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Ten Lies the Church Tells Women : How the Bible Has Been Misused to Keep Women in Spiritual Bondage
Christian women held captive by demeaning patriarchal attitudes? It happens all the time. This fresh and timely book by the editor of "Charisma" magazine takes a no-nonsense look at unscriptural mind-sets within the church--ways of thinking that have made women into "second-class citizens." A powerful expose, it will enlighten and free women to be all that God is calling them to be.
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 18, 2016
This book has been a great clarification tool for me. I felt like the title was a little severe initially, but then had to agree with the male author--that wrongs done need to be acknowledged and owned up to before healing and restoration can take place.
His explanation of commonly misused or misinterpreted scripture were enlightening, from a historical and cultural standpoint as well as from the angle of scriptural study. I'm fortunate enough to have been subject to only very mild forms of female repression within the church I grew up in, but I've been witness to plenty of ridiculous things in recent years that left me with the desire to cram a little biblical and cultural 'education' down the gullets of certain haughty and legalistic folks I've encountered. Second-hand righteousness with no love attached to it has got to be one of the deadliest, most distorted representations of the church--and one which far too many people have been injured by over the years. It's little wonder why Christianity gets hurled (with no small amount of hostility) into the 'discard' pile any time someone brings up the thin blanketing concept of organized religion.
While a bit dry in some places, the overall content is to the point and well researched. He brings up biblical accounts that you won't ever hear read or explained in most churches. The structuring of the chapters gives you the freedom to skip around and address the 'lies' and perpetuated issues that you personally have the most interest in. They do build on themselves to some extent, but they also stand alone.
His explanation of commonly misused or misinterpreted scripture were enlightening, from a historical and cultural standpoint as well as from the angle of scriptural study. I'm fortunate enough to have been subject to only very mild forms of female repression within the church I grew up in, but I've been witness to plenty of ridiculous things in recent years that left me with the desire to cram a little biblical and cultural 'education' down the gullets of certain haughty and legalistic folks I've encountered. Second-hand righteousness with no love attached to it has got to be one of the deadliest, most distorted representations of the church--and one which far too many people have been injured by over the years. It's little wonder why Christianity gets hurled (with no small amount of hostility) into the 'discard' pile any time someone brings up the thin blanketing concept of organized religion.
While a bit dry in some places, the overall content is to the point and well researched. He brings up biblical accounts that you won't ever hear read or explained in most churches. The structuring of the chapters gives you the freedom to skip around and address the 'lies' and perpetuated issues that you personally have the most interest in. They do build on themselves to some extent, but they also stand alone.
March 24, 2013
This book is excellent for Christian non-feminists who have little to no understanding of the issue. If youre like me and you're a nerd for anything having to do with philosophy, hermeneutics, and feminism, then this book is going to be pretty basic for you. While the author certainly takes modern evangelical culture to task, the writing style is very gentle and most complementarian folk would probably not find it too threatening (I would say the author himself has a pretty conservative down to earth attitude, so they won't feel like they are being talked down to). It's very simple, lucid, easy-to-read, and touches on some legitimate questions people usually have. If you've never studied this topic before, then chances are this book will help you learn a lot about the Bible and church history that you didn't know. It's also a great book for teens.
July 10, 2011
Even though I cannot agree with everything the author wrote, I enjoyed reading it. The author is very sincere and appears to be well researched. While he does not bother to hide his prejudices, he does not excuse them either. I completely disagree with his contention that all secular feminists support abortion. That's like saying all Christians believe in stoning or all Christians prefer the Old Testament to the New.
June 2, 2017
I was enjoying this book until page 35 when he talks about poverty being the tragic curse that rules every pagan culture. He goes on to say the curse of poverty on man was reversed through Jesus' work on the cross. At this point I realized Lee Grady (who I've never heard of before) must be a health, wealth & prosperity teacher. I had no interest in continuing his book so I abandoned it.
