GOD'S GIFT (WOMAN)

Floyd proposes a female-empowering Jesus in this Christian relationship guide.

In the fight for equality among the sexes, conservative Christians have often fought against progress. According to Floyd’s reading of the Bible, however, those adherents have erred, in part, by neglecting “how Jesus himself valued women. I mean, that is who we are supposed to follow.” Using quotations from Scripture as his basis, the author argues that Jesus’, as well as God’s, words and actions don’t place women as secondary to men, but rather put them on equal footing. From there, Floyd outlines ways that he believes that Christians should choose spouses and act as partners in marriage. He also includes lists of traits that men and women should seek in each other to help them each become stronger—and ultimately more desirable—versions of themselves. Floyd’s prose is warm and conversational, moving easily from quoting the Bible to addressing mundane human foibles: “there is not a stronger, more masculine man on Earth than a man who follows and stands firm to God’s Word. So please, let us no longer say Eve was the issue alone. They both played a role in this foolishness we live in today.” That said, readers should note that although the author promotes a version of gender equality, it remains a conservative relationship guide; it views both men and women primarily as potential romantic partners in a highly traditional and heteronormative interpretation of marriage. However, readers who agree with the tenets of Floyd’s brand of Christianity will find his arguments persuasive and encouraging.

An egalitarian, if not quite progressive, religious interpretation of relationships.