What’s It About
Every Woman A Theologian is a systematic theology (defined here and here) written in an accessible way. The book highlights the importance of theology for the everyday Christian, not just pastors and Bible scholars, and teaches theology in a practical way. As is the mission of Christian blogger and author Phylicia Masonheimer’s entire ministry, the goal of Every Woman A Theologian is to help you evaluate your current beliefs against Scripture, understand what you believe and why you believe it, and see how theology applies to real life.
Throughout the book, Phylicia covers several key doctrines of Christianity: Bibliology (Scripture), Theology (God), Cosmology (Creation, Humanity, and Sin), Christology (Christ), Soteriology (Salvation), Pneumatology (Holy Spirit), Ecclesiology (Church), and Eschatology (Last Things). Interspersed with personal stories and illustrations, she walks through each concept in a systematic way, highlighting key theological vocabulary you need to know. At the end of the book, you even get a sneak peak of the Every Woman A Theologian companion workbook.
How It Impacted Me
The chapters on bibliology and ecclesiology were my favorite. Discussing bibliology is the perfect way to start the book. Understanding the authority of Scripture is foundational to the other topics. I admit I had a lot of fun nerding out in this chapter and underlined quite a bit! It seems like it’s becoming increasingly more common for people to question the authority of Scripture. And that leads many down a path of unraveling the Christian faith they once held or makes those without a Christian background more inclined to embrace other ideologies that better fit their preferred belief system instead of God’s truth.
As Christians we need to know how to clearly and graciously share with people why the Bible is trustworthy and how we can know it’s God’s Word. Even though this concept wasn’t new to me, as I read this chapter, I found fresh language to have conversations about Scripture with others in a simple way.
Another challenge I notice frequently is professed Christians questioning the necessity of church and Christian community and the nature of what church gatherings should look like. I appreciate the way Phylicia walks us through this doctrine, looking at the beginning of the church in Acts 2 to give clarity to these questions.
Lastly, I was so grateful for the way Phylicia explains the difference between first, second, and third-tier theological issues in the book’s conclusion. Unfortunately, Christians often divide and are ungracious with each other because we don’t understand which theological issues it is truly heretical to hold a different interpretation and which ones can have different interpretations and practices while still being within the boundaries of Christian faith.
This section meant a lot to me because I have a deep concern for believers walking in truth and sound theology, but I also have a deep care for unity in the body of Christ and appreciating the beauty in the diverse expressions of worship and denominations. In my opinion, it was so wise and necessary for Phylicia to spend time helping readers understand this concept in a book about learning theology, and I’m glad she did.
Favorite Quote
“The emphasis on intimacy is important here. Too often, studying theology turns the Person of God into the ‘theory of God.’ We speculate about Him as if He were specimen in a petri dish…Pursue theology to pursue God’s heart, and you will be surprised to find that doctrine leads to devotion.”
– Phylicia Masonheimer, Every Woman A Theologian
Why You Should Read It
In today’s culture, we’re bombarded with opinions and viewpoints at every side. We’re constantly faced with new issues to process what we think about them and how to respond. As believers, we need to be anchored in the truth of God’s Word and deep friendship with Jesus so we are not tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We need to know the truth and be able to speak the truth in love. Knowing what you believe has implications, not only on your personal faith and relationship with Jesus, but on your ability to share the gospel with others as well.
In the introduction, Phylicia shares a conversation she had with a friend who was exploring different religions and philosophies. As the friend shared her views, Phylicia was able to graciously help her consider the fact that Jesus would not support her theory that all roads lead to Him. Phylicia isn’t alone in that experience. You and I will have life and faith questions ourselves, and we will be in evangelistic and discipleship conversations where we need to bring theology into real life with grace and truth and pray that God uses it to point people to Him.
If you’re looking for a non-intimidating place to start growing in this area, you need to read Every Woman A Theologian. Honestly, even if you are a guy I think you should read it. It’s an interesting and fun read and you will learn a lot, even if you are somewhat familiar with the concepts discussed in the book.
About the Author
Phylicia Masonheimer is the creator of the Every Woman A Theologian blog, host of the Verity Podcast, and author of several books, including her previous bestseller Stop Calling Me Beautiful (read my review here) and several independently published books in her Every Woman A Theologian store. She lives in Michigan with her husband and three children.
Follow Phylicia: Website | Podcast | Instagram
Get your copy of Every Woman A Theologian on Amazon or wherever you buy books.
Let’s Talk: Have you read Every Woman A Theologian? How did the book impact you? Discuss this post in the comments.
