Redeeming the Feminine Soul: God’s Surprising Vision for Womanhood

by Julie Roys

Popular national radio host Julie Roys rejects both fundamentalist caricature and feminist distortion to reveal God’s amazingly relevant and compelling vision for women, showing them how to redeem their feminine souls and become all God designed them to be. Christian women today feel torn between the demands of motherhood, career, and ministry―and by a church that gives them conflicting ideas of what it means to be a woman. In Redeeming the Feminine God’s Compelling Vision for Womanhood , popular national radio host Julie Roys reveals the stunning truth that no one else is talking women are destroying themselves. Internalizing society’s devaluation of the feminine, some women are killing their own natural impulses to pursue a feminist ideal that bears no relation to God’s good design. Other women struggle to conform to a fundamentalist, feminine caricature, which requires denying their full humanity and gifting. Defying both feminists and fundamentalists, Julie Roys reveals God’s true, affirming, and compelling vision for women, showing them how to reclaim what is uniquely feminine, and become healthy, balanced women of God.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Faith

Audio CD

Published September 12, 2017

Reviews

[Britt Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't bring myself to finish listening to this book. I picked it up as a fan/supporter of Sarah Bessey's work (Jesus Feminist), and as someone exploring femininity through a Christian worldview. What I found was antiquated thoughts presented as if being questioned only to be brought to the conclusion that they were correct. Perhaps the most frustrating piece is that nearly all of Roys points are backed up with quotations/information from MALE authors/scholars/etc. So, while she is arguing for what being feminine means for women, she is uses primarily male thoughts to support her arguments. Would not recommend.

[Bela Soria · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was in first grade we wrote a book about what we wanted to be when we grew up, I put a stay at home mom. This has never changed && chpt 9 of this book is pretty much what my soul screams.

Probs a 3.5, lots of good stuff & alot of stuff I just didn’t rlly relate to as a woman, but dosnet disqualify it from being important in the book.

Went thru different waves of feminism which was suppppeerrr interesting, made me sad for our culture.

Earnestly praying for the Lord to redeem the woman of our church & our world.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book and talked about a variety of different topics. The author deals with some issues that are sometimes ignored or not talked about openly in the Christian community such as sex, infidelity and gender roles. All of the topics in this book were discussed with an open mind and the author gives readers some new perspectives on certain issues. Throughout the book the author provides Biblical perspectives and scripture about the issues being discussed.

[Elizabeth B_95 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite some interesting and poignant dissections of our culture, I think the author largely fails to offer a prescription on what exactly to do - practically speaking - besides emulate the Proverbs 31 woman as much as possible.
And honestly, I’m disinclined to consider any of her points after she suggested near the close that mothers who want to pursue any outside of the home passion are essentially succumbing to narcissism.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good takeaways but a lot of opinions and not Truth to back it up. One chapter I felt could make women feel guilty and shameful if they did not agree with her.

[Logan · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Like a TED Talk with a Scripture verse.”

This is a very conflicting review for me to write. I’ll admit that I enjoyed the second half of the book far more than the first. Which is disappointing because the premise sounded great: Julie starts off with a discussion between friends about womanhood which spurs her to write on what exactly is Biblical femininity.

But the first half, from what I gathered, was Julie taking the reader on a journey from her egalitarian views to a pseudo-complementarian view of gender roles? It was written in such a way that was quite confusing and jarring that I wasn’t sure exactly where Julie stood currently. It also seemed that she misrepresented complimentarianism in a few areas by way of anecdotal evidence. The irony is not lost on what I’m about to say but in all the southern baptist churches and seminary classes I’ve been in, not once was complimentarianism used to justify “male dominance” or “abuse”. Just because one moron did in its name does not mean every other guy did.

The first half just didn’t resolve and left questions unanswered. The second half focused more on feminism and current events in America. In all honesty, I was surprised by Julie’s take on feminism. I don’t think she’s wrong in this area. It just takes a lot of brass to be bold like she was. It was quite refreshing.

But by the end of the book, if you asked me what is God’s vision for femininity, I couldn’t tell you what the Bible has to say. I could tell you what the Pope, some other authors, and what Julie thinks. But no Scriptural support was really given or wrestled with. And when Scripture was given, it was often a very brief cameo.

I don’t mean to give the impression that the book is entirely bad. To reiterate, I liked the second half dealing with current issues in American culture. Julie had some good insight here, with some Christian exhortations. But overall, I’m left scratching my head more than nodding my head in agreement.

I rate my books on a 1-5 scale, 1 being “I gave up” and 5 being “Stop reading my review and go read”. I give Redeeming the Feminine Soul a 2.5 - It’s okay but I wouldn’t recommend

[Connor Blakely · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot support this author. She makes a living by smearing churches and pastors without going to the source.

[Patti Townley-Covert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie Roys' vulnerable story-telling grabbed my attention from start to finish. Each chapter offered powerful insights that have been sorely missing from a biblical perspective on gender roles and sexual identity. Hooray that Roys had the courage to write this book!

Even better the second time around!

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of good, researched and thoughtful information. I would have arranged the book differently. The first three chapters are more memoir than info and since I cannot relate to a lot of her life, I almost quit reading. Chapter four caught my attention and then later personal stories made more sense. Still, I wasn't sure of the target audience. Was it feminists? Christians that struggle with female leadership? or other? So much good cultural content for the secular world that could be packaged in a way to reach non Christ followers with good sense about moral issues. Begs for another book without so much memoir and more counter-cultural facts

[Kimber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the author, I have wrestled with what femininity should look like from a biblical Christian worldview. Several of the chapters really challenged and even transformed my thinking on certain issues. Spoiler: Roys comes down solidly on the side of complementarianism, yet in a way that felt more freeing and empowering than other complementarians, who often seem to insinuate that women are more of an afterthought than a vital addition to Kingdom work.

[Callie]

Previously read and recommended this book, but unfortunately Roys has become somewhat slanderous in recent years on Twitter, plus I totally forgot about the disturbing “Sarah” story in this book until I also recently saw it mentioned online. I don’t know why it didn’t stand out more the first time I read this, but yikes! Regardless, I no longer recommend this book. There are better ones on biblical femininity out there.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated Roys’ willingness to tackle the hard questions of the Bible surrounding the role of women in the church and the culture at large. While I didn’t always agree with her assessments, I still found myself encouraged and convicted. The final two chapters of the book were by far my favorite, and I’m finding myself ready to embrace motherhood and raising a daughter with newfound zeal and passion.

[Melanie Hardacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Healed my female spirit as I have struggled with past biblical teachings on women and also with the current messages to women. Finding my value as a woman created by God and understanding the history of the feminist movement and todays identity culture. Was so great. Every woman should read it.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book on femininity.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!!!!!!

[Ruthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated her take on this really hard subject - a little theology of the body for evangelicals

[Jason Whitaker · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very conflicted story. Though she claims that this is "God's" vision. However, she doesn't make a cause from the scriptures
Rather she quotes tons of others and gives personal stories. It's difficult to figure out where she'd going with this.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a surprising but wonderful book about women, how they are made in the image of God and what that really means about their worth. A worth that the world tries to destroy in its attempt to make women believe they should be like men. I really think this should be read by the next generation.

[Gina Dalfonzo]

Full review here: http://www.breakpoint.org/2017/09/ash...