Women of the Bible and Contemporary Women of Faith
A Feminist Perspective
by
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There were times when God personally spoke to men. Today, one way He speaks to us is through the lives of the men and women of the Bible. He also uses the virtuous lives of others beyond the Bible as great role models for us who are seeking a conscientious relationship with Him.
Women such as Eve, Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Ruth, Deborah, Jael, Esther, the Virgin Mary, St. Joan of Arc, and St. Teresa of Kolkata were all powerful women truly used by God. David thanked God for sending Abigail to intercept him from carrying out vengeance. We take notice of the decisions made by these women, how others were impacted, and the lasting legacies left behind.
We learn that Jezebel and her wickedness and pride would never be the best example to follow. Power should never be abused. The more power one possesses, the greater the responsibility one has to demonstrate restraint in all circumstances and show leadership by example. Piety and humility do not necessarily mean weakness. In fact, humility comes before honor.
Some women become very famous, but the majority we never hear about. Every young Jewish girl could not become the mother of Jesus, as Mary did; or St. Teresa, the saint of the gutters, as Agnes did; or queen of England, as Elizabeth II, England’s longest-reigning monarch did; or prime minister of Israel, as Golda Meir did in 1969, at age seventy. Every girl cannot become Oprah or Malala, but every girl can be somebody, can reach her full potential.
Looking at the lives of these women, we see the hand of God move in miraculous ways. We recognize some of their decisions and actions did not just affect their world, but have critically spanned the gulf from ancient to contemporary times. Eve's impulsive action to taste of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil catapulted mankind into the viciousness of sin. This is an everlasting legacy for all who have been, who are, and who ever will be born of woman-except one: Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Joan of Arc, young and vulnerable, burned at the stake for wearing masculine attire, was called a sorceress and a heretic. All that she had done for king and country meant nothing to the devious men filled with furor and evil. One solitary goal they shared and sought-her life. The charge of heresy in those days was a weapon utilized by the male-dominated society and church to silence women, by whose leadership they felt threatened.
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About the Book
This book focuses on a selected sample of women of faith from the Bible to contemporary times. It addresses how these women have been change agents in multiple facets of life, including in the family, in politics, and in the wider society. While their underlying connection can be seen as their faith in God and their willingness to serve, their vulnerability has also been evident. For the reader seeking to increase his or her faith in God and develop a closer spiritual walk, and for any whose interest lies in recognizing the similarities between biblical times and the present, this review that ranges from Eve through Mother Teresa through Oprah and Malala should be a must-read.
About the Author
Dr. Jacqueline George, an educator for over thirty years, holds a doctorate of philosophy in biblical studies from Newburgh Theological Seminary, a master’s degree in administration from Touro College, and a master’s degree in voice performance from New York University. Ordained as a minister of God in 2010, she remains active in ministry. Her pastimes are reading the Bible and writing.