Every Woman a Theologian: Know What You Believe. Live It Confidently. Communicate It Graciously

Verity podcast host Masonheimer (Stop Calling Me Beautiful) delivers an intriguing if uneven take on how women can improve their understanding of their own faith. Far from being the exclusive property of ivory towers and divinity students, the author writes, theology is “the study of God and his truth” and is foundational to a meaningful, Christ-centered life. Linking spiritual understanding to personal empowerment, Masonheimer shows how any Christian woman—“even a mom who will never go to seminary”—can know the Bible for herself using an engaged Christian mind. To that end, Masonheimer outlines different branches of theology and provides vocabulary and background for readers to confidently enter faith dialogues. She also uses metaphor and anecdote to illustrate concepts, comparing, for example, sin to a walnut tree whose toxic roots poison all nearby plants: “even the smallest amount... destroys the possibility of perfection.” Though the author thoughtfully explores theological perspectives and offers up a few gems that may inspire readers to deepen their faith, the text comes across as overly broad, lacks a through line, and tends to get lost in the weeds of lengthy theological debates. It’s an ambitious offering, but one that will likely leave behind its intended audience. (Feb.)