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Resist and Persist: Faith and the Fight for Equality
Over the past few decades, the roles women play in public life have evolved significantly, as have the pressures that come with needing to do it all, have it all, and be all things to all people. And with this progress, misogyny has evolved as well. Today's discrimination is more subtle and indirect, expressed in double standards, microaggressions, and impossible expectations. In other ways, sexism has gotten more brash and repulsive as women have gained power and voice in the mainstream culture.
Patriarchy is still sanctioned by every institution: capitalism, government, and even--maybe especially--the church itself. This is perhaps the ultimate irony--that a religion based on the radical justice and liberation of Jesus' teachings has been the most complicit part of the narrative against women's equality. If we are going to dial back the harmful rhetoric against women and their bodies, the community of faith is going to have to be a big part of the solution.
Erin Wathen navigates the complex layers of what it means to be a woman in our time and place--from the language we use to the clothes that we wear to the unseen and unspoken assumptions that challenge our full personhood at every turn. Resist and Persist reframes the challenges to women's equality in light of our current culture and political climate, providing a new language of resistance that can free women and men from the pernicious power of patriarchy.
Patriarchy is still sanctioned by every institution: capitalism, government, and even--maybe especially--the church itself. This is perhaps the ultimate irony--that a religion based on the radical justice and liberation of Jesus' teachings has been the most complicit part of the narrative against women's equality. If we are going to dial back the harmful rhetoric against women and their bodies, the community of faith is going to have to be a big part of the solution.
Erin Wathen navigates the complex layers of what it means to be a woman in our time and place--from the language we use to the clothes that we wear to the unseen and unspoken assumptions that challenge our full personhood at every turn. Resist and Persist reframes the challenges to women's equality in light of our current culture and political climate, providing a new language of resistance that can free women and men from the pernicious power of patriarchy.
171 pages, Paperback
Published April 10, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 17, 2018
Resist and Persist has come along at just the right time in history for those of us wading through the swamp of sexism and octopus-armed patriarchy given new muscles by the 2016 election. This book is well written, sometimes funny, and consistently informative. Rev. Wathan’s companionable prose offers us a comprehensive yet clear tour of the cultural and religious roots and reach of sexism and its harm to all of us, women, men, girl and boy children. And she closes with sage advice and a call to action for the necessary revolution in basic attitudes and practices: “We women can’t do it alone. We need men of good faith in our corner. We need a narrative of faith that is life-giving for all, not just those who already hold the most cards.” Glad I bought it; glad I read it. Promise yourself to do the same!
March 3, 2020
A must read.
May 10, 2018
Back when I was in high school, Helen Reddy offered up an anthem for the women's movement, declaring "I am woman, here me roar." It's been more than forty years since that song debuted, women still struggle to achieve equality with men. The rallying cry "she persisted" emerged after Elizabeth Warren was shut down while speaking before the Senate. The powers that be were upset that she wouldn't follow their directions, and persisted in speaking, which as I understand it is her right as a senator. I am a white male, which accords me certain privileges. I need not fight for equality or persist when warned to stop speaking. I have long supported women in their pursuit of equality, especially in the church. But, again, I am the beneficiary of certain privileges. No one questions my right to be a pastor due to my gender.
Erin Wathen is a Disciples of Christ pastor. She is a woman, and even in my denomination which is headed by a woman of color, who succeeded a woman as General Minister and President, women still struggle to gain access to pulpits. Our congregations aren't opposed to women preachers, but when push comes to shove, they prefer men (like me).
As I took up this book, having received a review copy from the publisher, knowing that the author is a colleague in my denomination, I will admit that I didn't always enjoy what I was reading. Then again, that is by design. This is a strongly worded challenge to the ongoing reign of patriarchy in our society. In the face of continued expressions of patriarchy, Wathen writes to encourage women to persist, even as she calls on men to stand up and be counted. She writes: "We are in teh age of double standards and impossible expectations; a never-die patriarchy that is sanctioned by every institution: capitalism, government, and even -- maybe especially -- the church itself." (p. x).
