can see application in it for personal study as well as a group study. I also see great value in the book for professional or pastoral counseling.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review.