One of my clients recently recommended the book, When Life and Beliefs Collide by Carolyn Curtis James. It sounded intriguing. There was no doubt it made a life changing impact on my client. She told me it was a book about "women and theology." That intrigued me. But I thought, "why do I need to read a book about women and theology?" That is the passion of my heart. Helping, people (women included) to understand their theology in heart transforming ways that result in transformed lives...that's the goal of Christian counseling.
The client was so enthusiastic, I went ahead and ordered the book and was surprised at my reaction. From the beginning, this book made me cry. It resonated so deeply within me. The author's affirming that theology is not just for the souls of men, but for the souls of women too, greatly affirmed my desire and love for theology...which is simply a true love and longing for God Himself.
Carolyn Curtis James work will touch your heart profoundly. Partly because she is one of the best authors I have ever read - her insight combined with a powerfully persuasive writing style is like eating a heart healthy and satisfying meal. Her hermeneutics (the principles of Biblical interpretation) bring passages to life, for women in particular, in very meaningful ways. James is convincing that Jesus has a deep desire for women to know Him intimately - she argues that knowing Christ is central to good theology and that the application of our theology is what we need to navigate through the white waters of life without capsizing.
The author eloquently tells story after story of women's lives, including her own, that collide with their theology. After each collision event, the woman is beckoned by the Spirit of God to come closer - to sit at the feet of Jesus and truly learn from the Master Himself - how important they are, how much He loves them and the hope that He offers them through His life, death and resurrection.
As a woman, this book has helped me see how dear, how respected, and in what high esteem the Lord Himself holds women (and men). When Life and Beliefs Collide conveys the important message that difficulties and joys are found through a relationship with our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.