A Year of Biblical Womanhood

Rachel Held Evans documents a twelve-month sociological and religious experiment in which she attempts to follow every instruction for women found in the Bible. Applying a literalist lens to both the Old and New Testaments, she adopts practices ranging from head coverings and domestic chores to sitting on her roof and remaining silent in church. Each month focuses on a specific virtue, such as submissive behavior, beauty, or hospitality. Evans utilizes these experiences to examine how modern interpretations of ancient texts often select specific verses while ignoring others.

Cultural Christians and people questioning traditional gender roles read this book to understand the historical context of scripture. Readers observe the practical impossibility of unwavering biblical literalism and walk away with a framework for evaluating which religious traditions are central to faith and which are products of antiquity. The text provides a humorous but pointed critique for those seeking to reconcile ancient writings with a modern life centered on equality.

Balanced in tone; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Escapist Adventurer. Which reader are you?