As Wathen lays out the challenges that still face women in the 21st century, even after decades of women's movements, it is best if I simply listen and try to understand realities I will never face. As I do this, then perhaps I can be the ally that Wathen hopes I will be. We start by recognizing that "patriarchy dies hard." As she opens the book she tells of growing up in what she thought was a progressive Disciples church that had affirmed women's leadership, but when it came to calling a woman as pastor could not cross that bridge (despite recommendation from the search committee). Here is a reminder that patriarchy remains strongly present in church and society.
In the course of the book Wathen tells her own story and the story of other women, inviting us to recognize the challenge of privilege, which she admits comes in more than one form -- there is white male privilege, but also the privilege that white women have over women of color. With this in mind she takes us into conversations about inclusive language, "the motherhood myth," equal pay and representation (it's a good reminder in an election year when women are running in record numbers that men still represent 80% or more of our governing leaders. There are double standards that continually crop up, and the problem of silencing women in an age of social media (consider how the current President speaks of women on twitter). There is ongoing challenge of domestic abuse and sexual assault (#me-too movement). Finally there is the politics of the uterus. Wathen shares that she is personally pro-life, but politically pro-choice, helpfully explaining how this works.
I wish a book like this didn't need to be written, and yet it is needed. Women should find encouragement to persist and resist here. Men, will hear a call to stand up and be counted. We will be reminded of the privileges accorded to us by a still patriarchal culture. It's not a fun read, but it is a necessary one.
Erin Wathen is a Disciples of Christ pastor. She is a woman, and even in my denomination which is headed by a woman of color, who succeeded a woman as General Minister and President, women still struggle to gain access to pulpits. Our congregations aren't opposed to women preachers, but when push comes to shove, they prefer men (like me).
As I took up this book, having received a review copy from the publisher, knowing that the author is a colleague in my denomination, I will admit that I didn't always enjoy what I was reading. Then again, that is by design. This is a strongly worded challenge to the ongoing reign of patriarchy in our society. In the face of continued expressions of patriarchy, Wathen writes to encourage women to persist, even as she calls on men to stand up and be counted. She writes: "We are in teh age of double standards and impossible expectations; a never-die patriarchy that is sanctioned by every institution: capitalism, government, and even -- maybe especially -- the church itself." (p. x).
As Wathen lays out the challenges that still face women in the 21st century, even after decades of women's movements, it is best if I simply listen and try to understand realities I will never face. As I do this, then perhaps I can be the ally that Wathen hopes I will be. We start by recognizing that "patriarchy dies hard." As she opens the book she tells of growing up in what she thought was a progressive Disciples church that had affirmed women's leadership, but when it came to calling a woman as pastor could not cross that bridge (despite recommendation from the search committee). Here is a reminder that patriarchy remains strongly present in church and society.
In the course of the book Wathen tells her own story and the story of other women, inviting us to recognize the challenge of privilege, which she admits comes in more than one form -- there is white male privilege, but also the privilege that white women have over women of color. With this in mind she takes us into conversations about inclusive language, "the motherhood myth," equal pay and representation (it's a good reminder in an election year when women are running in record numbers that men still represent 80% or more of our governing leaders. There are double standards that continually crop up, and the problem of silencing women in an age of social media (consider how the current President speaks of women on twitter). There is ongoing challenge of domestic abuse and sexual assault (#me-too movement). Finally there is the politics of the uterus. Wathen shares that she is personally pro-life, but politically pro-choice, helpfully explaining how this works.
I wish a book like this didn't need to be written, and yet it is needed. Women should find encouragement to persist and resist here. Men, will hear a call to stand up and be counted. We will be reminded of the privileges accorded to us by a still patriarchal culture. It's not a fun read, but it is a necessary one.
January 31, 2019
Who Shouldn’t Read this Book?
People with closed minds probably shouldn’t read the book. It will just make you mad and argumentative and raise your blood pressure. You’ll dig deeper into your trench and cover yourself with the satisfaction that you aren’t one of THOSE people.
People who have a problem with a little swearing, probably shouldn’t read the book. Personally, I prefer to read my books (especially ones that have a Christian bent) with G-rated language. But I’ll set aside my prudish proclivities and delve into a PG book. After all, every writer knows that a well-placed cuss word might help an author get her point across better. The value of the content far outweighs the mild expletives.
People who believe that microaggressions don’t exist and that they haven’t a racist or sexist cell in their body probably shouldn’t read the book. After all, all the evidence in the world won’t budge their self-concepts.
