The True Woman: The Beauty and Strength of a Godly Woman

by Susan Hunt

"Striving to be a true woman of God? This book is a valuable guide." -- Elisabeth Elliot "This book goes to the center of all that it means to be a godly woman. Every American woman should have the opportunity to read it." -- D. James Kennedy Have you sensed God's call to change your world? Do you believe you can be one of those women who, by her virtue, wisdom, dignity, and faith, makes an impact in her home and community? Maybe you've heard the call but weren't sure how to maximize the opportunities God has given you. Maybe society's definition of "true womanhood"--claiming it's about reproductive rights, doing things "your way," assuming the power, and gaining control of your life--has clouded your view of who you are in Christ. Or maybe you've just been waiting for a little encouragement and inspiration. In any case, author Susan Hunt says, "Start now." And let this book be your encourager and companion. Through it you will hear how other Christian women are reflecting Christ despite difficult and sometimes tragic circumstances--and how you can reflect Him too. You'll explore what the Bible has to say about your mission and your identity as a true woman of God. You'll learn how to broaden your sphere of influence in the everyday. And you'll discover how to further develop a biblically shaped and Spirit-driven character that people are drawn to. Begin today not only to draw closer to God, but also to deepen your impact in all you do. This exhortation to biblical womanhood will set your heart on fire and excite you about the unique opportunity you have as a woman of God. An opportunity to make an impact again and again for eternity.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity, Womens, Christian Living, Religion

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 13, 1997

About the author

Susan Hunt is a mother and grandmother, a pastor’s wife, and the former Director of Women’s Ministries for the Presbyterian Church in America. Holding a degree in Christian education from Columbia Theological Seminary, she has written a number of books, including several by Crossway.

Reviews

[Abigail Stacy]

I read this as part of a womens discipleship group in my church. I really enjoyed the first half of the book as it helped me to realize how much I’ve learned about the topic from other sources. The conversations that happened biweekly with the ladies in my church over each chapter was the biggest blessing.
The book itself is okay but lacking good exegetical work with Scripture. The author takes a lot of liberty with assuming motives and responses by biblical characters that are not mentioned.

[Arianna S.]

“La creatividad de nuestro diseño es ilimitada por la forma en la que puede expresarse en diversas relaciones y circunstancias; no obstante, es constante en su propósito de glorificar a Dios.” 🌸💕

[Emma Watson]

Hunt begins by explaining many aspects of the gospel which might be beneficial for anyone, however, as she continues the book becomes quite limited in scope, even wrong. She writes from a place of anger as she encourages women to be less than I believe the Bible holds for them. She consistently insists that we follow God’s differential design for men and women with no Biblical evidence to support that claim. All in all her arguments are weak with individual stories and the opinions of others rather than real Biblical support.

[Ashley]

According to this book, in order to be a "true woman," i need to become a puritan. No thanks. Galatians 1:6-10.

[Colette]

Some really good stuff here. Some not so good. Wouldn't recommend.

[Lynn]

An excellent and useful book.

[Marliss Bombardier]

Another excellent book on the role God designed for women. Highly recommended.

[Amy]

I think there are probably some good principles in the book, but there was nothing about the style that really grabbed me, and therefore I can't really remember anything I learned through this book.

[Emma S]

This book was not what I expected. The pastel pink cover did a good job of convincing me that I would be reading about femininity and top 10 tips to make a warm home. What I found within the pages was a much meatier challenge to godliness in all areas of life. Hunt takes women seriously and encourages us to take our walk with the Lord seriously, too. Being a member of what is often called the 'weaker sex' is no excuse for a lazy attitude to God or sin in our own life. A thorough challenge to me personally, and food for thought as we develop women's ministry in our own church.

The first half of the book is focused on who God is and who we are, and how we should respond to this. Bluntly: Spirit-aided striving for holiness is not optional. The questions for reflection at the end of each chapter were pertinent and stimulated some serious self-reflection. It's so tempting to skip over them, but they really helped to apply the truths of each chapter. I think they'd be great for a women's discussion group.
The second half of the book was slightly weaker, in my opinion. She looks at virtues of piety, domesticity, purity etc. as lived out by the Puritans and as demonstrated in Scripture by various women (Miriam, Rahab etc.). It felt slightly like Hunt started with the Puritans and then went to the Bible to show where Puritan values were, which I found a little unclear at times. However, I did appreciate that her discussions of virtues such as domesticity were nuanced and quite emphatically *not* about how to have the perfect, welcoming home.
This book made me think, a lot.

