One of my tasks in writing this book recommendation was to come up with a title that wouldn’t leave men out. In a moment, I got just the right title to do the job, or so I thought – ‘(Wo)men of the Word’… turned out it wasn’t as novel as I thought. Andrew Wilson, over at Think Theology, beat me to it! And not only in the title, but also in the fitting review he did. It was refreshing and encouraging to read a man’s perspective on a book aimed at women. I may well just put off the entire idea of recommending the book, or maybe not?
If there’s something the author, Jen Wilkin, is well known for, it is her love for God and His Word. She self-identifies as ‘an advocate for believers to love God with their minds through the faithful study of His Word’. Women of The Word does a good job of expressing her passion for the right handling of God’s Word, such that it could not defy yet another review.
In 152 pages, and everyday language, Jen humorously dispels any myth of ‘stuffiness’ that might otherwise be associated with a book about the Bible or the Bible itself. True to her assertion that “the one who loses interest in the Bible has not been equipped to love it as [s]he should. The God of the Bible is too lovely to abandon for lesser pursuits”, this book is quite an enjoyable read.
The first chapter rightly sets the stage for what is to come by shifting the reader’s focus from self to God. It also advocates a ‘mind before heart’ approach, rather than the other way round. In subsequent chapters, Jen makes a case for biblical literacy, and points out the inadequacies of some common unhelpful habits in engaging with the Bible. The reader is later introduced to five aspects of achieving sound study – Purpose, Perspective, Patience, Process and Prayer. She pulls it all together by showcasing the practicality of the proposed study method using an example.
To the old-timer and beginner alike, I recommend this book as a helpful and practical guide that it is. Reading it will not only challenge the reader, but will also encourage a commitment to getting the most out of time spent in the Bible.
Leaving the confession till late this time around, this again has been a ‘quick win’ read. I find that there’s some wisdom in gradually building up the tempo by starting out with a less dense book, in order to keep up the zeal to read the next one, lest one gives up before getting started.
There is much benefit in reading good books; let’s get reading to some good purpose.
Thanks for reading!
Sike Osinuga