People who believe everything they read probably shouldn’t read the book. All books come along with the author’s biases and views on the things they research. There are a few things in the book that I’ll revisit and study on my own.
People who think discussing ideas can ruin friendships probably shouldn’t read this book. We don’t have to agree with our friend’s ideas to remain friends. Furthermore, our friends’ ideas help shape and inform us so that we can do better. (And if you only hang out with people who are just like you, you’re missing out on an awful lot).
But Really…
Who am I kidding? I think everyone should read the book along with a friend. They should use the discussion questions at the end of each chapter to start honest conversations. All those bad ‘isms’ haven’t gone away. The world still struggles because of them. It’s time to invite everyone to the table and see what we can do.
In order to avoid walking away from the table with a savior complex though, we must listen, ask questions, and learn to empower others. We must admit that some of us have privilege and some don’t—and that we aren’t entitled to that privilege.
I received an electronic copy of this book through a collaboration with the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I only post reviews of books I really like on Goodreads and my own site.
People with closed minds probably shouldn’t read the book. It will just make you mad and argumentative and raise your blood pressure. You’ll dig deeper into your trench and cover yourself with the satisfaction that you aren’t one of THOSE people.
People who have a problem with a little swearing, probably shouldn’t read the book. Personally, I prefer to read my books (especially ones that have a Christian bent) with G-rated language. But I’ll set aside my prudish proclivities and delve into a PG book. After all, every writer knows that a well-placed cuss word might help an author get her point across better. The value of the content far outweighs the mild expletives.
People who believe that microaggressions don’t exist and that they haven’t a racist or sexist cell in their body probably shouldn’t read the book. After all, all the evidence in the world won’t budge their self-concepts.
People who believe everything they read probably shouldn’t read the book. All books come along with the author’s biases and views on the things they research. There are a few things in the book that I’ll revisit and study on my own.
People who think discussing ideas can ruin friendships probably shouldn’t read this book. We don’t have to agree with our friend’s ideas to remain friends. Furthermore, our friends’ ideas help shape and inform us so that we can do better. (And if you only hang out with people who are just like you, you’re missing out on an awful lot).
But Really…
Who am I kidding? I think everyone should read the book along with a friend. They should use the discussion questions at the end of each chapter to start honest conversations. All those bad ‘isms’ haven’t gone away. The world still struggles because of them. It’s time to invite everyone to the table and see what we can do.
In order to avoid walking away from the table with a savior complex though, we must listen, ask questions, and learn to empower others. We must admit that some of us have privilege and some don’t—and that we aren’t entitled to that privilege.
I received an electronic copy of this book through a collaboration with the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I only post reviews of books I really like on Goodreads and my own site.
December 22, 2019
Powerful read that I’m still processing. “While many of the justice issues for women take place in the secular world, the narrative that upholds that imbalance finds its greatest strength in organized religion.” The church must decide if we are using the gospel to prop up the status quo or transform the world? Challenging, angering, and stirs hope in me that we can change the narrative and the outcome.
May 14, 2018
A thoughtful and nuanced manifesto at the crossroads of faith and feminism, written by a woman pastor. People of faith are often reluctant to take a stand for feminist ideas, as “...many women still don’t recognize the real impact the system has on their lives. They do not identify as feminists, they feel this is ‘not their fight,’ and in many ways they even perpetuate the systems that continue to harm women.” Wathen posits that the church must take an active role in promoting the equality of women. “If women are ever going to be fully free and equal in modern culture,” she says, “It is going to take the voice of the church calling loudly for that equality.” Wathen presents brief, thoughtful essays that any woman (or man) can relate to, regardless of religious viewpoint, discussing patriarchy, privilege, misogyny, equal pay, domestic abuse and sexual assault, pro-life/pro-choice issues, and other topics. I found Wathen’s writing interesting, accessible, and enjoyable. This book is an excellent round-up of issues related to feminism and equality, and how to approach these issues from a faith-based viewpoint.
February 18, 2018
Resist and Persist is a tour de force that outlines the societal discrimination against woman. This book is real. Erin lays out real life experiences, describes the problems, and lays out ways in which we can work together to start to untangle the issues.
