This is the first of two book discussion on Feminine Threads–the Book Club’s February reading assignment. The second discussion will take place on the 27th of the month.
I will admit that upon opening this month’s book I was taken aback by the small font size which was obviously meant to keep the book within an already large 312 page allowance. I applaud every one of you who has jumped into this book, which is not for the faint of heart! As a mom with three little ones (one being a newborn) I know that it is difficult to find time to read, much less commit yourself to such a dense work on church history.
Having said that, I am somewhat pleased with how far along I am in Feminine Threads. Though it contains an incredible amount of information, Severance (the author), does a wonderful job of pulling you into the women’s stories and explaining different theological stances, errors, and evolutions that bring these lessons from history to life. As one who has not spent much time studying church history in the past, I have found myself longing to know more and looking forward to filling in some gaps (which are inevitable when one is trying to focus solely on the feminine threads of history) through other resources in the future.
I am a little under halfway finished with the book and about to start on Chapter 5: Christian Women in the Late Middle Ages (where are you at?). So far I have been struck by the amount of records there are of such early Christian women. Though I wish that more could be known about the “everyday” women who were not a part of the nobility or communes, it is truly incredible to hear these women’s stories. Their influence on the spread of Christianity as well as theological thought is inspiring.
I loved reading about the early church and piecing together the stories of women who are mentioned in the New Testament with historical record. One of my favorite discoveries so far was the story of Rufus’ mother whom Paul mentions in Roman’s 16. “Rufus was the son of Simon of Cyrene, who was forced by the Roman soldiers to help carry Jesus’ cross. Rufus’ mother would have been Simon’s wife.” (Pg. 27) It is incredible to me to picture this woman’s story. Were her husband and her believers in Christ before Simon was forced to carry the Savior’s cross or did they become believers after that wondrous encounter? Either way, they were first-hand witnesses to the most important moment in history. Their lives were forever changed, and it seems they became an integral part in the early church. Together they raised at least one committed Christ-follower (Rufus) and she herself was a “mother” to Paul. What a beautiful story!
Here are several other things that have impacted me through my reading so far: I found it inspiring to see the role that women generally played in the early church providing hospitality to the apostles and gathering places for the people of God. It was also encouraging to see the role that Christianity played in empowering women to serve the Lord alongside men. It was interesting to see how women were liberated from their second-class standing by the Word of God. Though the created order as revealed through Scripture gave clear instruction on the roles of men and women in the home and in the church, it also made clear the equality of value and worth among the sexes. I found Tertullian’s words about marriage very beautiful:
What a marriage is that between to believers! They have one hope, one desire, one way of life, the same religion. They are brother and sister, both fellow servants not divided in flesh or in spirit–truly ‘two in one flesh,’ for where is one flesh there is also one spirit. They pray together; they prostrate themselves together; they carry out fasts together. They instruct one another and exhort one another. Side by side they are present in the church of God and at the banquet of God; they are side by side in difficulties and in consolations. Neither ever hides things from the other; neither avoids the other; neither is a grief to the other. Freely the sick are visited and the poor are sustained. Without anxiety, misgiving, or hindrance from the other, they give alms, attend the sacrifices [of the church], perform their daily duties [of piety]. They are not secretive about making the sign of the cross; they are not fearful in greetings; they are not silent in giving benedictions. They sing psalms and hymns one to the other; they challenge each other as to who better sings to God. When Christ sees and hears such things, he rejoices. He gives them his peace. Where two are together in his name, there is he, and where he is, there the evil one cannot come.”
What an incredible relationship between husband and wife was offered through the gospel of Jesus Christ! Surely the surrounding culture knew nothing of such unity (as I am sure our culture today is without as well!).
As I have thought about the radical differences between the Scriptural practices of the early church and the pagan practices of their surrounding culture (i.e. orgies, abortion, drunkenness, etc), I have found much encouragement for our present situation within modern society. While the spread of cultural Christianity seems to have had a positive impact on society as a whole (as is seen in this book), the increasing secularization of our times seems to be reverting us back to a situation very similar to what the early church faced. Because of this I think we need to be ready to be persecuted more and more and at the same time to have a pure witness so that others can see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven! What an incredible opportunity we have to be a light in the darkness!
I would love to hear what you have been learning through this book! As you are able, please share your thoughts in the comment section of this post. Are there particular people whose stories you have been encouraged by? Is their a subject you would like to discuss with the other members of the club? What new things have you learned so far? Please take the time to join in the conversation and be sure to check back over the next few days to see what other have said as well!
Not able to join us this month? Next month we will be reading Modest: Men and Women Clothed in the Gospel by R.W. Glenn and Tim Challies! Be sure to “like” The Book Club’s Facebook page by clicking here to get the latest updates.
I am not very far into this book-about 40 pages, but I am plugging along. I also found her to draw you in-even though there is alot on the page. The one woman in the early church who had a infant child-Perpetua (I think) was hard for me to read. I couldn’t imagine leaving my baby to other people’s cares and then eventually dying for my faith with a small baby to take care of. I would hope that I would have that kind of courage and strength but I just don’t know.
