Description: The publication of The Woman's Bible in 1895 and 1898 represented the feminist pioneer's last strike at the roots of the ideology behind her gender's subordinate role in society. In keeping with her characteristic radical individualism, Stanton attacks religious orthodoxy on a political rather than scholarly basis. This clarion call to action consists of a book-by-book examination of the Bible, placing events in their historical context, interpreting passages as both allegory and fact, and comparing them with the myths of other cultures. It endures as an extraordinary document because of the questions it addresses, the topics it covers, and its still-resonant sincerity. Unabridged republication of the classic two-volume edition of 1895 and 1898.
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Review Summary: Interesting despite unsound critical technique(s) used |
Date: 2005-07-11 |
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Details: It's an interesting read, and may be considered thought provoking.
Having said that, there are some things of which a prospective buyer/reader should be aware. The authors (as it was Cady's project, but there were a number of contributors) of the critiques in this book used (English) translations of the Bible, rather than using source text(s). Secondly, only "relevant" sections of the Bible were critiqued (ones that made mention of women). In other words, sections were pulled out of the Bible -- removed from their context and sometimes distorting their meaning -- and then critqued/deconstructed. Also, this means that much that should come under scrutiny does not. Lastly, I'm certainly no biblical scholar, but being exposed to the Reformed tradition in Christianity for only about 3 years to date helps me answer some of the questions/arguments posed in this book. I was disappointed in the unsound critical methods used: I had higher hopes. Still, worth a look. |
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Review Summary: Into her mind |
Date: 2004-09-25 |
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Details: I was so excited when I got this book and read it. Even if your only reason for reading this book is to peer into the mind of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, it will not be a waste of your time.
I was always very curious about what motivated her to challenge the other sex's views of her sex, what she thought of the Bible and God, what reasons she had for being a feminist, whether she hated men, etc. This books answers so many questions about her, because it is written by her and over 10 other women. These women respond to every place that the Bible mentions women, in the form of an essay.
Whether we agree or disagree with her, we as women are endebted to ECS's, because her views and beliefs and efforts are what made us free.
I feel that many men (and women) even today do not understand the women's right movement; many are still trapped under the old views about women, or are ignorant of how ECS and other feminists from the 1800s shaped the liberties of women today. And this causes problems between the two sexes. The only way to understand the women's movement, and the people behind them, are to read their own words. |
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out of 2 Reviews