July 21, 2020
This book is not needed or helpful; in fact, it is probably destructive. The author states his opinion in the first chapter, then quotes himself throughout as though he has proven something. The quotes he uses at the beginning of each chapter to show evidence of each lie are archaic or taken from obscure teachers. The examples given of lives affected by the lies are people taking things to the extreme. Any verse in the bible can be used to justify ungodly behavior, but that doesn't change the truth of God's word. I find it hard to believe that any of this is being taught in churches outside of those that could be considered a cult. Several of the "ministries" the author praises for their great numbers have questionable doctrines and practices. (Touting large numbers seems to go against the idea of a local church that can hold members accountable.) The one "lie" that would be the exception is leadership in the church. That is so very clearly outlined in God's plan for the church that there can really be no other interpretation. Women who want to "preach" have an infinite number of opportunities outside of pastoring a church. God in His wisdom set up men as leaders in the church. That in no way makes women less than or inferior to, it just makes them subject to God's authority. I rejoice in being a woman and am thankful that I have never been made to feel second class. I'm sorry for the women that have, but this is absolutely not the book to address those needs.
July 15, 2020
I learned a lot from reading this book. Some of it seemed to drag on, probably because I read it with a group over a period of weeks.
I think the author needed to stick to his main thesis in each chapter and not rehash the same material in each one. I think the book could have been more concise and in turn more powerful.
I very much enjoyed and was inspired reading the historical portions on how women influenced churches, countries and ultimately the world for the Kingdom. I was convicted to say the least.
The author tended to think of the church in two categories, blasphemous churches and liberated churches. I think there is more nuance to each individuals walk which in turn means all churches will vary in philosophies, even well meaning and godly ones. Not all churches that desire only male leadership go home and beat their wives. There are so many grey areas and circumstantial issues that play into our relationships with each other that will need to be dealt with in prayer, not stereotyping.
Overall, I would agree with the crux of what the author is saying; but, I have read better books and articles that portray these truths with more compassion and understanding.
I think the author needed to stick to his main thesis in each chapter and not rehash the same material in each one. I think the book could have been more concise and in turn more powerful.
I very much enjoyed and was inspired reading the historical portions on how women influenced churches, countries and ultimately the world for the Kingdom. I was convicted to say the least.
The author tended to think of the church in two categories, blasphemous churches and liberated churches. I think there is more nuance to each individuals walk which in turn means all churches will vary in philosophies, even well meaning and godly ones. Not all churches that desire only male leadership go home and beat their wives. There are so many grey areas and circumstantial issues that play into our relationships with each other that will need to be dealt with in prayer, not stereotyping.
Overall, I would agree with the crux of what the author is saying; but, I have read better books and articles that portray these truths with more compassion and understanding.
January 9, 2017
So this is a bit of a tangle to review; on the one hand, it's super fabulous that this is written by a white evangelical for white evangelicals to prove that women are *gasp* real people really called by God to really lead in the real Church. And he also tackles the idea that women are in some way incomplete without a man and how that is so short-sighted for God's power among God's people--an argument that the whole of the Church often misses as it shuffles unmarried women around because it doesn't know what to do with them. And he dismantles the idiocy of the Proverbs 31 concept of womanhood, which I will clap for until I can't feel my hands anymore because that drives me nuts.
On the other hand, it's written by a white evangelical who goes way right sometimes, actually talking about modern feminism as man-hating infanticide at its heart and other such fallacies. So I can't really cheer for that, which is why this gets the relatively neutral three stars.
But oh, how I can cheer for the fact that this guy finally figured out that God calls women on purpose and is telling other guys on their own level. That's one of the things that is missing from a lot of liberal theological discourse: Scriptural explanation for premises. But this totally takes the main verses used to silence women in church and dismantles them within Scriptural boundaries--six million cheers for that.
So it's a mixed bag and if you can't handle anything right-wing, stay away. (If you can't handle anything right-wing, there's something wrong that isn't this book.) But this is a fabulous way to talk about the rightful place of women in Church leadership and I would recommend it. It has crap discussion questions after every chapter that you're welcome to ignore, but the main text is solid.
On the other hand, it's written by a white evangelical who goes way right sometimes, actually talking about modern feminism as man-hating infanticide at its heart and other such fallacies. So I can't really cheer for that, which is why this gets the relatively neutral three stars.
