The Gospel of Ruth

“WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT THE GOSPEL OF RUTH? In her gutsy profile of biblical Ruth, Carolyn Custis James challenges old religious mind-sets about gender, how God uses women, and how men should respond to the Holy Spirit’s work in women. The Gospel of Ruth is one of the richest and most insightful books I’ve ever read about any woman in the Bible. Carolyn is to be commended for making such a valuable contribution to biblical theology. J. Lee Grady Author of 10 Lies the Church Tells Women Writing in an engaging and winsome style, Carolyn Custis James considers the intriguing question, “Is God good for women?” through an in-depth study of the book of Ruth. Women who want to live for Christ will appreciate her critique of the biblical concept of submission in light of the gospel. But don’t leave the men out! They, too, will better understand what it means to be a Christian man through her solidly Christian discussion of male-female relationships in Christ.”

Karen H. Jobes

“The Gospel of Ruth sparkles with cultural insights and contemporary illustrations that bring the biblical story of Ruth into direct contact with the lives of women in the twenty-first century. Robert H. Gundry Scholar-in-Residence and Professor Emeritus, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California Carolyn Custis James refuses to reduce Ruth to a pretty story with a nice moral lesson. Instead, she makes this ancient woman of faith come alive for women — and men — today. A work of theological insight and practical Christian wisdom. Timothy George Founding Dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and a senior editor of Christianity Today The Gospel of Ruth is indeed Good News as Carolyn Custis James writes compellingly of the essential importance of women — and men — in God’s redemptive plan. Carla Foote Editor of FullFill magazine Carolyn James reinterprets the story of Naomi and Ruth from a romance novel into what its author intended: life-transforming, character-building biographies. This is so because Carolyn allows the harsh fate and profound love rooted in faith of these gutsy women to interpret her own narrative of trials trumped by her trust in God’s sovereignty, goodness, and love. Bruce Waltke Professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando) and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies, Regent College This surprising examination of Ruth reveals so much more treasure than we thought this book held — reminding us of God’s presence and work in troubled times. Amy Simpson Executive Director, Leadership Media Group, Christianity Today International Carolyn James provides a compelling and riveting reading of the book of Ruth that reveals its grace-full message and will change your assumptions about Ruth as well as Naomi and Boaz. Even more, this book will challenge your preconceptions about the relationships between men and women. I strongly encourage women and men to read this book. Tremper Longman III Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College Carolyn Custis James’ journey through Ruth breathed courage into me, to show me that I am most feminine when I own the gifts God has given me, when I partner with my brothers in Christ, when I trust Ruth’s example that when strong men meet strong women, both masculinity and femininity become mightier. I want to be like Ruth, a woman who lived in bold, innovative, risky love of Yahweh, a woman who encountered a strong Boaz and coupled her mind with his to show the world more of what God is like. The Gospel of Ruth will remind you that God is stunningly good for women. Jonalyn Grace Fincher Author | Apologist | Speaker Carolyn James has made the story of Ruth come alive in new ways for women — and for men! — who live in today’s complex and confusing world. This is a marvelous book that offers much wisdom and inspiration for all of us. Richard J. Mouw President and Professor of Christian Philosophy, Fuller Theological Seminary I have not read (nor, I expect, have you) a more discerning, humbling, thought-provoking, God-honoring, life-enhancing treatment of Ruth than this one. It makes an outstandingly fruitful study for believers of all ages and both genders.”

J. I. Packer