Becoming a Woman of Influence: Making a Lasting Impact on Others
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Great Bible study
Very good book for Bible study fr women. Best price
February 6, 2012
I purchased this study for a group of women in my church. I have just finished chapter 1 and the first week of video and so far, it's very good.
August 29, 2011
Useful but not theologically sound
I like Carol Kent and I like what she sets out to do with this book. She saw the need among women for godly mentors and she set out to do something about it. Not many do that. For this I applaud her for taking the time out of her life to create a resource for those of us who wish to be a godly influence in other womenâÂÂs lives. All isnâÂÂt perfect, however. While I find this book to be valuable, it isnâÂÂt as good as it could be if she had been more intent on being God-focused rather than woman-focused. Because of that, while there is much to like about this book there is also much to be wary of.
First the positive: Carol has a desire to get women active in other womenâÂÂs lives. She covers subjects that will be of benefit to many women. SheâÂÂs motivating. SheâÂÂs enthusiastic. She rallies the troops. She gives us reasons to want to become a woman of influence and makes us want to prepare to mentor other ladies and since that is in a nutshell the point of the book, she succeeds quite admirably.
Now for the downside: This book isnâÂÂt theologically deep. Carol uses a very modern Bible translation that isnâÂÂt a word-for-word translation so sometimes the Biblical message isnâÂÂt as clear as it needs to be. Also she references people that arenâÂÂt known for being strictly straight and true to the traditional conservative Christian message. It is very modern in itâÂÂs emphasis on what women can do (and ought to do). Carol doesnâÂÂt get the message across that our lives must be lived to GodâÂÂs glory and by His power and according to His rules and truth. For these reasons, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it.
To wrap up: this is a book that will encourage women in our roles as guides and mentors to other women but it fails to give us the biblical tools needed to carry out these roles as well as we should. It is more modern than traditional, more cultural than biblical, more woman-centered than God-centered. Read it a conservative Bible translation handy and along with it, read some other, more conservative, Christian books written for women who are seeking to learn how to mentor and guide other women.
I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade CommisionâÂÂs 16 CFR, Part 255: âÂÂGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.âÂÂ
March 22, 2011
Solid Principles, Awkward Elements
These seven principles for mentoring women (especially newer Christians and seekers) are time-tested and solid, vividly illustrated, and well-grounded in Scripture.
This edition had two drawbacks for me, neither of which would prevent me from recommending the book: the study guides, and the presentation of Scripture.
I found the accompanying study guides a bit too long and fragmented. I became impatient with what felt like a âÂÂjumpyâ experienceâ through too many Scriptures and exercises.
I also found the Scripture presentation felt a bit awkward. She often paraphrased long portions (for copyright reasons?), but not creatively, or even briefly -- she appeared to describe almost every line of the Scripture, which came to feel a bit tedious. For quoted Scripture, she primarily used the Petersen paraphrase, The Message (a creative meditation on the original texts). I believe The Message as a teaching tool is best used in concert with proper translations of the text, not as a substitute for them.
That said, the seven well-founded principles made it a worthwhile read for any woman looking for thoughtful primer for serving as a spiritually healthy mentor to women, and I would recommend it as such.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
March 7, 2011