But oh, how I can cheer for the fact that this guy finally figured out that God calls women on purpose and is telling other guys on their own level. That's one of the things that is missing from a lot of liberal theological discourse: Scriptural explanation for premises. But this totally takes the main verses used to silence women in church and dismantles them within Scriptural boundaries--six million cheers for that.
So it's a mixed bag and if you can't handle anything right-wing, stay away. (If you can't handle anything right-wing, there's something wrong that isn't this book.) But this is a fabulous way to talk about the rightful place of women in Church leadership and I would recommend it. It has crap discussion questions after every chapter that you're welcome to ignore, but the main text is solid.
August 3, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I know Pastor Lee personally, and I loved every single book of his, however - this one is one of my favorites. God always used women and will always continue using women. I love how Pastor Lee never looks at your gender, and knows that God can use both men and women equally in different aspects of life. This is a great book for those who have been brainwashed by the cultural habits and would love to know the truth instead of following man made rules.
March 2, 2020
Greatly enjoyed reading this book. Some of these are lies I've had to work through over the 20+ years as a Christian because they are lies the church has taught many of us. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because I don't necessarily agree with every single aspect AND the one thing that drove me nuts in this book was his use of the word Palestine to describe the area where Jesus lived. No. Palestine would have been incorrect then and now.
August 4, 2014
This is a good book, basically an argument in support of women's ordination from a Pentecostal perspective, but it also has some great thoughts about male pride, domestic abuse, and prejudice against women in the church in matters that do not concern ministry leadership. Recommended to Christian women who want to be all God created them to be but have been stifled by their churches and husbands. Would also be helpful to men who are curious to know more about how women really feel when they are looked down upon and treated badly (and it's written by a man who has not experienced this personally, so it isn't judgmental).
August 12, 2008
wow. the truest/ incredible eye opening thing i have ever read. everyone should read this. men and women... especially women and young girls. completely changed my life, and i cant go back or ignore it.
May 5, 2009
Literally, I thank God for this book.
May 24, 2011
excellent expose, encouragement and support.
freedom here! know the truth and the truth sets free...
freedom here! know the truth and the truth sets free...
February 26, 2023
Más que nada, me resultó interesante como repaso histórico de los malos tratos que han recibido las mujeres a manos de hombres amparados por este pensamiento mágico llamado cristianismo.
El autor tiene buenas intenciones y se lo aplaudo. Pero no sé cómo le hace para aguantar tanta disonancia cognitiva.
A mí al menos me resultaría imposible creer al mismo tiempo que la biblia es literal y a la vez que es inspirada por Dios, con todas las contradicciones que contiene, no solo en el tema de los géneros. Pero cada quien.
Me llamó la atención su postura antifeminista y me dio risa cuando se expresa de forma negativa de la 'ira feminista', porque no son modos, claro. Porque la forma de exigir el respeto por los derechos es con humildad, como lo dice más adelante. Pero, allí mismo menciona el pasaje en que Jesús vuelca los tenderetes de los comerciantes. Pero él lo hizo amorosamente, supongo. Yo pensé que era un meme.
También desinforma cuando dice que feministas 'seculares' enseñan a odiar a los hombres. Lo cual es como cuando Jesús dice que la ley dice que odies a tus enemigos. ¿Pero que creen? La ley no dice que odies a tus enemigos, de hecho dice que si a tu enemigo se le pierde su burro, lo ayudes a encontrarlo. Y las feministas promueven la abolición de las jerarquías de género, lo cual también es bueno para los hombres. De nada.
Independiente de su antifeminismo, tiene otras ideas nefastas como la aporofobia, la homofobia, la intolerancia religiosa, la colonización e intervención en otros países, y promueve atentados contra el estado laico, qué sorpresa.
Pero, no se le deben pedir peras al olmo. Es un buen intento de modernizarse.
El autor tiene buenas intenciones y se lo aplaudo. Pero no sé cómo le hace para aguantar tanta disonancia cognitiva.
A mí al menos me resultaría imposible creer al mismo tiempo que la biblia es literal y a la vez que es inspirada por Dios, con todas las contradicciones que contiene, no solo en el tema de los géneros. Pero cada quien.
