The Loopy Librarian

Abstract from Goodreads: “Despite decades of legislation, women are still straitjacketed into subservient roles. Girls still “dumb down” in order to catch a good-looking guy. From Barbies to burqas to Botox, women are offered models which stifle their development. The Church needs to stand against such practices. Danielle Strickland argues that it should seize the lead in offering women everywhere – especially younger women – new opportunities to develop their talents.”

The Liberating Truth by Danielle Strickland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Liberating Truth is a well-written, well-researched and passionate argument for the rights of women to have true equality with men, especially when it comes to serving in the church. The author, a major in The Salvation Army in Canada, writes from her own personal experiences of working with women in all countries who have been oppressed. Some of the stories she tells are especially heartbreaking.

I’m not a theologian, but I don’t necessarily agree with all of Strickland’s interpretations of the Bible. I am a Southern Baptist, and we don’t allow women in the pulpit based on some of the same scripture that she cited but interpreted differently. I’m also what she termed a “complementarian.” I believe that men and women are equal in value but designed to serve different roles in the church and in marriage.

Nevertheless, I felt the author’s frustration about not being able to preach or pastor in some places, as is her calling, because of some of these very same church views that I have spent the last twenty years building my life around. One book, however, passionate, is not going to change my mind, but it definitely left me with a lot to think about. There are denominations that accept women as pastors, and that’s a good thing. Just because I’m uncomfortable with a woman pastor doesn’t mean I’m right. It could just be that I’m clinging to what I’ve been taught because it’s what I’m comfortable with.

I do believe she was right about Jesus. He believed in the rights of women. I hesitate to say, as the author did, that Jesus was a feminist. Not because he wasn’t but because there are such negative connotations associated with that word today. But the Biblical evidence she presents is compelling. Jesus spent time with women; he talked with women; he taught women the Word at a time and in a culture where this was unheard of. He loved women and still does. Strickland says women are not princesses and what she meant was that we are strong and independent and not meant to be arm candy for some knight in shining armor. But, I believe that I AM a princess, a very empowered one, because Jesus is my King.

The Liberating Truth will make you rethink the roles of women. It will make you angry that women are still oppressed, even in the church. Strickland sometimes lets her frustrations override her arguments, but for the most part she uses clear evidence, biblical citations, experience, and undeniable Truth to make her points. And she does it well. As I said, she left me with a lot to think about. For more on this subject the author suggests the website www.godswordtowomen.org. In compliance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received this book for free from Kregel Publications.


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