The Feminine Soul: Surprising Ways the Bible Speaks to Women

Janet Davis looks at the ways that women are treated in the Bible and comes out with a surprising (to me) conclusion. Throughout scripture, men are often cautioned to be less prideful, while women are encouraged to find our voices. This can be a helpful book for women who have been under the impression that scripture supports a subservient role for women.

This is a book I will go back to again and again.

This is a great book that is biblically sound and easy to read, easy to relate to and learn from these female prophets.This is one of Janet Davis' best work.

great read

The author's premise is that women experience God and spirituality different from men, but it's men who have done all the interpreting of sacred texts, acting as if everyone's experience mirrors theirs. In the Gospels, Jesus treats women very differently from men; he is often exasperated at their misunderstandings, but he is almost always very gentle and encouraging to women. Using examples from her own life and 12 stories of Bible women she explores the feminine soul and offers new ways for women to feel supported.There were two chapters where I struggled with her interpretation but one chapter made me cry I felt so recognized. Definitely a keeper. In fact, I bought a dozen copies and shared them with women at my church.

When I first read this book, I was at college with a group of women who loved discussing our faith and spirituality. This summer, I have read it again. And both times have been excellent.Each chapter is structured, beginning with a thought to consider, followed by a personal story from the author's life. Then, Davis relates her real-life episode to the tale of a woman in Scripture. Each chapter concludes with several thought-provoking questions. This works wells for groups, as it guides the discussion. But I also find myself thinking about the answers to her questions from my life, from my life stories, and how I relate to the biblical women.Easy to follow, and full of poetic diction, I found that this book was not only telling the author's story, but giving the reader the chance to chart and reflect on the way their spiritual self has been woven, torn, and repaired, creating an individual tapestry. I recommend this book to any woman!

With beauty and grace, Janet Davis illuminates the concept of the Feminine Soul. She unveils the gentle, but relentless, love of God for women as revealed through scripture narratives. In addition to her refreshing perspectives on Biblical women, Davis challenges today's women to examine our own lives in light of our calling as cherished daughters of God, encouraging us to embrace our own strength, our own voice, our own Feminine Soul.

Janet Davis takes a look at some of the most read stories of the Bible with a fresh take, one that is sure to make your spirit leap.