[Marty Hadding]

Really enjoyed the book and found it to be very challenging in all the right ways. Surprised by how very timely it is for today considering it came out in 1997.
I underlined the heck out of it but did find I have a different perspective on Isaac and Rebekah but that did not detract from various point she made about the fact that we are all sinners and bound to disappoint and let one another down sometimes.

[Sarah]

This is a solid book about the virtues women should cultivate. I loved that this was applicable to all walks and season of life. This isn't about being a stay-at-home mom, this is about cultivating godly virtue.

Some aspects of the book were dated in style, but I still felt like I reaped a lot of benefits from this book.

Note: This is not a Bible study. It is about cultivating virtues. While it is a Christian book, don't expect expository teaching from Bible passages.

[Tanya]

Every Christian Woman should have a stance on each of these topics, and be prepared to share how they stand. These topics should be embedded deep in their hearts. This book does a great job articulating the topics, giving real world examples, and encouraging application. So so so good.

[Megan Wright]

I read the updated release of this one. I enjoyed the perspectives of puritan women and other influential women from Christian history woven throughout. The last few chapters on piety, purity, domesticity, and submission were especially practical and helpful.

[Taylor Brooke McLean]

Highly recommend anything Susan hunt writes and this is excellent for every woman

[Heather Knickerbocker]

An excellent read!

[Lianne]

It was a nice book to read, but I would say it is more American style and how you can start womengroups etc. But besides that all it was good!

[Betsy]

I think this is my favorite of Susan Hunt's books, but perhaps it is just particularly timely to my own life/circumstances...more than her others were at the point at which I read them. Anyway, she contrasts the true woman of the Bible with the new woman of today. In particular, she looks at four classic feminine virtues (purity, piety, domesticity, and submission) and shows how they are both Biblical and relevant to contemporary women, regardless of circumstances. If you are unfamiliar with Susan's work, she includes contemporary stories of women who exemplify what she's discussing; she does not "preach" a weak, mousy femininity, but rather encourages women to develop a robust faith and seek to honor God by being women made in the image of God.

[Tiggy]

I really did not like this book. She was in and out and all over the place throughout her chapters. The chapters failed to stay on their course and title. There are some quotes in this book from French leftists that represented the rebels during the French Revolution - the antiChrist side. The word community is NOT in the bible. She states the word "covenant" means community. When in fact it does NOT mean that! Covenant means a promise made my the Lord, NOT community. Not a fan of this book AT ALL.

[Mary]

We read this book as a women's study. It was good and started many really good discussions. Made me realize how the 'world' has taken time-worn words and distorted the meanings from something good and pleasing to God to something that is shunned and avoided by society (piety, domestic, submission). It uses a lot of personal stories and many of them hit close to home so it was a good tool to look deeper into my relationship to God, my family and other women in the church.

[Elizabeth Lawson]

Wow this book was amazing! Reading it was as sweet as honey to my soul. I would recommend every believing woman to read this! It has truly been life giving and has pushed me closer to God in such an intimate way. I feel it has equipped me to be a True Woman of God in all aspects of life that I am currently in and preparing to be in one day.
Highly recommend!!

[Netta]

This book was one of the first "grown up ladies" book I read.... it left a wonderful impression on my life! I think I'll read it again.

[Jenn]

This was a really convicting read. It had a lot of good advice and really struck home often about how selfish I am on a daily basis. Pushed me to be a more selfless woman.

[Amy]

Part of my 'submissive wife' collection. Really, it's quite large. ;)

[Jennifer]

This book was solid and clear, with good theology. It did not engage me as much as her books for children have.

[Heather Richmond]

We studied this throughout the year with our Titus 2 mentoring group! Many pearls to take away and apply!

[Daza Craig]

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