Feminine Threads: Women in the Tapestry of Christian History - eBook

Diana Lynn Severance has broad experience teaching history in universities and seminaries, She is a Director of the Dunham Bible Museum at Houston Baptist University, (www.hbu.edu/biblemuseum) and is the author of Feminine Threads: Women in the Tapestry of Christian History.

Not your average history book, Feminine Threads by Diana Lynn Severance is a detailed and uplifting view of historical women of the church. In the face of feminism and worldly contradiction, Severance describes how Christian women have changed the world through witnessing and ministry. She emphasizes how humble women with open hearts have used their hospitality, vision, and intelligence to accomplish God’s work.

The book describes God-honoring women, starting from the Old Testament and leading to modern times. Their lives reflect Paul’s request in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” From slaves to queens, martyrs to missionaries, Severance gives strong examples of godly women of different time periods, using clear language and connections to a variety of issues. As a historian with wide teaching experience and as director of the Dunham Bible Museum, Severance uses her training to create a book full of scholarly references and Bible-based reflection.

Severance is not trying to promote every belief mentioned in the book; her purpose is to examine “the feminine threads in the tapestry of Christian history.” Her point is proved by history itself – that true Christianity provides freedom and fulfillment for women. Anyone who struggles to understand God’s intentions for women in the church will be encouraged by reading about those women of the past who accomplished good works while adhering to biblical truth. Severance has gathered a broad and dynamic testament with timeless application. Feminine Threads is sure to be appreciated by history lovers, as well as any Christian woman today. – Kacey Heinlein, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com

"Feminine Threads is a must-read for men and women alike, but especially so for young women who need to have a clear view of the contributions that women before them have made to the Christian faith."

~ Carolyn McCulley

"a record packed with spiritual insights and one that is both timely and significant."

~ Faith Cook

"What a gift to God's people is this remarkable tracing of the rich trail of women used by God to build his church! Severance's comprehensive scope and measured but warm scholarly voice put many of today's more clamoring voices in illuminating perspective. With excellence and careful documentation, Dr. Severance lights up a procession of women who in God's providence helped bring us to this point in history. Reading this book, we not only relish the voices and stories Severance brings to life; we also gain a hugely important understanding of an expansive heritage of women grounded in God's Word and serving God's redemptive purposes throughout human history."

~ Kathleen B. Nielson

"From Blandina and Perpetua all the way to Edith Schaeffer and Joni Eareckson Tada, this book spans the history of the church, showing how godly women have contributed to the Christian faith."

~ Tim Challies

... it is doubtful that there is another volume that so clearly, concisely, and comprehensively describes the contributions of women throughout church history.

~ The Master's Seminary Journal

"with lively prose and scholarly care she has given us an excellent overview of the various ways in which Christian women have sought to live for Christ."

~ Michael A. G. Haykin

"What women these Christians have!" exclaimed Libanius, the fourth century teacher of rhetoric. His words are amply underscored and vividly illustrated in this deeply researched and highly readable survey of the last 2,000 years - an appraisal that Diana Severance invariably places against the enduring touchstone of Scripture."

~ Richard Bewes

"I recommend every woman read and study and keep within reach for reference and inspiration!"

~ Dorothy K. Patterson

"No-one reading this book can fail to be encouraged by the faith of these ordinary women who, in their own generation, humbly trusted the Word of God and lived to serve the Lord of whom it speaks."

~ Carrie Sandom

"Well researched and well written, this study of "feminine threads" in Christian history makes for a tapestry of inspiration and instruction for all who love the Lord and his church - men and women alike."

~ Timothy George

A true historian, Diana Severance brings to life the times of the women she introduces us to with relevant nackground and cultural allusions.

~ The Evangelical Magazine

"Fascinating book for bible college students and Christian women of all ages."

~ Evangelicals Now

"I highly recommend Feminine Threads by Diana Severance. It is a comprehensive study of a variety of Christian women, slaves to Queens, from New Testament times to the present day. The way in which the author incorporates eyewitness accounts, letters, and diaries are both an encouragement to read as well as convicting. Another aspect of this book, which I found very revealing, is the response of each generation of women to the word of God. This is not a "light read", but a book that I think should be in every Christian woman's library."

~ Dr. and Mrs G. K. Beale