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The Myth of the Submissive Christian Woman

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For far too long Christian women have felt confused about the issue of submission. Many Bible verses, taken out of context and isolated from the verse that precedes, as well as the one that follows, have been used to teach unhealthy, ungodly forms of submission and to support an un-Christlike agenda within the Church. Brenda Waggoner gives context and caring counsel to women at all levels of spiritual maturity, leading them to wholeness and toward a more fulfilling spirituality that allows them to experience God, express their gifts and use their talents for the building up of the whole body of Christ. This is not an angry book; it is an important book for all Christians, men and women alike, offering deep insight not only into the heart of a woman, but also into the heart of God.

Boy, Brenda Waggoner really hits the nail on the head with this book. The myths that we grow up with as 'good little Christian' women can create so many problems for us down the road. Brenda has brought these concepts out into the light, so that they can be addressed God's way. As she tells us, it's all about submitting to God's sovereignty and letting Him mold us in His image. So many times this concept gets taken out of context and or balance and as a result, women lose their identity and become passive doormats, letting others step all over them. That is not what God planned for us and Brenda so gently and lovingly, with Godly wisdom and counsel, directs our thoughts back to the way that God intended us to be. Thank you Brenda for bringing this controversial subject out into the open, where all healing can occur!

Brenda Waggoner gives believable answers and realistic application on a highly sensitive issue--submission. As a conference speaker and author who teaches on the topic of marriage, I heartily recommend this book to wives--however, the book accurately addresses all women. Chapter after chapter rings clearly of truth and freedom. Brenda topples the myths set up by well-meaning Christians and exaggerated by our own emotions and reactions to circumstance. Brenda doesn't just explain concepts like self-martyrdom, self-sacrifice and self-care, she illustrates them clearly and gives practical exercises by which the reader can apply the truth. If you are tired of trying to live up to what others are expecting from you, the truth in this book will refresh your dry spirit and refocus your mind on God's will for women.

This is a good book. My only problem with it is that it is written for women. I understand that Brenda Waggoner specializes in ministry to women and that this book would make a great study book for a ladies' reading group. I also understand that it touches on an area concerning women where there has been much erroneous teaching. However, it has been my experience that struggles with dominance and submission are not gender specific. Many women have control issues and many men are recessive. Also, while the majority of illustrations in this book are gender specific, the Scriptures, quotes, and outline certainly are not. This book would be of value to people of both sexes. Many people, both male and female, both dominant and recessive, could benefit from wrestling with the statements made in this book.

I always felt uneasy about this area in my christian walk, because I have seen and heard of many women trapped in marriages when submission is interpreted as "subservience". Submission has been a much abused principle, and much of the "abuse" happens in the body of Christ. This book opened my eyes, giving me the correct perspective on submission. It is a "must read" for persons involved in women's ministries, pastors and marriage counsellors, so that the correct perspective can be taught to both men and women. It is also a good gift for single women who are contemplating marriage, and for married women who have difficulty with "submission" as we know it. An EXCELLENT book, and the exercises at the end of each chapter allow for personal reflection.

Brenda does an excellent job breaking down the myths women believe and why they are not Biblical. Don't walk into this one thinking it is just another book on how to be submissive to your husband. That is a very SMALL part of the bigger picture; How to be submissive to your God! A must read for women who desire a closer relationship with their Father and an honest, integrity filled relationship with others.

As a therapist working with many women - I have found this a great resource in teaching differentiation - women growing up and being themselves instead of remaining connected to others in an almost childlike way. I think this book clearly teaches, using relevant examples the skills of taking responsibility for yourself as an adult woman. It would be a book that those without a spiritual part of their lives could still gain much from. Thankyou Brenda!

With passionate caring, Brenda Waggoner delves into a dense area of Christian struggle. Not just for women, and not just on the obvious topic suggested in the title, this book probes your heart. Going deeper than most self-help Christian books, you can receive guidance from Brenda if you are ready to spend real time with each chapter. She offers scripture to meditate upon, and questions that initiate your own inner exploration. Perhaps most importantly, she opens up her own life struggles to the reader. She comes to the book not just as the therapist that she is, but as the woman she is, who became the therapist. Highly recommended.