The worst thing about this book is it makes me regret all the times I haven't stood up for myself at work. Working in the mostly male industry, it happens often. I'm hoping I can find the balance that Erin describes -"gracious and compassionate and...also kind of bitchy when I need to." I won this book through the giveaway (I honestly wasn't sure those were real!!!), and it's already my favorite book of 2018.
The worst thing about this book is it makes me regret all the times I haven't stood up for myself at work. Working in the mostly male industry, it happens often. I'm hoping I can find the balance that Erin describes -"gracious and compassionate and...also kind of bitchy when I need to." I won this book through the giveaway (I honestly wasn't sure those were real!!!), and it's already my favorite book of 2018.
June 9, 2018
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Erin Wathen happens to be the former pastor of the church I currently attend. She was already gone before I found the church and started going there, but I’ve been happy to get to know her a little through her writing. The more of her work I read, the more convinced I am that I would have loved her if I’d gotten to know her in person. Our church book club previously read her first book, More Than Words, and I was very impressed with it. But after reading Resist and Persist, I think I like it even better. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because gender equality is a timely topic with the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements in the spotlight or maybe it’s just because I related so well to everything Reverend Wathen had to say. Whatever the reason, I very much enjoyed this book and feel that it was a strong and much-needed manifesto on feminism and the role faith should play in furthering the cause.
Both Reverend Wathen and I come from a mainline protestant denomination that tends to have more progressive views, so I’m sure that she’ll likely receive pushback on many of her ideas from the church at large. However, I can’t help but agree with her on the fact that the patriarchy found in many churches is partly to blame for the misogyny and sexism that a lot of women face. I’ve seen it firsthand in churches I used to attend, and I see it frequently in news stories of abuse or abuse cover-ups in faith communities. So in that respect, I know that persons of faith must do better. We must clean up our own houses of worship first before we can take it into the wider world and expect to be respected.
I really liked how Reverend Wathen takes a look at not just patriarchy but all the different aspects of the gender equality issue. She discusses internalized misogyny and how women themselves can contribute to the problem, as well as privilege, and how women of color sometimes get left out of the equation. She also takes a look at etymology and how the language of equality can be a useful tool to promote healing. In addition, she covers topics such as The Motherhood Myth, Equal Pay and Representation, Double Standards and Demanding Routines for women, and the silencing of women in public spaces. I especially appreciated her coverage of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault, issues that are now making headline news, but which we still have a long way to go to eradicate. And finally she wraps it all up with a discussion of one of the hottest hot-button topics: abortion. Yes, she did dare to go there, but in a sensible manner which I think more people need to examine as a possible way forward in this debate.
Whichever aspect of gender equality she was discussing, Reverend Wathen did so in a straightforward way while still embodying compassion, love, and understanding. And whatever the topic, I agreed with her wholeheartedly. I know many will not agree with either one of us, but if we are ever to make progress and stop treating women like second-class citizens, logical and balanced steps like the ones the author presents in this book are desperately needed. I didn’t used to think that I was a feminist, maybe because of the old connotations associated with the word or maybe because I’ve made choices in my own life that I felt many feminists would disdain. But the older I get, the more I realize I actually am one, no matter what the rest of the world may think, and my absolute love of Resist and Persist has only solidified that belief, as well as my understanding of the issues of gender equality. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is seriously looking for a way to put their faith into action in the fight for gender equality.
Erin Wathen happens to be the former pastor of the church I currently attend. She was already gone before I found the church and started going there, but I’ve been happy to get to know her a little through her writing. The more of her work I read, the more convinced I am that I would have loved her if I’d gotten to know her in person. Our church book club previously read her first book, More Than Words, and I was very impressed with it. But after reading Resist and Persist, I think I like it even better. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because gender equality is a timely topic with the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements in the spotlight or maybe it’s just because I related so well to everything Reverend Wathen had to say. Whatever the reason, I very much enjoyed this book and feel that it was a strong and much-needed manifesto on feminism and the role faith should play in furthering the cause.
Both Reverend Wathen and I come from a mainline protestant denomination that tends to have more progressive views, so I’m sure that she’ll likely receive pushback on many of her ideas from the church at large. However, I can’t help but agree with her on the fact that the patriarchy found in many churches is partly to blame for the misogyny and sexism that a lot of women face. I’ve seen it firsthand in churches I used to attend, and I see it frequently in news stories of abuse or abuse cover-ups in faith communities. So in that respect, I know that persons of faith must do better. We must clean up our own houses of worship first before we can take it into the wider world and expect to be respected.
