Customer Reviews

When Life and Beliefs Collide

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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.

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.

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!

This was an absolutely wonderful book. I think that all women (and men!) should be required to read it. I had already come to many of the same ideas and conclusions as the author before reading the book, but she manages to say things in such a clear, coherent way that I truly enjoyed and benefited from reading the book. I bought copies for many of my female relatives. They all thought it was very thought-provoking (in a very good way), thanked me for sending it to them, and are now passing their copies on to their women friends. Don't miss out on this great book.

Carolyn Custis James is the best female theologian writing today. She says in this book "why are there no great female theologians?" She is wrong - SHE is a great female theologian and every Christian woman ought to read this book, make sure her husband and pastor read it and then buy extra copies for all their friends to read as well. You will be seriously blessed if you read this fabulous life-changing book.

James has created a vibrant work that incorporates excellent theology with compelling narrative. Employing both the Bible and modern stories, this work grasps the essential tensions of the Christian life. Her explorations of the Biblical Mary and the role of modern women in today's church are particularly insightful. I have already asked some of my university students to read and review this book and the results have been wonderful. Not only is James an excellent theologian, she is the kind of theologian the church truly needs: one that can write in an accessible and enjoyable way that all can understand.

It is a sad reflection on the state of the Christian book market that a truly fabulous book like this is at no.30,000 whereas a lot of touchy-feely tosh is selling like hot cakes. This is the kind of Christian book that Christians in the USA ought to be reading - so why not give it a boost in the ratings by buying 10 copies each and giving one to your pastor and to all your friends. Maybe they will then do the same and this will get the top 100 slot that it deserves.

This is the book I always meant to write! "When Life and Beliefs Collide" is sound scripturally--a refreshing contrast to many books addressed to Christian women. James' treatment of theology transcends cultural and gender constraints. The book points the reader to God and promotes knowing him as the only way to get through life. Problems are not "tidied up." The author is willing to say that some things don't make sense--but God is still loving, holy, just and kind.

Thank you Carolyn Custis James!

Reading this book could not have come at a better time in my life. Over this past year I have encountered more "collisions" between life and beliefs than I ever thought possible. Through real life stories and illustrations, Carolyn Custis James masterfully proves the importance of what I have wrestled through firsthand: knowing God and studying theology does make a difference in how to survive and overcome life's collisions.

I read this book in one day and now that I've finished, I'm sending two copies to friends. At times I was moved to tears. Not only does the author make an air-tight case for the importance of women knowing theology, but as a compelling story teller she re-introduces Mary of Bethany in a way that left me whispering, "wow." Also, her study of the word "helper" (Genesis 1) was outstanding and very relevant to modern marriages. Who would have guessed that the biblical writers used so many military metaphors in describing the ideal wife?

Sandra Glahn, Author, The Coffee Cup Bible Series