Half the Church

Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women

By: Carolyn Custis James

Narrated by: Ruth Bloomquist

Length: 6 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Women comprise at least half the world, and usually more than half the church, but so often Christian teaching to women either fails to move beyond a discussion of roles, or assumes a particular economic situation or stage of life. This all but shuts women out from contributing to God's kingdom as they were designed to do.

Furthermore, the plight of women in the Majority World demands a Christian response, a holistic embrace of all that God calls women and men to be in his world. The strongest voices speaking into women's lives in the 21st century are Islam and feminism - systems that reside at opposite ends of the spectrum. Does the church's message for women stake out the middle ground, or lead the way to something much better?

The Bible contains the highest possible view of women and invests women's lives with cosmic significance, regardless of their age, stage of life, social status, or culture. Carolyn Custis James unpacks three transformative themes the Bible presents to women that raise the bar for women and calls them to join their brothers in advancing God's gracious kingdom on earth. These new images of what can be in Christ free women to embrace the life God gives them, no matter what happens. Carolyn encourages listeners with a positive, kingdom approach to the changes, challenges, and opportunities facing women throughout the world today.

©2011 Carolyn Custis James (P)2011 Zondervan

Eye opening and beautiful call to action

A must listen for those in the church! The stories, insights, and passion are impeccable. I enjoyed this and left feeling empowered!

Her approach is both humble and thorough.

I just finished and am about to listen again. This message is incredibly important yet unheard. Thank you Carolyn Custis James for proclaiming it, and for your Godly desire to see us all image Him. I am so encouraged and equipped to live with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength loving Him.

Wow! Interestingly Compelling for a Baptist.

This author presents ideas that swirl in the gead of every girl. Great to have tgem on paper.

Good, but a bit dramatic for my taste.

I felt a bit exhausted listening to the book. I felt like the inspiration came from a place of stirring up righteous indignation. Good information, but delivery felt more tiring than inspiring.

Women need this reminder

It was great to be reminded of our roots as women- ezer kenegdos. The world needs women to step up and be the warriors alongside men that we were meant to be, leading, rescuing, and working in building God’s kingdom of love for all genders, all people. Half the church can’t sit on the bench.

Half the Church

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

The author could have taken a more encouraging approach. As a woman, I have always felt valued and encouraged to do God's work at home and in the church, but the author makes an assumption that her readers feel as discontented as she.

Has Half the Church turned you off from other books in this genre?

Not really. If this genre is "Christian Books", I would be happy to continue reading many books in this genre, but not by this author.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

As I read the book, I was not convinced by her arguments, but persevered until I finished the book. I felt as if I was lectured to throughout most of the book. I felt concerned that the author is trying to stir up discontent among women of the church.

Any additional comments?

I sensed a somewhat critical tone throughout most of the book. The author was attempting to motivate women to do something extraordinary, but because of the somewhat negative tone, the attempt to challenge did not work in my case. I have read many Christian books that have helped me to grow in my faith and do more for the Lord. This book, however, was lacking in the love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, and gentleness I have come to appreciate in a good motivational book for believers.

Bleh

This narrator is terrible- couldn't bear to listen past the first chapter! Im sure it's a great book but will have to get the hard copy to find out.