I really liked how Reverend Wathen takes a look at not just patriarchy but all the different aspects of the gender equality issue. She discusses internalized misogyny and how women themselves can contribute to the problem, as well as privilege, and how women of color sometimes get left out of the equation. She also takes a look at etymology and how the language of equality can be a useful tool to promote healing. In addition, she covers topics such as The Motherhood Myth, Equal Pay and Representation, Double Standards and Demanding Routines for women, and the silencing of women in public spaces. I especially appreciated her coverage of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault, issues that are now making headline news, but which we still have a long way to go to eradicate. And finally she wraps it all up with a discussion of one of the hottest hot-button topics: abortion. Yes, she did dare to go there, but in a sensible manner which I think more people need to examine as a possible way forward in this debate.
Whichever aspect of gender equality she was discussing, Reverend Wathen did so in a straightforward way while still embodying compassion, love, and understanding. And whatever the topic, I agreed with her wholeheartedly. I know many will not agree with either one of us, but if we are ever to make progress and stop treating women like second-class citizens, logical and balanced steps like the ones the author presents in this book are desperately needed. I didn’t used to think that I was a feminist, maybe because of the old connotations associated with the word or maybe because I’ve made choices in my own life that I felt many feminists would disdain. But the older I get, the more I realize I actually am one, no matter what the rest of the world may think, and my absolute love of Resist and Persist has only solidified that belief, as well as my understanding of the issues of gender equality. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is seriously looking for a way to put their faith into action in the fight for gender equality.
April 6, 2021
3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Westminster John Knox Press for this reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
"The work of equality must include women of every age and ethnicity, as well as men who will be allies, advocates, and partners for the journey. But even more than that, if women are ever going to be fully free and equal in modern culture, it is going to take the voice of the church calling loudly for that equality. As one of the primary guardians - we might even say architects - of the patriarchy, the church must play a critical role in dismantling the language, the worldview, and the systems that tilt the tables in favor of men."
Erin Wathen has been able to do something I cannot. She can believe the Church wants to dismantle the language, worldview, and systems that uphold patriarchy. I do not, and can not, hold that belief. Up until 2017, I had spent my career in faith-based non-profit organizations, two of them churches, being exposed to the hypocrisy of men in the Church regarding equality for women. They know it is the "right" thing to say but they don't want it...at all. And many of the women in the Church don't want it either because they still believe, from all those bible studies and sermons that have told them so, that to want equality is sinful and makes you a flaming feminist - which is also a sin. BUT. But the Church loves and esteems women, I mean Jesus came from a woman after all. My eyes are going to get stuck if I roll them any further back in my head. It's all a bunch of bullshit. What needs to happen is the Church needs to be dismantled in order for any real and lasting change to happen for women's rights, for racism to end, for pro-life movements to actually be about life and not the fetus and men exerting control over women's bodies, for really all of our broken systems to undergo a transformation the Church as a whole needs to be dismantled. But I digress. Back to the book Wathen penned.
As I said, Wathen is able to do something I cannot, as might be evidenced from what I just said above. And because she believes the Church can do it she spends her time in this book thoughtfully examining the issues women have interacting in this white man's world and how the Church can address it. It's an ambitious goal for the Church and if 2016-present is any indication of how the Church at large feels about women and their rights, it's not a goal the Church is interested in pursuing. Note I say the Church as the large, global Church. Certainly, there are small, regional churches that are interested in that ambitious goal and are doing what they can in their own space to ensure equality between genders, etc. But THE Church? It won't happen because too many white men (and a few BIPOC ones as well) have built literal family businesses out of pastoring mega churches and they can't fathom giving up the money and the prestige (idolatry) that come with their name - even to ensure their very own wives and daughters have a voice. If I sound cynical or pissed it's because I am. If I sound disgusted it's because I am.
I appreciated Erin Wathen's voice speaking into this. I agreed with much of what she said and I admire her hope and faith in an institution that lets down half of its population (and truth be told women probably make up more than half of the Church population) day in and day out. We need people like Wathen to continue to believe the Church will get its head out of its ass and do the right thing, not just for women but for all marginalized groups.
Thank you to NetGalley and Westminster John Knox Press for this reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.
"The work of equality must include women of every age and ethnicity, as well as men who will be allies, advocates, and partners for the journey. But even more than that, if women are ever going to be fully free and equal in modern culture, it is going to take the voice of the church calling loudly for that equality. As one of the primary guardians - we might even say architects - of the patriarchy, the church must play a critical role in dismantling the language, the worldview, and the systems that tilt the tables in favor of men."
Erin Wathen has been able to do something I cannot. She can believe the Church wants to dismantle the language, worldview, and systems that uphold patriarchy. I do not, and can not, hold that belief. Up until 2017, I had spent my career in faith-based non-profit organizations, two of them churches, being exposed to the hypocrisy of men in the Church regarding equality for women. They know it is the "right" thing to say but they don't want it...at all. And many of the women in the Church don't want it either because they still believe, from all those bible studies and sermons that have told them so, that to want equality is sinful and makes you a flaming feminist - which is also a sin. BUT. But the Church loves and esteems women, I mean Jesus came from a woman after all. My eyes are going to get stuck if I roll them any further back in my head. It's all a bunch of bullshit. What needs to happen is the Church needs to be dismantled in order for any real and lasting change to happen for women's rights, for racism to end, for pro-life movements to actually be about life and not the fetus and men exerting control over women's bodies, for really all of our broken systems to undergo a transformation the Church as a whole needs to be dismantled. But I digress. Back to the book Wathen penned.
As I said, Wathen is able to do something I cannot, as might be evidenced from what I just said above. And because she believes the Church can do it she spends her time in this book thoughtfully examining the issues women have interacting in this white man's world and how the Church can address it. It's an ambitious goal for the Church and if 2016-present is any indication of how the Church at large feels about women and their rights, it's not a goal the Church is interested in pursuing. Note I say the Church as the large, global Church. Certainly, there are small, regional churches that are interested in that ambitious goal and are doing what they can in their own space to ensure equality between genders, etc. But THE Church? It won't happen because too many white men (and a few BIPOC ones as well) have built literal family businesses out of pastoring mega churches and they can't fathom giving up the money and the prestige (idolatry) that come with their name - even to ensure their very own wives and daughters have a voice. If I sound cynical or pissed it's because I am. If I sound disgusted it's because I am.
I appreciated Erin Wathen's voice speaking into this. I agreed with much of what she said and I admire her hope and faith in an institution that lets down half of its population (and truth be told women probably make up more than half of the Church population) day in and day out. We need people like Wathen to continue to believe the Church will get its head out of its ass and do the right thing, not just for women but for all marginalized groups.
April 3, 2022
Sadly, decided to mark as DNF after Chapter 3.
Having grown up in the church and living in the horrific conservative culture we live in today, I'm always searching for more books about Christian Feminism -- though I prefer the term Biblical Feminism because I believe there is a biblical basis for equality. While I think books on this topic are much needed as we fight for equality within and without the church, this book simply wasn't it.
Here's why: In Chapter 3 Wathen talks about racial issues, specifically pertaining to white women learning to mind our privilege. That's a worthy topic, and there was definitely some good content for discussion, but sadly one of her talking points was that even Jesus was racist sometimes because of Matthew 15:21-28. I'm disappointed that she went there because I really wanted to finish this book, but a book that shrugs and says 'well, Jesus was a sinner too' is simply not a Christian book. The sinlessness of Christ is an essential tenet of the Christian faith. In arguing that Christ also was a sinner, Wathen reveals that she's really more of a cultural christian.
(And really, why would you want to worship a God who you believed used racial slurs sometimes? Wathen says that maybe he was tired or maybe he was frustrated but that's...not better? It's still horrifying?)
I'm linking to the Christians for Biblical Equality site, which has a more informed take on Matthew 15:21-28 here: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/article/priscilla-papers-academic-journal/jesus-and-canaanite-woman-exception-exceptional. The CBE also has a bookstore that fellow biblical feminists might be interested in browsing for other titles.
Having grown up in the church and living in the horrific conservative culture we live in today, I'm always searching for more books about Christian Feminism -- though I prefer the term Biblical Feminism because I believe there is a biblical basis for equality. While I think books on this topic are much needed as we fight for equality within and without the church, this book simply wasn't it.
Here's why: In Chapter 3 Wathen talks about racial issues, specifically pertaining to white women learning to mind our privilege. That's a worthy topic, and there was definitely some good content for discussion, but sadly one of her talking points was that even Jesus was racist sometimes because of Matthew 15:21-28. I'm disappointed that she went there because I really wanted to finish this book, but a book that shrugs and says 'well, Jesus was a sinner too' is simply not a Christian book. The sinlessness of Christ is an essential tenet of the Christian faith. In arguing that Christ also was a sinner, Wathen reveals that she's really more of a cultural christian.
(And really, why would you want to worship a God who you believed used racial slurs sometimes? Wathen says that maybe he was tired or maybe he was frustrated but that's...not better? It's still horrifying?)
I'm linking to the Christians for Biblical Equality site, which has a more informed take on Matthew 15:21-28 here: https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/article/priscilla-papers-academic-journal/jesus-and-canaanite-woman-exception-exceptional. The CBE also has a bookstore that fellow biblical feminists might be interested in browsing for other titles.
September 18, 2018
While Erin Wathen's book didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know, and she sometimes brought politics into an arena that is often divided and conquered by politics (like so many other important issues), it was a compulsive read and she has an engaging voice.
Interesting Quotes:
“But dig a little deeper, and the line in the sand is around preaching. Women can be called, ordained, even employed, in many churches where they will never stand behind the microphone. Unless they are addressing a roomful of ladies (because I guess you have to have lady parts to be able to talk to an all-women gathering?). Where did the church get this idea that men can teach and lead both men and women, but women can only speak the language of women? Do we not see what an absurd disconnect that is? In fact, there are plenty of instances in Scripture where women are teaching and leading in many ways—from Mary and Martha to Lydia and Dorcas.” (Pg. 14)
“In its totality, the Bible tells a story, not of domination, but of the shared stewardship of creation, the full humanity of all, and life shared around the table. The reality of an imago Dei, a divine Creator in whom we live and move and have our being, who gave us our identity, fully embodied, at birth.” (Pg. 61)
Interesting Quotes:
“But dig a little deeper, and the line in the sand is around preaching. Women can be called, ordained, even employed, in many churches where they will never stand behind the microphone. Unless they are addressing a roomful of ladies (because I guess you have to have lady parts to be able to talk to an all-women gathering?). Where did the church get this idea that men can teach and lead both men and women, but women can only speak the language of women? Do we not see what an absurd disconnect that is? In fact, there are plenty of instances in Scripture where women are teaching and leading in many ways—from Mary and Martha to Lydia and Dorcas.” (Pg. 14)
“In its totality, the Bible tells a story, not of domination, but of the shared stewardship of creation, the full humanity of all, and life shared around the table. The reality of an imago Dei, a divine Creator in whom we live and move and have our being, who gave us our identity, fully embodied, at birth.” (Pg. 61)
August 18, 2018
I just finished reading Resist and Persist and can’t thank you enough for your wonderful words and witness.
After having recently seen the movies Leave No Trace, Three Identical Strangers and BlackkKlansman, my sensitivity to the plight of those who have been marginalized has been heightened.
I am a white male United Methodist and view myself as a recovering racist, sexist and homophobe. While I have been active in social justice issues for many years and have become increasingly frustrated over the UMC’s anti-LGBTQ stance, your book made me realize how deeply rooted misogyny is within our culture and its negative impact on all people regardless of their gender or status in life.
While I hold great hope for the lives of my 17 year old grandson and 13 year old granddaughters, I realize that this nearly 72 year old man must continue to raise my voice for equal justice so that the sins of the past do not become the ‘new normal’ for the future.
Again, thanks for your witness and bravery and giving me the encouragement to fight for the same rights that Jesus proclaimed for all.
After having recently seen the movies Leave No Trace, Three Identical Strangers and BlackkKlansman, my sensitivity to the plight of those who have been marginalized has been heightened.
I am a white male United Methodist and view myself as a recovering racist, sexist and homophobe. While I have been active in social justice issues for many years and have become increasingly frustrated over the UMC’s anti-LGBTQ stance, your book made me realize how deeply rooted misogyny is within our culture and its negative impact on all people regardless of their gender or status in life.
While I hold great hope for the lives of my 17 year old grandson and 13 year old granddaughters, I realize that this nearly 72 year old man must continue to raise my voice for equal justice so that the sins of the past do not become the ‘new normal’ for the future.
Again, thanks for your witness and bravery and giving me the encouragement to fight for the same rights that Jesus proclaimed for all.
December 19, 2018
A great intro with interesting observations, but it definitely assumes it’s an introduction and isn’t meant for an audience that is already educated on gender issues in a faith context. It also tends to oversimplify identities and forget some aspects of intersectionality. It’s a great starting place, but definitely shouldn’t be taken as all-encompassing. It also assumes gender roles and heteronormativity in places - even with seemingly innocent points like assuming it’s always women and never men or non-binary people that are the victims of sexual violence
September 30, 2020
Could have used this book 20yrs ago! A wealth of information about women's struggles to be equal in a man's world. I understand and lived some of the experiences in this book and reflecting back on my business career found I was among the underpaid, under-appreciated and so disrespected by my male counterparts! Every young girl should read this book for an insight into what her future might hold. Thank you Erin Wathen for an in-depth, insightful and well-researched book! Note: because this book is so full of facts and information, it will be a slow but so worthwhile read.
June 28, 2018
Every female should be reading this book. In touching on almost all issues limiting women and girls, the author maintains a lively, readable, useful, and sonetimes quite humorous writing style that pulls you in and logically, but not boringly. Once you've read it, pass it on...men should also be reading this..most will learn much of which they are startingly not aware.
November 20, 2018
Men should read this too. I’ve always supported Feminist movement but as a man would not have claimed the title. If you are for equality you are one I have learned and much more. While I’ve read a bit I learned some history and couldn’t ask for anything better in the way of stories from today to bring home the point. I’d recommended to anyone!
January 11, 2021
“If we truly want to see women achieve equal status in our lifetime, the church must decide: Are we using the authority of the gospel to prop up the status quo? Or to transform the world? Is Scripture meant to be a weapon of control and manipulation? Or a story of freedom, empowerment, and fullness of life for all God’s people?”
January 8, 2019
Though I didn't agree with every point the author made, I found many thought provoking ideas. I would recommend this book to all women because whether you agree with the author or not, we are all in this together!
July 16, 2019
I mostly enjoyed this book. There were a lot of good points that I enjoyed but I found at times I disagreed with the author's perspective and language. However it was a book that made me think and reflect - and I always appreciate books that make me do that!
October 30, 2023
Bravely faces the role of faith in inhibiting equal rights with women. She shares things that the church can focus on: hiring women, paying women equally, having discussions including women of color. This would be a great discussion book
May 20, 2019
An excellent and blunt force for womens' rights and an anti-racist sermon for the religiously inclined.
set-aside
July 20, 2019I'll likely try a similar book sometime, minus the profanity. :^)
February 10, 2020
I wanted more of the theology and exegesis of some of the claims. The concrete steps to a path forward were good, but only available for a handful of the issues discussed.
July 14, 2021
I feel like it just retold information I already know from living in today’s world and made me sad and angry, but without giving me many new insights or much hope.
Read
February 27, 2025This just doesn’t pack the same punch in 2025 as I’m sure it did when it was released. I regret to inform the 2018 versions of ourselves that it gets worse.
May 2, 2018
Not a perfect book, but a good one nonetheless.
Read
November 26, 2018(I received a copy of this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
I requested this book by Erin Wathen I'm very interested in the subject of gender equality in the church. This book covers the subject in ten chapters ranging from representation to attitudes about abortion.
I do wish there were more practical examples and more Biblical examples. That would have gone farther with me.
Full review at https://mydearwatsonbooks.wordpress.c....
I requested this book by Erin Wathen I'm very interested in the subject of gender equality in the church. This book covers the subject in ten chapters ranging from representation to attitudes about abortion.
I do wish there were more practical examples and more Biblical examples. That would have gone farther with me.
Full review at https://mydearwatsonbooks.wordpress.c....
May 8, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's so necessary for women of faith to know that we have a major role in the fight for equality and intersectionality in feminism. A great read and very thought provoking: I will be buying a hard copy soon to share amongst my friends.
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