Official Review: The Second Eve by Bette Boersma

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 05 Apr 2020, 11:38

I like the fact that the author mentions women's roles in the early church. The book sounds intriguing since the author added so much insight into women and the church. Giving the scripture chapter and verse is always helpful. One thing I have found while reading many of these books is every religion can take the same scripture and make a case of their own before or against equality for women. However, I would be interested in what the author gleaned from the Bible. Thank you for the excellent review!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 05 Apr 2020, 11:43

This sounds like an intriguing read; I would definitely love to see how feminism and Christianity are being read together. Thanks for the insightful review!

xuanmaii · Post by **xuanmaii** » 05 Apr 2020, 11:49

I don't think I can read this since I am not into religion. But I'm sure this is a fascinating topic! I like the point that this book discusses gender equality and feminism. Thanks for your review

Dallas2020 · Post by **Dallas2020** » 05 Apr 2020, 11:56

Thanks for the review... I will pass on this book as religion and the Bible are of zero interest to me. One of the main reasons for this is exactly what Bette describes - the systematic oppression of women.

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:00

A very interesting book "The Second Eve" by Bette Boersma, which is based on the Christian feminist theology that promotes equality between men and women, not only in families, but also in churches. The nice thing is that the book shows truth about how God had envisioned the relationship between men and women. Hope to read this book soon.

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:00

A very interesting book "The Second Eve" by Bette Boersma, which is based on the Christian feminist theology that promotes equality between men and women, not only in families, but also in churches. The nice thing is that the book shows truth about how God had envisioned the relationship between men and women. Hope to read this book soon.

ciecheesemeister · Post by **ciecheesemeister** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:08

I was a devout Catholic in my youth but distanced myself from the church, partly because of the way women were treated in general (as inferior to men), partly because of the way I was treated (as a pariah because I took issue with some of the dogma) and partly because of parts of the church's edicts simply made no sense to me, such as being opposed to the use of birth control. I started identifying as a feminist as far back as when I was 8 years old in 1973 because I did not like being told that women couldn't be astronauts or police officers, or doctors. Women could only be nurses, teachers, or secretaries until they got married. Then they had to be housewives.
At this point, I am agnostic and I am still a feminist, although some parts of the modern movement have rejected the idea that feminism is for the emancipation of women from societal rules and roles that keep us in the position of second-class citizens. As controversial thoughts go, this is one of mine. I have no problem with transgender people, but many liberal feminists proclaim have embraced transgender issues over women's issues, even going so far as to ostracize other feminists who disagree with any part of the transgender agenda. I feel that transgender issues may intersect with feminist issues, but feminism is for the emancipation of women.
I think it is important to address issues pertaining to Christian feminists. There are liberal theologians such as John Shelby Spong, an Episcopalian bishop who acknowledges the need to treat women as equals in the church and in life. However, there are still people who feel that a woman's place is subordinate to a man's position. Women are thus forced to choose between church and their own rights to be treated as fully equal members of society.
This is an important book and I appreciate your review of it very much.

austin_liives · Post by **austin_liives** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:10

From reading the first few pages of The Second Eve, I was delightfully taken by Bette's loving dedication to the matter. She holds a passionate, real, ideology on the subject of understanding her role as a woman in the eyes of God.
I appreciate her honesty in her struggles with accepting her faith at the beginning when she was first starting to discuss the matters with God. Coming from someone who was raised Christian, but steered away due to disagreements with the religious views, it's nice to find someone not afraid to speak her views and findings about a widely sensitive but necessary topic in the religious world. She brings it up in such a kind light, not pressuring her views but just genuinely excited to share her findings. A wonderful read for those of religion or respectfully not. Great review! (:

rusyalana · Post by **rusyalana** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:12

I'm all for equality between men and women but I'm not into religion and feminism so I think this book is not for me. Still I'm sure the book will find its reader and congratulations on becoming BOTD!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:17

Based on your enlightening review, this sounds like an intriguing book dealing with a unique perspective. Thanks for the recommendation.

iknwuzoh · Post by **iknwuzoh** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:22

This book is feminist in nature. It is suitable for those who want feminism. Nice job. Thanks for the review.

Sydney Nyamasoka · Post by **Sydney Nyamasoka** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:26

Thank you for the well written review. I have sampled the Amazon book, this is a great book that is enlightening to any open-minded reader, it seems.

Men and women should unite in the spirit of love, God created them both in His image - (same image - spiritually). In spiritual matters, there is neither male nor female.

Imagine how Christ gave Himself up for the Church (followers who hear His voice (commandments and promises) and follow Him as their Shepherd). The Church is said to be the bride and its relationship to Christ (the bridegroom) is compared to the proper marriage between a man and a woman.

This issue is not easily understandable from a worldly point of view because an evil force has subtly corrupted our minds (Revelation 12: 9). Women shouldn't be oppressed but loved, supported in their proper roles and men should be respected but all for God's glory not our own glory.

We should also appreciate that figures in the Holy Bible were human beings (except Jesus Christ) subject to errors and bad traditions so all accounts are in the Scriptures for our good.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:37

Definitely an interesting book. Man and woman aren't rivals; they complement each other. The Bible does not negate that truth. I am happy that Bette wrote this book.

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 05 Apr 2020, 12:59

It's unfortunate that for so long women have been victims of gender-based discrimination. It's not right. And I'm glad they found refuge from somewhere. I'm sure feminists will love this book. Great review.

Kelsey Hatch · Post by **Kelsey Hatch** » 05 Apr 2020, 13:02

The topic of Biblical gender equality has crossed my own mind many times. Trying to fully understand through research seemed daunting - as shown by Boersma's twelve years of it in making this book - so I am delighted to read this! It's wonderful that she and her husband worked together to understand an aspect of their faith that bothered her but that he never challenged. Your review was excellent; presenting context but not giving too much away. Thanks for the recommendation!