The Making of Biblical Womanhood

How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth

By: Beth Allison Barr

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

Biblical womanhood - the belief that God designed women to be submissive wives, virtuous mothers, and joyful homemakers - pervades North-American Christianity. From choices about careers to roles in local churches to relationship dynamics, this belief shapes the everyday lives of evangelical women. Yet biblical womanhood isn't biblical, says Baylor University historian Beth Allison Barr. It was born in a series of clearly definable historical moments.

This book moves the conversation about biblical womanhood beyond Greek grammar and into the realm of church history - ancient, medieval, and modern - to show that this belief is not divinely ordained but a product of human civilization that continues to creep into the church. Barr's historical insights provide context for contemporary teachings about women's roles in the church and help move the conversation forward.

Interweaving her story as a Baptist pastor's wife, Barr sheds light on the #ChurchToo movement and abuse scandals in Southern Baptist circles and the broader evangelical world, helping listeners understand why biblical womanhood is more about human power structures than the message of Christ.

©2021 Beth Allison Barr (P)2021 eChristian

Essential history lesson for modern Christians

Having a shortsighted view of church history is a deficit I suffered being raised in the Evangelical church. B. A. Barr gave historical context to multiple doctrines I've never been able to reconcile! Zooming out to see this big picture has helped me find peace in many areas where I've otherwise felt conflicted, but couldn't quite put my finger on the reason. Highly recommend!

God loves women — it’s the church that hates us

Turns out God loves women too! It’s the church that hates us. This was scripturally sound and freeing!

Mind officially blown

Words cannot express how much this book means to me. I stumbled upon it in what I thought was a coincidence. I decided to listen only because it was said to be expiring next month. I had just finished reading a secular book called Misogyny and I loved it but I wasn’t sure if it lined up with scripture and boom this book explained my questions so well.

The patriarchal church has damaged me personally in so many ways. I at first agreed with everything I was being taught. But lately it’s made less and less sense. Not to mention the abuse that continues to plague churches that have Complementarian doctrines. Women and men with open minds please take the time to read this book. Precious children of God are being wounded, but with knowledge, truth, unity and obedience to God we can make a difference.

End patriarchy

Love this historical perspective on biblical womanhood. It is refreshing to hear how we got we’re we are in Christian beliefs.

Biblical beauty

A fantastic look at biblical changes over the centuries and how they still affect women, men, and perpetuate inequality in a modern world.