I was tearing up as I read that account as well Jessica! I am always encouraged to learn about women who had a clear view of eternity and were able to forsake the temporal for Heaven. What a horrible circumstance.
Hello all!! This book has been tough for me at times with all of the facts lined up one after another, but God always rewards me when I jump back into it with an awesome appreciation for the women who dared to follow God with their whole hearts, even if it meant death. I have to say that there were several points in the book when I got so ANGRY at the way women were BLAMED for the men “sinning” and were labeled heretics and thought of as intellectually inferior. But as we can see, it was through WOMEN that so much of the gospel was spread! I had no idea that so many women were instrumental in bringing the gospel to their respective countries and people. I’m in Chapter 5 as well, and just finished reading about Margaret of Scotland. I was inspired to see how much of an affect on her husband, the King of Scotland ( who was known for his barbarism ) she had, and how he became more refined and gentler as a result of his wife. In the book it says that “Margaret was able to let the light of the gospel shine throughout Scotland.”The power of God flowed through these women in mighty ways!
It has been very interesting to see how so many women influenced not only their kingly husbands but the people of their countries. I couldn’t tell at times if their husbands actually repented and believed or if they just became nominal Christians, but the wive’s faith definitely had a positive impact on them and their countries nevertheless.
Hello all! Oh yes, the story about the lady who handed over her infant to be imprisoned for her faith! Crying.
Here are the few notes I’ve made so far:
In a section about persecution and martyrdom, there’s a sentence that says the Christianity, with its claims about the one true God, and that all other religions were worshipping false gods were seen as a threat to the Roman empire. I guess it kind of brought a smirk to my face to know that ours is by no means the only time in which our claims to exclusivity are met with resistance. Relativism has been rampant since the beginning of the church
In the section telling the story of Perpetua, there’s this: “their humility under torture actually subverted that order and caused the church to grow.” which left me wondering…how does that translate to today? I don’t have the answer, but it has made me ponder how we respond to a lot less than torture, and if our responses, while they may be right, are done with the appropriate fruits of the Spirit so as to grow the church, even in persecution.
In the chart offering more information on female martyrs in the early church, Catherine in 319 was ordered to debate 50 heathen philosophers. They were reduced to silence and converted to Christianity, then she was martyred. Um, hello?!?? That’s freaking awesome. I’m daunted by sharing the gospel with a lady I worked with for years because of what she might say. Tis lady engaged 50 heathen philosophers at once and converted them ALL. Word, Catherine. Word. Putting the name Catherine on my list of potential baby girls names just for you. No joke.
LOL Stephanie, I had me cracking up with your comments! I completely agree with you. I love how you make the point of how we respond to persecution. Does it have the same fragrance as these brave and humble women? Or is it self-righteous and arrogant? Many times I think that Christianity as a whole these days is seen as the later
Also, the story of Catherine reminds me of how important it is that we are able to give an account for the hope that is in us. We must not be content to know only the fundamentals of the faith (especially in an age when there are so many great resources available to us). We must seek to be ready to hold our own rational (and humble) debates with those who are convinced of the worlds wisdom so as to win them to Christ. Of course above all we must be praying for the Holy Spirit to fill us with his presence and enable us to do such mighty works! It is through him alone that we can do any good-including talking to our coworkers! <3
Great thoughts Stephanie.
I love your comments on Catherine too Stephanie! I couldn’t imagine being able to convince 50 philosophers. She probably would have been a brilliant lawyer in our times.
I too was taken aback by the small print:) I didn’t realize there was so much information available about women in the early church. I have to admit I skipped a few pages because I couldn’t bear reading about another martyr:( (I’m just sensitive that way:) I enjoyed reading and seeing how Christianity brought so much freedom to women from the culture of their day. And Tertullian’s quote was so beautiful! Thanks!
Hi! I’m loving this book – it’s so interesting and so inspiring. The small print doesn’t bother me because I’m reading on my Kindle, although it means that stories get broken up by other stories. Anyway, I’m up to Chapter 7. What’s really struck me so far is that the key factor influencing women’s ministry in the church, or lack of it, seems to be the decision to make priests celibate in the 11th century (or was it 12th, either way I didn’t realise it was that late) and then the Reformation revoking that and women suddenly finding a voice and a position in the church again. I was really moved by the account of Martin Luther’s attitude to marriage (as an ex-priest he married an ex-nun). The Reformation redeemed marriage as well as restoring true Biblical doctrine, I didn’t know that. It was fun in the earlier chapters to tie in what we’ve been learning about in our homeschool history – lots of connections and lightbulb moments – and my home town (Bristol in England) was even mentioned at one point!
I completely agree about the church’s acceptance of priestly celibacy being an interesting point. It really did seem to impact women in the church to a very high degree. Sound doctrine is so important and bad doctrine can effect more than was ever intended! I haven’t gotten to the reformation yet in the book, but I am familiar with Martin Luther’s story and his relationship to his wife-definitey an inspiration in so many ways!
And Stephanie, yes you should definitely call your baby girl Catherine – what a great name
Sorry I haven’t been able to post, but I have enjoyed reading your comments. I haven’t had the extra money to purchase the book until now and will be doing that because I definitely want to read this. Getting ready to buy next months book since it is on sale for Kindle.