Me llamó la atención su postura antifeminista y me dio risa cuando se expresa de forma negativa de la 'ira feminista', porque no son modos, claro. Porque la forma de exigir el respeto por los derechos es con humildad, como lo dice más adelante. Pero, allí mismo menciona el pasaje en que Jesús vuelca los tenderetes de los comerciantes. Pero él lo hizo amorosamente, supongo. Yo pensé que era un meme.
También desinforma cuando dice que feministas 'seculares' enseñan a odiar a los hombres. Lo cual es como cuando Jesús dice que la ley dice que odies a tus enemigos. ¿Pero que creen? La ley no dice que odies a tus enemigos, de hecho dice que si a tu enemigo se le pierde su burro, lo ayudes a encontrarlo. Y las feministas promueven la abolición de las jerarquías de género, lo cual también es bueno para los hombres. De nada.
Independiente de su antifeminismo, tiene otras ideas nefastas como la aporofobia, la homofobia, la intolerancia religiosa, la colonización e intervención en otros países, y promueve atentados contra el estado laico, qué sorpresa.
Pero, no se le deben pedir peras al olmo. Es un buen intento de modernizarse.
July 12, 2023
Excellent read. I was left at the end of the book feeling incredibly moved and encouraged.
Things I really liked about the book:
1. The author does a great job of separating biblical equality of men and women from secular feminism - they are 2 very different things. I appreciate that he has made this distinction as many people who are hesitant to consider the egalitarian position do so because they erroneously believe it is “feminist” - which many conservatives consider to be evil. Biblical equality on the other hand, is exactly that: biblical.
2. While he does get into some meanings of Greek and Hebrew words, he doesn’t get too nitty gritty with that. If you’re in the mood for detailed explanations of Greek and Hebrew, there are certainly other books for that.
3. He focuses a lot on historical context of verses as well as historical examples of both bad treatment of women and Christian women who stepped out in faith. I love the amount of history he brings into the book.
So overall, an excellent read and would highly recommend.
Things I really liked about the book:
1. The author does a great job of separating biblical equality of men and women from secular feminism - they are 2 very different things. I appreciate that he has made this distinction as many people who are hesitant to consider the egalitarian position do so because they erroneously believe it is “feminist” - which many conservatives consider to be evil. Biblical equality on the other hand, is exactly that: biblical.
2. While he does get into some meanings of Greek and Hebrew words, he doesn’t get too nitty gritty with that. If you’re in the mood for detailed explanations of Greek and Hebrew, there are certainly other books for that.
3. He focuses a lot on historical context of verses as well as historical examples of both bad treatment of women and Christian women who stepped out in faith. I love the amount of history he brings into the book.
So overall, an excellent read and would highly recommend.
July 18, 2020
I'd previously read books like this, how Scripture has been mis-used over the years. This one gets a little "preachy." And as such, some of the material wasn't new to me.
Even considering that, once I got to about the 4th or 5th lie, the book started getting repetitious. This is partially due to the natures of the lies themselves; once the first three are toppled, most of the remaining ones fall as well. (I suspect the author wanted a list of ten, to parallel the Ten Commandments.)
(If you're looking for a book that covers mis-interpretation of Scripture which remains more objective yet isn't written by a "Bible Hater", John Shelby Spong's _Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love_ is a good place to start. He has also written other books where he re-examines parts of the New Testament and puts things in context.)
Even considering that, once I got to about the 4th or 5th lie, the book started getting repetitious. This is partially due to the natures of the lies themselves; once the first three are toppled, most of the remaining ones fall as well. (I suspect the author wanted a list of ten, to parallel the Ten Commandments.)
(If you're looking for a book that covers mis-interpretation of Scripture which remains more objective yet isn't written by a "Bible Hater", John Shelby Spong's _Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love_ is a good place to start. He has also written other books where he re-examines parts of the New Testament and puts things in context.)
June 15, 2018
WOW! I have heard these lies. I have lived these lies. I spent way too many years brainwashed by these lies. While I do not agree with everything Mr. Grady says, you cannot refute that he has hit the nail on the head in the ways the Conservative, Fundamentalist, "True" Church uses tradition and outright lies to keep women "in their place". He does a thorough study of scriptures that have long been used to be sure that women do not usurp the authority of men.
