What do you think?
Rate this book
Becoming Eve: Recovering God’s Good Design for Womanhood
A culture untethered from the protective moorings of biblical truth is subject to drifting into the deep and destructive shoals of unbelief. The issue of role relationships and Biblical womanhood has such a central role in both Scripture and life, and this book helps address the current and popular drift on the topic.
268 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 7, 2016
First of all, full disclosure. Susan Shepherd is a friend, mentor, and leader in my life. Having said that, she did not give me this book, nor did she ask that I write a review. I do this of my own accord. Susan mentioned she was surprised by the positive feedback she received from those who purchased her book and wondered if people were just being nice. I did not need to remind her that my reputation for critique was anything but nice! Susan is quite familiar with my not-so-winsome way of pointing out error, particularly when it comes to interpretation of Scripture. Therefore, the praise I heap upon her thoughtful, God-honoring and timely work is entirely genuine. I walked in close proximity to Susan as she processed the words on these pages, and I know that her heart was to be obedient to God’s call. She has successfully accomplished that and more. I wholeheartedly encourage every woman regardless of age or marital status that the information on these pages is of extreme importance for today’s relevant gender issues and responsibilities. This isn’t just a book on how to be a better helper/wife. Susan has written the marching orders for faithful Christian women.
For years in the evangelical world, complementarian women have been encouraged to embrace their role as ezer (helper). We were told this is a name of honor. God himself is referred to as ezer in the Scriptures, and as women created in his image we share this amazing calling and opportunity to serve him. But what exactly does ‘helper’ mean? And what about the fall? How does the role God created woman for differ from that in a sinful, fallen world? Susan tackles those questions biblically, extracting from God’s words the very specific and practical ways a woman serves her creator and her fellow image-bearer.
Typically books like this come off as quick fixes to life’s deepest difficulties. Susan recognizes the problem with this approach to biblical exegesis and tells the reader, “this is not a handbook…on the pages that follow we’ll addresses the information gap—focusing on gaining a solid, theologically sound foundation for understanding God’s design for women.” It’s not just words on the page though. Susan points women to allow those words to a “skilled and disciplined” repentance that “leads us from our sin to obedience.” She challenges that we actually ask God to reveal how we “live independent of him,” and to let that information direct us to him and “our need for mercy.” And, similar to Paul’s imperative/indicative statements in Ephesians, Susan shares how the putting off of these ways of disobedience leads to the putting on of living out “what we believe from Scripture and from history about God.” “Will we accept the plan that He has for our lives—as women—believing that it is good even if it is hard?” Life experience has taught Susan the goodness of God and the worthiness of trust in him no matter what. This book reflects that walk.
Susan begins by defining ‘helper’ biblically. Not unlike other voices in the complementarian discussion she grounds this design for woman in creation. “God created all people, men and women, in His image;” “God created all people, men and women, equal in His image;” “Men and women are different in ways that were designed by God at the time of creation.” Then she recognizes (likely from years of experience shepherding women as Director of Women’s Ministries) the ‘oh, goody’ reaction often expressed upon receiving this knowledge. Susan refers to our created title as “the ‘H’ word.” So it is incredibly helpful that she digs in further to the concept than I have actually read or seen yet…and as a seminary student I read a lot!
I am not usually keen on acrostics, however, that Susan utilizes the word HELP to articulate our understanding is actually, well, helpful. ‘H’ indicates that a women’s disposition in her role as helper “demonstrates itself in her desire to create a hedge of protection around the people entrusted to her care.” This attitude of the heart is founded first in God’s protection of us as he “contends,” “shield’s,” “rescues us from our enemies” (Deut. 337; Ps. 33:20), and “creates a safe place for us to rest.” Women that experience this kind of God seek to share those same measures in their interaction with people the Lord places on their path.
‘E’ is for creating a culture of empathy toward people a woman relates to as well as those she may be very different from. ‘L’ indicates the lifting and sustaining of a helper who cares for those in distress, and ‘P’ “is characterized by the selfless promotion of others to accomplish His plans and purposes.” Again, it is as these attributes are grounded in the very nature of the God we love and serve that we are able to consider such a disposition. Because he IS we are able. Most telling as Susan introduces these principles is the question she asks; “Why don’t we do so?” What prevents us from embracing our role? My favorite quote is in accord with what Susan calls a “Tall Order” (indeed).
“Being created in the helper design is not another role, or a hat that we wear. It is a posture that we assume by faith, an attitude that we adopt by faith, a disposition that we aspire to because of our faith in the God who created us and sustains us in these ways from one moment to the next.”
This isn’t just another ‘to-do’ book; this is a working out of the gospel.
The remainder of the book is a detailed discussion of these biblical concepts regarding the high calling of a Godly helper. Susan consistently cements her observations in the Scriptures and brackets every directive with the gospel. She shares her insights from experience, from the culture, and from the active working out as she has witnessed it in the lives of those who embrace their calling. I myself experienced the Holy Spirit working the words of Deuteronomy 33:7 deep into my heart, recognizing that if the Lord is the one who contends for me I certainly risk nothing in selflessly promoting others even if I feel they have wronged me. God will accomplish his purposes and they will be good. Susan gave me the framework to apply that truth practically.
I recognize the glowing review I’ve given this book, along with the emphatic DO NOT WASTE TIME, BUY IT! READ IT!! imperative. I truly believe the information Susan has derived from the word of God regarding our role as women is a) significant and b) not generally stated (particularly by a woman). RUN don’t walk to purchase it. Your relationships (and ultimately you) will benefit greatly. With that in mind, my only caveat for this book has to do with the construction. Susan’s life and experiences are full and rich, and she uses many of them to help the reader visualize and practically apply the words from Scripture that she is teaching. I would have preferred to see less in that regard, particularly because there were times when the story seemingly overshadowed the message and I really want the reader to remember the message. However, beyond that thought, I think Susan has another book in her (sorry, friend ;o) and some of her illustrations/stories could likely be used elsewhere as effectively.
For years in the evangelical world, complementarian women have been encouraged to embrace their role as ezer (helper). We were told this is a name of honor. God himself is referred to as ezer in the Scriptures, and as women created in his image we share this amazing calling and opportunity to serve him. But what exactly does ‘helper’ mean? And what about the fall? How does the role God created woman for differ from that in a sinful, fallen world? Susan tackles those questions biblically, extracting from God’s words the very specific and practical ways a woman serves her creator and her fellow image-bearer.
Typically books like this come off as quick fixes to life’s deepest difficulties. Susan recognizes the problem with this approach to biblical exegesis and tells the reader, “this is not a handbook…on the pages that follow we’ll addresses the information gap—focusing on gaining a solid, theologically sound foundation for understanding God’s design for women.” It’s not just words on the page though. Susan points women to allow those words to a “skilled and disciplined” repentance that “leads us from our sin to obedience.” She challenges that we actually ask God to reveal how we “live independent of him,” and to let that information direct us to him and “our need for mercy.” And, similar to Paul’s imperative/indicative statements in Ephesians, Susan shares how the putting off of these ways of disobedience leads to the putting on of living out “what we believe from Scripture and from history about God.” “Will we accept the plan that He has for our lives—as women—believing that it is good even if it is hard?” Life experience has taught Susan the goodness of God and the worthiness of trust in him no matter what. This book reflects that walk.
Susan begins by defining ‘helper’ biblically. Not unlike other voices in the complementarian discussion she grounds this design for woman in creation. “God created all people, men and women, in His image;” “God created all people, men and women, equal in His image;” “Men and women are different in ways that were designed by God at the time of creation.” Then she recognizes (likely from years of experience shepherding women as Director of Women’s Ministries) the ‘oh, goody’ reaction often expressed upon receiving this knowledge. Susan refers to our created title as “the ‘H’ word.” So it is incredibly helpful that she digs in further to the concept than I have actually read or seen yet…and as a seminary student I read a lot!
I am not usually keen on acrostics, however, that Susan utilizes the word HELP to articulate our understanding is actually, well, helpful. ‘H’ indicates that a women’s disposition in her role as helper “demonstrates itself in her desire to create a hedge of protection around the people entrusted to her care.” This attitude of the heart is founded first in God’s protection of us as he “contends,” “shield’s,” “rescues us from our enemies” (Deut. 337; Ps. 33:20), and “creates a safe place for us to rest.” Women that experience this kind of God seek to share those same measures in their interaction with people the Lord places on their path.
‘E’ is for creating a culture of empathy toward people a woman relates to as well as those she may be very different from. ‘L’ indicates the lifting and sustaining of a helper who cares for those in distress, and ‘P’ “is characterized by the selfless promotion of others to accomplish His plans and purposes.” Again, it is as these attributes are grounded in the very nature of the God we love and serve that we are able to consider such a disposition. Because he IS we are able. Most telling as Susan introduces these principles is the question she asks; “Why don’t we do so?” What prevents us from embracing our role? My favorite quote is in accord with what Susan calls a “Tall Order” (indeed).
“Being created in the helper design is not another role, or a hat that we wear. It is a posture that we assume by faith, an attitude that we adopt by faith, a disposition that we aspire to because of our faith in the God who created us and sustains us in these ways from one moment to the next.”
This isn’t just another ‘to-do’ book; this is a working out of the gospel.
The remainder of the book is a detailed discussion of these biblical concepts regarding the high calling of a Godly helper. Susan consistently cements her observations in the Scriptures and brackets every directive with the gospel. She shares her insights from experience, from the culture, and from the active working out as she has witnessed it in the lives of those who embrace their calling. I myself experienced the Holy Spirit working the words of Deuteronomy 33:7 deep into my heart, recognizing that if the Lord is the one who contends for me I certainly risk nothing in selflessly promoting others even if I feel they have wronged me. God will accomplish his purposes and they will be good. Susan gave me the framework to apply that truth practically.
I recognize the glowing review I’ve given this book, along with the emphatic DO NOT WASTE TIME, BUY IT! READ IT!! imperative. I truly believe the information Susan has derived from the word of God regarding our role as women is a) significant and b) not generally stated (particularly by a woman). RUN don’t walk to purchase it. Your relationships (and ultimately you) will benefit greatly. With that in mind, my only caveat for this book has to do with the construction. Susan’s life and experiences are full and rich, and she uses many of them to help the reader visualize and practically apply the words from Scripture that she is teaching. I would have preferred to see less in that regard, particularly because there were times when the story seemingly overshadowed the message and I really want the reader to remember the message. However, beyond that thought, I think Susan has another book in her (sorry, friend ;o) and some of her illustrations/stories could likely be used elsewhere as effectively.
May 17, 2018
2.5 stars
My Bible study group decided to read this book over the last year (chapter a month). I feel like Susan Shepherd brings a refreshing take to the idea of Biblical womanhood. I think all the books I've read on womanhood before this point were more in relation to marriage/submission, but this book wasn't about that entirely.
Pros:
- Book is applicable to ALL women: both married and unmarried/will never be married women. It's more about a general heart of protector, empathizer, encourager, and promoter. In that sense, it was a really refreshing read. While she did discuss marriage, she also extended application to the workplace and world at large.
- The discussion questions were good! Our group enjoyed the time together and each pulled something out of it.
- The overall breakdown of chapters and topics was logical and all encompassing. It looked at principles and application.
Cons:
-Chapter 1 was awful. I even read chunks to my husband, and he was frustrated too. I don't remember all the details of it (that was nearly a year ago), but I remember disagreeing with the points she was trying to make in the stories of her husband (she laughed at him without malicious intent, and it derailed 25 years of him leading devotionals) and Sarah/Abraham (praising Sarah's obedience to Abraham when he lied). It did get much better from there, but it was a really poor way to start a book! If I hadn't been reading it with a group, I would have put it down.
- It *seems* (I don't know for sure) to be self-published. While this is a growing area and great way for authors to get their voice out there, some of the grammar editing is pretty bad- enough to make my high school English teachers cringe. There are lots of sentence fragments. The page numbers in the study questions don't match up with pages in the actual book. Lastly, there is no table of contents! This was huge for me! It drove me absolutely crazy. The headings on the top of each page are identical (not listing the title of the chapter) so it's not even like one could flip through the book and find the chapter they were on. If my toddler took out my bookmark, I was in trouble.
My Bible study group decided to read this book over the last year (chapter a month). I feel like Susan Shepherd brings a refreshing take to the idea of Biblical womanhood. I think all the books I've read on womanhood before this point were more in relation to marriage/submission, but this book wasn't about that entirely.
Pros:
- Book is applicable to ALL women: both married and unmarried/will never be married women. It's more about a general heart of protector, empathizer, encourager, and promoter. In that sense, it was a really refreshing read. While she did discuss marriage, she also extended application to the workplace and world at large.
- The discussion questions were good! Our group enjoyed the time together and each pulled something out of it.
- The overall breakdown of chapters and topics was logical and all encompassing. It looked at principles and application.
Cons:
-Chapter 1 was awful. I even read chunks to my husband, and he was frustrated too. I don't remember all the details of it (that was nearly a year ago), but I remember disagreeing with the points she was trying to make in the stories of her husband (she laughed at him without malicious intent, and it derailed 25 years of him leading devotionals) and Sarah/Abraham (praising Sarah's obedience to Abraham when he lied). It did get much better from there, but it was a really poor way to start a book! If I hadn't been reading it with a group, I would have put it down.
- It *seems* (I don't know for sure) to be self-published. While this is a growing area and great way for authors to get their voice out there, some of the grammar editing is pretty bad- enough to make my high school English teachers cringe. There are lots of sentence fragments. The page numbers in the study questions don't match up with pages in the actual book. Lastly, there is no table of contents! This was huge for me! It drove me absolutely crazy. The headings on the top of each page are identical (not listing the title of the chapter) so it's not even like one could flip through the book and find the chapter they were on. If my toddler took out my bookmark, I was in trouble.
April 3, 2019
Susan Shepherd's book circles around an acronym for HELP, four words that describe several ways that she suggests women are called to help. All four roles (Hedge-protector, Empathizer, Lifter, and Promoter) imitate the Helper nature of God while also fulfilling the role for which the first woman was made: as a helper to Adam. Shepherd's content is practical and backed up throughout with Scripture. This is real-life advice to take with you when you close the book.
A few surface-level complaints: I admit that the acronym feels gimmicky. Are those four roles of a helper really Biblical? Are they the only ways we can be helpers to others in our lives? I think she manages to fit the many aspects of helping into these four titled roles, which is impressive. And it does make it easy to remember. But the circling back through the acronym again and again starts to feel forced.
Which brings me to my second negative comment. I thought the book was too long. Content that was wonderful in the first few chapters became stale by the end. I would love to have seen things organized a bit more succinctly.
I was also disappointed in some of her citations. Had I wanted to pursue some of the sources she mentioned, I would have had difficulty finding them. Perhaps it needed one more round of editing.
These are all mere mild complaints in light of Shepherd's wonderful thesis and content. I was greatly helped by this book and I hope I will be a better helper because of it.
A few surface-level complaints: I admit that the acronym feels gimmicky. Are those four roles of a helper really Biblical? Are they the only ways we can be helpers to others in our lives? I think she manages to fit the many aspects of helping into these four titled roles, which is impressive. And it does make it easy to remember. But the circling back through the acronym again and again starts to feel forced.
Which brings me to my second negative comment. I thought the book was too long. Content that was wonderful in the first few chapters became stale by the end. I would love to have seen things organized a bit more succinctly.
I was also disappointed in some of her citations. Had I wanted to pursue some of the sources she mentioned, I would have had difficulty finding them. Perhaps it needed one more round of editing.
These are all mere mild complaints in light of Shepherd's wonderful thesis and content. I was greatly helped by this book and I hope I will be a better helper because of it.
August 23, 2019
To borrow from the title, Becoming Eve is about recovering God's good design for womanhood. ;) It addresses the very real struggle present in modern Christianity between being strong, independent women and still needing to fulfill our roles as helpmates. Susan Shepherd isn't advocating for women to be doormats. Not at all! Becoming Eve explains how women can share their gifts and talents freely in a manner pleasing to God's intended order. Even if you're not married, Shepherd gives examples of how one could be a helpmate to others. The book is full of practical advice and deep research into Scripture and Scriptural commentary while not being overly dense or difficult to soak up. If you were inclined, the book includes thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter that could be used in a solo or group Bible study.
A bonus: despite the indie publisher, this is a very well-polished book worth every penny. Shepherd is either an excellent editor herself, or employed one.
A bonus: despite the indie publisher, this is a very well-polished book worth every penny. Shepherd is either an excellent editor herself, or employed one.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews