Usually I will not recommend a Bible study workbook written by a member of a denomination. Far too often, the author's theology gets in the way of the Truth. In fact, let me start this out with a brief description of this author and her affiliation. Cynthia Heald is evidently well-known in Protestant circles. She works for The Navigators, which is described as a "para-church." Para-churches are Christian organizations that work outside of and across denominational lines to participate in social welfare and evangelism. They are usually quite large. You will probably not agree with a lot of her beliefs in that regard.
So why would I even read the book, much less recommend it? Because, by and large, much of the study involves reading scriptures and discovering what is in them yourself—which is exactly the way I write Bible class literature: read God's Word and see what it says. She does offer a small bit of commentary, but it is truly small and I found only a little in it to disagree with, nothing you couldn't easily see for yourself.
When I write class books, I expect the teacher to adapt it, both the format and the instruction, to what best suits the abilities and needs of her students. In my teacher's manuals, I often give far too many supporting scriptures to use, so the teacher must go through them and choose the ones she thinks need to be included in the study. I may give half a dozen practical applications. Some of them are unsuited to a particular culture and some are on the nose. Once again, it is up to her what to use and how. If you use this book exactly the same way, never being afraid to point out anything--and really there is very little--that is simply wrong, then I think it could be helpful.
However, this book will not work with a class that is not willing to be open and honest, both with each other and with themselves. But then, that is true of any Bible class and is the very atmosphere I try to foster wherever and whenever I teach. Frank discussion and sharing of one's weaknesses and the solutions that have and have not worked are how we help one another.
I counted 10 other "Becoming a Woman of…" books on Mrs. Heald's website. Honestly, though, I think they would get a bit monotonous if studied one after the other. This is the one I had and I assume the format, which is not objectionable, would be the same. If it sounds like something you might like to try, you don't have to be afraid to do so.
Becoming a Woman of Excellence is published by the Navigators through NavPress.
Dene Ward
So why would I even read the book, much less recommend it? Because, by and large, much of the study involves reading scriptures and discovering what is in them yourself—which is exactly the way I write Bible class literature: read God's Word and see what it says. She does offer a small bit of commentary, but it is truly small and I found only a little in it to disagree with, nothing you couldn't easily see for yourself.
When I write class books, I expect the teacher to adapt it, both the format and the instruction, to what best suits the abilities and needs of her students. In my teacher's manuals, I often give far too many supporting scriptures to use, so the teacher must go through them and choose the ones she thinks need to be included in the study. I may give half a dozen practical applications. Some of them are unsuited to a particular culture and some are on the nose. Once again, it is up to her what to use and how. If you use this book exactly the same way, never being afraid to point out anything--and really there is very little--that is simply wrong, then I think it could be helpful.
However, this book will not work with a class that is not willing to be open and honest, both with each other and with themselves. But then, that is true of any Bible class and is the very atmosphere I try to foster wherever and whenever I teach. Frank discussion and sharing of one's weaknesses and the solutions that have and have not worked are how we help one another.
I counted 10 other "Becoming a Woman of…" books on Mrs. Heald's website. Honestly, though, I think they would get a bit monotonous if studied one after the other. This is the one I had and I assume the format, which is not objectionable, would be the same. If it sounds like something you might like to try, you don't have to be afraid to do so.
Becoming a Woman of Excellence is published by the Navigators through NavPress.
Dene Ward
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