When Life and Beliefs Collide (Paperback)

by Carolyn Custis James (Author) "THE DIFFICULTY THAT CONFRONTED ME FROM THE OUTSET IN MY search to find a great woman theologian was that I wasn't exactly sure what I..." (more)
Key Phrases: great woman theologian, word ezer, strong helper, New Testament, Mary of Bethany, Holy Spirit (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
"You know, there have never been any great women theologians." So said a professor to James, a writer and speaker with a master's degree in biblical studies. She begs to differ, and backs up her stance with strong arguments. Spurred on by the professor's inane comment, James started on a journey to understand exactly how Christian theology fits into women's lives. Very nicely, thank you. James asserts that when life's problems come calling, women will rely on their knowledge of God to carry them through. If their understanding of God's unchangeable character is sound, these hurting women have solid resources to draw on and emerge from difficulties as stronger and more resilient Christians. On the flip side, she cautions, those whose theology is weak will quaver when the storms hit. The author cites Mary of Bethany as the quintessential biblical female theologian, who discarded current social stigmas and sat at Jesus' feet right along with the men. Mary looked to Jesus to solve life's problems and sought to learn from him at every opportunity. As she did, her theology was strengthened, making her one of the few who understood and ministered to Jesus before his crucifixion. Says James, all women need theology for themselves, each other, their families and the church at large because theologically strong women make it their business to shore up and encourage those within their sphere of influence. This thoughtful text, admonishing every woman to embrace theology, should be classed as required reading in basic Christian doctrine.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
A book that calls us to be a composite of two women--Mary and Martha--who take time to know Jesus better and whose theology informs and emboldens their ministries to others.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310250145
• ISBN-13: 978-0310250142
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #96,646 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Biblically based exposition of dealing with life, June 14, 2003

By	Harold McFarland (Florida) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Carolyn James starts her book with a personal experience at a large evangelical seminary. As one of the first five women to enroll in the seminary after it opened its door to women, she experienced both support and condemnation for being there. But one remark from one professor caused her to go on a search to prove him wrong. That remark was that there "have never been any great women theologians". In a field where admittance of women to theological institutions has been very rare it seems logical that there have not been any great women theologians, not because they could not have been but because the system prevented them from existing.

From this point she begins the real meat of the book, and what a fine meal it is. By first pointing out that theology is really about knowing God and not about graduation from a seminary, she then shows that there have been women in the Bible who came to know God and lived their theology every day. Through a detailed examination of Mary and Martha with an emphasis on Mary, she demonstrates how Mary grew into a strong relationship with Christ.

Carolyn James examines why women often shy away from theology. She examines how Mary's experiences parallel our own in many circumstances. Starting with chapter five she looks at Mary's disappointment with Jesus as Lazarus lay dying. How did this circumstance affect her relationship with Christ as the teacher and as the healer? Why does God often seem to not be there when we need him most? How do we handle our unbelief when presented with things contrary to our beliefs?

While she builds a very good case for Mary as the first great theologian who seemed to understand the mission of Jesus even when his disciples were confused, that is not the totality of the book. Chapter nine is not to be missed by anyone seeking to understand the male/female or husband/wife relationship. It is an insightful, sound and refreshing chapter. Looking beyond tradition, she does a fantastic job of shedding new light on the subject. This book is worth the price just for chapter nine.

While it is directed toward women as the primary reader, it is a recommended book for anyone. However it is especially appropriate for women who feel that their theology is not important because they need to be under the headship of a husband. Your theology, your understanding of God, your relationship with God is important whether you are single, or married. For women readers it is a highly recommended book and a source of encouragement for those seeking a deeper understanding and relationship with God.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes it is true - this book is simply outstanding, November 24, 2003

By	cc3hg (Charlottesville, VA) - See all my reviews

Yes, the reviews are all true! This book is THE book by a Christian woman in decades. It should be read by EVERY Christian woman in the USA today. Folks, Custis James is really THAT good!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars JI Packer was right to endorse this brilliant book, October 17, 2003

By	Gordon Treadway Jr. (VA, USA) - See all my reviews

Sometimes JI Packer is too generous in his many endorsements. But in the case of this outstanding, brilliantly well written and insightful book, his glowing endorsement is on the money. It is a book that will change the lives of Christian women everywhere: but only if enough read it! Buy as many copies as possible to give to every woman in your church, their husbands and the pastor and maybe this outstanding tome will get the success that it so richly deserves.