When Life and Beliefs Collide
How Knowing God Makes a Difference
- Women
- Christian Living
- Publisher: Zondervan Reflective (Zondervan)
- Published: 2002
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Publisher's Description
When Life and Beliefs Collide raises a call for women to think seriously about what we believe about God, grounding our faith and daily life in Him for lasting change. Sooner or later, life’s difficulties bring every Christian woman to God’s doorstep with questions too personal to ignore. “Why does God let me go through such painful circumstances?” “Why does he seem indifferent to my prayers?” We’re tired of religiosity for its own sake and want authentic, God-as-he-really-is faith—the kind that holds us together when our world is falling apart and equips us to have strength and hope through any circumstances and extend that hope to others. With passion, brilliance, and eloquence, Carolyn Custis James weaves stories of contemporary women with episodes from the life of Mary of Bethany to illustrate the practical benefits of knowing God deeply. Examining the misperceptions and abuses that discourage women from pursuing a deeper understanding of God, this insightful book demonstrates how practical and down-to-earth knowing God can be. “This outstanding book offers the best demonstration that everyone needs theology, the best expository account of Mary and Martha, and the best trajectory for women’s ministry in modern North America that I have yet read.” —James I. Packer “Thoughtful, scholarly, and motivating... should inspire and encourage women for years to come.” —Joni Eareckson Tada “... affirms women in their calling, chosen-ness, and gifting, and makes us know we are cherished and planned for.” —Jill Briscoe
Endorsements (12)
“This outstanding book offers the best demonstration that everyone needs theology, the best expository account of Mary and Martha, and the best trajectory for women’s ministry in modern North America that I have yet read. Carolyn James is a first-class writer and has a first-class, well-researched biblical message to deliver. Her book seems to me to be a must-read for Christian women and a you’d-better-read for Christian men, for it gets right so much that others have simply missed.”
“Historically the study of theology has been the domain of men, but Carolyn James argues with both logic and passion that knowing and loving God must be the pursuit of all who are called his children. This book moved me to seek God more vigorously. Read it and pass it on to your daughter!”
“After the plane crash that took the lives of our husbands, Payne Stewart, Robert Fraley, and Van Ardan, we found comfort and purpose in Carolyn’s insights into the Scripture and her focus on the importance of a deeper relationship with God. Knowing God doesn’t stop the pain, but it makes a difference in how we cope with our heartache. We trust that her book will encourage others as much as we have been encouraged.”
“Every Christian is a theologian whether we like it or not. Carolyn Custis James shows us how to be a good theologian—not in an academic sense, but in a way that brings God into all of the struggles of life. Though written especially for women, Christian men will also profit from this book. I highly recommend it.”
“Every once in a while I come across a book that I can hardly wait to recommend to my friends. When Life and Beliefs Collide is that kind of book. It is profound—biblical, scholarly, and provocative, and far more. This is a book with enormous passion and great compassion. Carolyn has become a teacher for this old preacher in a way that will make a major difference in my life.”
“James’ book advocates the best kind of theology, one committed to mind and heart. Read this book to rekindle your love for theology. Written primarily to encourage women to consciously pursue theology, this book should be read by both men and women.”
“We are products of our theology. What we believe is demonstrated in the way we live. Carolyn’s rare combination of theological precision and winsome warmth challenges us to a deeper intimacy with Jesus and equips us to pass on a legacy of biblical womanhood. I pray that Christian women everywhere will use this book to help us rise to the challenge.”
“Carolyn James’ book motivates women to study the Bible to know God more than anything I have read in many years. I am personally encouraged by it and recommend it to all women and men who want to live each day to glorify God. Get hold of the message of this book. It will change your thinking and thus your life.”
“As women are encouraged to love God’s Word, their hearts and minds are enflamed. Those flames in turn ignite the lives of their family, friends, and associates. It is heartening to have a book so competently and warmly written by Carolyn James, a woman who understands the need for the study of theology.”
“In a most engaging style, Carolyn Custis James argues that everyone is a theologian. The only issue is whether we are good or bad theologians. She holds up Mary as the exemplar, especially for women, of being a good theologian. Our author also implicitly holds up herself as a first-class theologian by sound exegetical research, cogent theological reflection, and personal application.”
“Thoughtful, scholarly, and motivating! Carolyn has written an excellent book which should inspire and encourage women for years to come.”
“We live in a day of heated exchanges and strident finger-pointing regarding a woman’s place in spirituality, learning, and leadership. Carolyn James cuts through many unnecessary tangles to call women and men to the high calling of theological reflection. Carolyn’s thoughtful and joyful voice is an invitation for many women to embrace their calling as theologians. You will be richly rewarded for pondering this glorious book.”
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