I challenge all Christians to read this with an open mind. As I said, through study of scripture I don't necessarily agree with everything he says but you cannot deny that he makes some very valid points about the contradiction between what is preached and what the scripture is actually saying.
I challenge all Christians to read this with an open mind. As I said, through study of scripture I don't necessarily agree with everything he says but you cannot deny that he makes some very valid points about the contradiction between what is preached and what the scripture is actually saying.
July 31, 2021
This is an amazing book, one that I wish I'd found 30 yrs ago! The author concisely lays out counter arguments & scriptures which defend roles of women in the church and the way women are to be treated biblically by men. Its refreshing! Its unfortunate that so many Christian men & women have not understood the scriptures and culture prevalent when the Bible was written. Taking scriptures out of context or translations in order to protect their patriarchal systems has become an art form in some cases! I have known many women who have left the church due to misinformation about what the bible REALLY said; what a shame that is. I wish I'd known about this book then...
December 12, 2019
Easy read and the author makes some good points around difficult Biblical passages in gender. Not the best book I’ve read on this topic but worth a read. Found the biblical exegesis more helpful than the historical examples.
June 17, 2021
I didn’t read this book cover to cover, but read some of the specific lies I was interested in hearing a different POV of. The author gave some interesting points and greater context to some commonly misused Bible scriptures. Definitely was a worthwhile peruse.
March 21, 2022
Great Read!
Had never realized how steeped cultural norms affected beliefs on the value of women until coming across this book. It’s been great to know that bias about women more so man made and not based in scripture.
Had never realized how steeped cultural norms affected beliefs on the value of women until coming across this book. It’s been great to know that bias about women more so man made and not based in scripture.
June 6, 2019
An excellent exegetical study of the Biblical view of gender with inspiring examples.
November 14, 2019
Great book! Not only are multiple false messages addressed, but a positive true message is put forth: God wants to use all believers, men and women.
September 21, 2020
Interesting and eye opening read for sure. While I feel like he contracted himself a few times and repeats himself multiple times, I gleaned a lot of good information from this book.
March 11, 2024
Answered a lot of questions for me. Very helpful. Needed by the church today for balance and the health of the church overall.
October 2, 2024
Great book it has opened my eyes
April 16, 2023
Enlightening
I wished I had access to this book years ago. All of my life I have felt marginalized by male dominated church and society. My husband is a Godly man who has always encouraged me to learn and teach by the power of The Holy Spirit. When we shared the teaching of an adult Sunday school class, he affirmed that I had a gift of teaching. Unfortunately, the church leadership did not agree. Since I am not interested in keeping nursery, I do not feel my church has a place for me to serve. It is also difficult for me to get women who I share the gospel with to go to church with me.
I wished I had access to this book years ago. All of my life I have felt marginalized by male dominated church and society. My husband is a Godly man who has always encouraged me to learn and teach by the power of The Holy Spirit. When we shared the teaching of an adult Sunday school class, he affirmed that I had a gift of teaching. Unfortunately, the church leadership did not agree. Since I am not interested in keeping nursery, I do not feel my church has a place for me to serve. It is also difficult for me to get women who I share the gospel with to go to church with me.
January 6, 2014
This book was really helpful and given from a very Christian prospective. It was empowering toward women without diminishing the value of men. My two major complaints about the book were 1) I didn't like his demonizing opinion of other churches core beliefs and 2) he answered a lot of "who" and "what" questions for women but not many "how." Meaning, he taught men how to be more loving and Christian to women. But he talked about how career women can still be Christian missionaries and I think that chapter (and others) would have benefited the reader if he used a biblical example to show how.
Other than that, I really liked it and I'll probably use it many times in the future for references.
Other than that, I really liked it and I'll probably use it many times in the future for references.
February 25, 2018
I enjoyed J. Lee Grady's breakdown in this book concerning how sexism still exists within Christianity. As a female preacher, this book spoke volumes to me. I believe it will for any woman navigating the landscape of the mostly male dominated battlefield of ministry.
November 3, 2008
Loved this book. Even though I didn't have issues on this topic, what wonderful insight on the history and perspective of the times. (Sally, I really think you would enjoy reading it too.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews