The Myth of the Submissive Christian Woman

by Brenda Waggoner

Many women have been lured into trying to live out a mythical version of biblical submission. They appear authentic on the outside, but on the inside they're chained by misperceptions of the truth that skew their priorities and cause them to doubt themselves. The Myth of the Submissive Christian Woman is about living a life surrendered to Jesus by embracing God's gifts, offering them back to him, and passing them on to others. This book is about living truthfully and freely the abundant life Jesus has promised us as Christians.

Genres: Christian Living

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2005

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I read this book. The title makes you think it is going to be about being rebellious or about downtrodden women who are not going to take it anymore. Instead it is a biblically based book on spiritual growth for women. About being honest with yourself and others, letting your yes be yes and your no be no. I belong to a church denomination that is not legalistic but is quite proud of its male headship. This book talks about what good leadership is and isn't. This book is affirming and comforting. I appreciate the author's honesty sharing her struggles. She helps us to see ourselves as God sees us. One myth is that Biblical submission requires giving up being YOU. This is not true. Another myth is always putting others first even if means compromising yourself and your own needs. Many women in the church, especially those who are tired and discouraged, would benefit from this book. I read this at a great time in my life and am just disappointed that it has not been any more popular than it is.

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I thought it would be, no what I think you may be assuming it is. The book addresses the misconceptions and myths about what it means to be subissive, rather than whether or not women are intended to be submissive to men. I appreciated that the author didn't frame the book in terms of a struggle for power, but sought instead to understand what it means to submit to someone else in a godly way, and the ways in which women have been imposed on to do that which are not in keeping with godly submission.

[Michele Renee Renaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affirming and insightful book that clears up the "myth" of what it means to be a Christian woman. Many questions are answered in light of many a fine line between submissiveness, assertiveness, and living a Godly life without being fooled into the doormat mentality.

The author utilizes Biblical scripture to identify the myth's behind what it means to be a submissive Christian Woman or Wife, while clarifying the acceptable ways to walk with God without being too passive. Great read!

[Jaime Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book arrived at a pivotal point in my Christian walk. It did NOT fall in line with what I expected the author to say about “submission” and, in fact, brought healing to my heart and soul that I was not expecting. God used this book’s message to gently and lovingly reveal to me the root of my sin of control and pride and gave me tools to turn my wounded heart back to Him. It was wounded more than I knew. I had been submissive to self and to people-pleasing - believing incorrectly the whole time that I was being submissive to God.

[MJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this in my book club between May and August of 2010. All of us found it initially challenging to take in - Brenda Waggoner's premise is shocking to the system, and it was hard to think of ourselves as women who struggled with the things she talks about. But it didn't take long before we found ourselves in those pages, and the journey was pretty incredible. There is a lot of spiritual meat in this book. I found myself repeatedly challenged, and I took more to the Lord in prayer while reading this than I have in a very long time.

A great book for group discussion, and I look forward to rereading it on my own later. Definitely recommended!

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this for the last few days as a Bible study and devotion time reading. It was interesting and the questions at the end of the chapter really get you thinking and praying about how you are relating to Christ and other people It was a good read about not letting people use you but still be a Christian. Very thought provoking, introspective book if you want it to be.

[Katie Axelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I didn’t agree with everything Waggoner said, she raised some good points about relationships and living out in the identity God has given you.