The Gospel Centered Woman

Title: THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN

Author: Wendy Alsup

Publisher: self

January 2013

ISBN: 978-1451574821

Genre: Bible study

Many Christian books written to women claim to present God's good instructions for their lives. Some expound on the value of marriage and children. Many extol the virtues of the Proverbs 31 wife. A good number teach the value of love, submission, and respect in Christian marriages. Though this book deals with these topics, The Gospel-Centered Woman addresses women from an entirely different perspective. The most important part of the Bible's instructions to women center around the gospel. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection brought about a seismic shift in our understanding of Scripture. After His resurrection, His disciples understood words written thousands of years before with a clarity they never had previously. The good news of Christ illuminates all other Scripture, including instructions to women.

To be honest, I’m not real sure what I feel about THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN. It seems very concise, backed with scripture, and well thought out. It is written by a very conservative Christian woman, one of which I am. So, theologically I agree. Mostly. She is a bit contradictive, or maybe it was the only way she could think to word things, such as “in Heaven we won’t be married. Well, we will, but Jesus will be our groom.” (Not an exact quote, but close enough.) Seems, contradictory at first, but I know what she means. We will be the bride of Christ, not the bride of our Earthly husband.

All in all, I recommend this book as a Bible study for a women’s Sunday school class or a women’s small group, or discussion group. There are pages ready for note taking on each chapter. This is not a casual devotion for women. It isn’t a book that can be read one short section at a time. Actually, it requires a lot of thought, interaction, and study. Which is good.

I’m going to recommend THE GOSPEL CENTERED WOMAN for women’s groups, or if you are looking for a deeper Bible study about God’s purpose for women. 4 stars. 154 pages. $8.99.