Official Review: The Second Eve by Bette Boersma

Renu G · Post by **Renu G** » 27 Aug 2019, 14:12

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Second Eve" by Bette Boersma.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Around the world, women have experienced gender-based discrimination in their families, educational institutions, workplaces, churches, etc. Several waves of feminism are known to have emerged in history and were stirred by prophetic individuals. These movements conscientized more and more women to join the struggle for women’s rights and equality. Over the years, they have given rise to feminist theology (in various religions) for the study of Scriptures and religious traditions from women’s perspectives. Women’s experiences are highlighted and reflected upon.

Christian feminist theology promotes equality between men and women in families as well as churches. The Second Eve: Understanding Biblical Equality is the outcome of one such theological endeavor by Bette Boersma. I agree with her that some people react negatively to these efforts because they fear that traditional structures of male domination and control may collapse. However, she seems to have been earnest in her search to know and understand the truth about how God originally envisioned the relationship between men and women. The study challenged her own traditional beliefs and transformed her thinking about women and their ministry.

In recent times, men have also joined feminist movements to promote an egalitarian society. After several years of debating, Bette Boersma was encouraged by her husband to publish this book. Hank Boersma has written a praiseworthy foreword sharing how his own traditional attitudes were challenged until he recognized and affirmed his wife as his equal. Their joint effort shines through the text and is what I like about this work. At the same time, this aspect makes it different from other books on the subject.

The author begins with the following problematique: “Can I believe that men and women are equal and still believe the Bible is true and it is God's Word for us today?” Thus, she recognizes a need to investigate whether equality is promoted in the Bible. Bette describes the waves of feminism in America and mentions the difference between “traditionalist” and “feminist” groups. This is followed by the exegesis of biblical texts that deal specifically with gender-related questions, e.g., Genesis 1 reveals that both male and female are created in God’s image and likeness. Bette also argues that Adam’s creation before Eve does not make him superior. They were not given different roles but shared their responsibilities. She explicates the story of Adam and Eve before and after they sinned against God. Women (daughters of Eve) are described, e.g., Deborah and Abigail (OT) and Mary and Martha (NT).

I appreciate how the relationship between Christ and the church as well as a few controversial passages (e.g., 1 Tim 2:11-15) are explained from Pauline perspectives. The same scriptural passages are commonly discussed in the writings of many feminists; however, Bette has unique insights that I have not found in other books. She discusses the role of women in the early church. She is very logical in presenting how Jesus is the “second Adam,” and the church is his bride as well as the “second Eve” who is redeemed. I do not wish to spoil the read by giving details of how the author argues in favor of equality. The book is not only theoretical but also practical. It includes significant questions for reflection that could be used individually or in groups and applied to Christian living.

Overall, not only did I enjoy the read but also found it very informative. Bette has researched the topic thoroughly. However, I expected a little more about Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the discussion. This would have added an ecumenical dimension to her research. Nevertheless, it is excellent, and I am pleased to rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It seems to have been professionally edited, and I found only a few typos. I did not give a lower rating because it has several exegetical points that I have not found in other feminist works. The author seems to have made a unique contribution to this field. I recommend The Second Eve: Understanding Biblical Equality to Christians who would like to know how God envisions the relationship between men and women in the family and the church. It may also appeal to feminists, theologians, and pastors.

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The Second Eve
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Kaitlyn Canedy · Post by **Kaitlyn Canedy** » 01 Sep 2019, 01:12

Feminism and the church have never really been talked about together in the past, and I am glad that I found this book review! Women are always told to obey their husbands, and that men are to be the ruler of their household. Unfortunately, this has led to abusive relationships and soaring divorce rates. I am so glad that a new perspective is out for this ideal. Great review!

ReneeBrown · Post by **ReneeBrown** » 01 Sep 2019, 17:12

I think I would be very interested in this topic. Thanks for the well-written review!

Amanda Deck · Post by **Amanda Deck** » 01 Sep 2019, 22:19

I want to read this. I never understood why that about 'the man shall rule over the woman' was taken as God's command; it always sounded like the consequences to me. As in, this is the bad result of disobedience that you'll suffer until you are ready to choose right again, you will always desire to please him and he will take charge. The snake still has genes for legs too. Does that mean snakes can "choose right" and have those genes turned back on? But about men and having to toil forever until death? I don't know. It's true that we've evolved beyond depending on growing all our own food. Whether or not that's a good thing, I can't say.

Wanja Hannah · Post by **Wanja Hannah** » 02 Sep 2019, 00:31

I feel like I can struggle so much to read this book. I don't like books that focus so much on proofing that women deserve to be recognized so I will skip. Great review though.

Rachel Lea · Post by **Rachel Lea** » 03 Sep 2019, 10:35

This sounds like a very interesting book! I like how the author pulls apart common misconceptions about what the Bible says concerning gender equality. I will definitely be checking this one out. Thanks for your review!

Laila Hashem · Post by **Laila Hashem** » 03 Sep 2019, 15:57

This sounds like such an intriguing book and its discussion of spirituality only makes me want to explore it more. I am definitely adding this to my reading list. Thanks for the great review!

BookPower9 · Post by **BookPower9** » 09 Nov 2019, 05:17

I hope that the Author should really defined the meaning of equality in Biblical truth. Because there maybe equal rights to practice by the men and a women, but not to the extreme to head a Church because Jesus in the Bible never Glorify anyone, but only his "Father." Great review! Maybe I should read this book to understand it.

kimberlyrascon · Post by **kimberlyrascon** » 16 Mar 2020, 10:07

I appreciate how the relationship between Christ and the church. It is significant questions for reflection that could be used individually or in groups and applied to Christian living. The author seems to have made a unique contribution to this field.

Amy+++ · Post by **Amy+++** » 05 Apr 2020, 07:45

I'm glad that this book exist, however the topic doesn't really interest me.

Lauren0301 · Post by **Lauren0301** » 05 Apr 2020, 08:01

A very interesting topic. I would enjoy reading and learning more about feminism and equality in relation to the Bible. I also like the fact that the book contains the author’s husband’s views, as it also includes a male’s perspective.

ms_vinkel · Post by **ms_vinkel** » 05 Apr 2020, 08:16

The idea of the church as the "second Eve" did not seem an entirely new idea to me. It's rarely emphasized, though. And that makes this book valuable to people of Christian belief. Still, I'll have to pass. Thank you for the review.

laurie5king · Post by **laurie5king** » 05 Apr 2020, 08:20

I found the premise of this book very interesting. I have not read a lot of glass ceiling books and the idea of using the Bible as the basis for this argument is an original idea to me. I would like to read this book at some and possibly other books about the same topic to get a good idea of different views on the subject.

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 05 Apr 2020, 08:30

This is an interesting theological non-fiction book on christian religion, equality, and feminism in biblical texts. The book is free on Kindle Unlimited and has a well-written and descriptive OnlineBookClub review that highlighted it perfectly. Congrats @BetteBoersma on the BOTD.

Queenyx · Post by **Queenyx** » 05 Apr 2020, 08:44

The discussion of feminism and the Bible has never crossed my mind as two topics to compare against each other. However, this review has opened a pathway to realizing that such comparisons exists and has been done in this BOTD. Already in my bookshelf's want-to-read section, I'm glad I have a little sneak peak into what to expect and I'm excited to get reading already.