betsy1910 reviewed on 3/30/2013

This book contains multiple theological errors as well as some disappointing points of legalism. All ideas contrary or different from the author's agenda are left out of the book. Staying up late to work after the rest of the family has gone to bed is selfish? I think not! Yet, Mahaney asserts that women who do so are "lazy and selfish" (72). Mahaney assumes that all women are able to be homemakers and ONLY homemakers. Working outside the home is not allowed at all. What about single mothers? Or single women for that matter? What about women who work from the home? Or women who happen to be suited for work as university professors, doctors, and lawyers? Frankly, Mahaney alienates professional women with her suggestions of "continuing education" in areas such as cooking, decorating, and the like. These things are not wrong and are good in their place but I find it insulting for an author to assume that I need to fill my days with becoming a better decorator or cook instead of simply adding these projects to a full life of teaching, studying, working, and stimulating my mind. It is not that hard for an educated woman to learn to cook and decorate and there's no need to spend days and weeks obsessing over these things. The chapter on submission contained the usual contradictory and borderline spiritually abusive instructions for submission as well as the obligatory story of a husband "won" by his wife's submission. While there are many, many theological errors and scriptures taken out of context in this chapter, the most glaring is the glossing over of the meaning of the word "helpmate." The Hebrew root word "ezer" is used many times in the Old Testament and is used to refer to God Himself. This gives an entirely different interpretation of a "helpmate" but this fact is ignored by Mahaney. Finally, this is sold as an book for the typical evangelical women. It is NOT. Mahaney seems to write from a fundamentalist point of view. This is not surprising when one considers that her husband (C.J. Mahaney) was basically a cult leader who was removed from leadership at his church and was even disowned by his former mentee Joshua Harris due to the "ungodly leadership culture" at Sovereign Grace Ministries. Among other grievous errors, C.J. Mahaney actually covered up case involving the physical and sexual abuse of children in his congregation. To date, no repentance or admission of guilt has been made by the Mahaney's. In short, I would never trust his words nor the words of his wife until/unless true repentance is shown. Don't waste your time or your credits on this book. It's not worth it.

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