Description
Is it possible to be a Christian and a feminist? The hot topic of feminism has been well documented and debated in mainstream media and yet, as Christians we come to the conversation from a slightly different vantage point. For starters, we have the benefit of a personal relationship with our creator plus the ultimate handbook in the Bible to work out what is right and just when it comes to equality. So why do many Christians feel the Bible presents a barrier rather than a boost when it comes to championing equality between the sexes? Lauren Windle draws upon her years as a journalist to weave together a wide range of voices on a subject that society has been wrestling with but, in the Church, few are brave enough to probe too deeply for fear of what they might find. This book isn't here to tell you what to think. The views it presents are intended to inform, not form, your opinion on key topics, including: defining feminism, the lessons we teach boys, female preachers, a woman's place in the household, beauty standards and #ChurchToo. Notes On Feminism features contributions from several high-profile women: - Writer and model Katie Piper on true beauty - Olympian Abigail Irozuru on women's bodies - Comedian Cassandra Maria on why people think women aren't funny - Author Tiffany Bluhm on why people don't believe women - Journalist Delphine Chui on why she isn't a feminist. If feminist stirrings feel like a barrier to your faith, let Notes on Feminism help you unpick the confusion and ongoing debate, while keeping God at the centre.
Can I truly be a feminist and still go to church - not just in theory but in practice? Insightful and entertaining, this book offers readers a chance to wrestle with what it truly means to be a faithful feminist today.
About the Author
Lauren Windle (Author) Lauren Windle is a public speaker and journalist, published by Mail Online, Huffington Post, The Sun, Fabulous Digital, Marie Claire, The Star, Church Times and others. Her first book, Notes on Love, was published by SPCK in 2021. On 22 April 2014 she got clean and sober from a cocaine and alcohol addiction and became a Christian five days later. She has a MA in Addiction Studies, runs a charity recovery course for people struggling with addiction and, in 2018, gave a TEDx Talk about her personal story of addiction and recovery. She is also the proud owner of a Blue Peter badge and has her grade four ice-skating. You can connect with Lauren @_lauren_celeste on Instagram and Twitter.
Reviews
"Every Christian woman needs to read this book. Lauren has approached the topic with great pastoral sensitivity, thorough journalistic research and her characteristic warmth and wit. Wherever you stand on the spectrum of feminism, there is space for you to wrestle in these pages with Lauren as a gentle and wise guide. In short, buy a copy - and then buy some more for your friends." -- Rachael Newham, author of Learning to Breathe and And Yet
"A positive and empowering perspective on feminism in Christianity today. The author's insightful reflections challenge and inspire, making it a must-read for those seeking a renewed understanding of the intersection of faith and feminism. Lauren beautifully navigates complex topics with grace and wisdom, making this book a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about equality and empowerment. A compelling read!" -- Charlie Blythe, EU Director of A21
"Notes on Feminism is a superb book. Lauren has written a thorough but thoroughly readable exploration of significant issues that affect us all. Prepare to be informed, challenged, engaged and to enjoy this important book that both men and women will equally benefit from. This is a book I will be recommending repeatedly to Christians who are grappling with the role of women and men and how we live more positively as a society together." -- Cathy Madavan, Author and Speaker
Funny, controversial, grace-filled, gritty, thought provoking. . . Notes on Feminism is all this and more. Lauren curates the open conversation that you'll want to join, so read it and share how you agree, disagree, and all the in betweens. -- Amy Boucher Pye, author of Transforming Love and 7 Ways to Pray
If you've ever wondered if it's possible to be both a Christian and a feminist then this book is for you! Lauren Windle looks at key bible verses; breaks down taboos with clear arguments; and offers useful advice in her usual chatty style. With experiences of her own and from a range of women, she paints an eye opening picture of why this subject remains so important in the world of church. -- Rev Jules Middleton, author of Breaking the Mould and vicar
regularly found myself pausing for thought whilst reading this book. Lauren bravely and skillfully tackles hard-hitting womens' issues with careful consideration, alternative perspectives and a brilliantly sassy sense of humour. I was not expecting that a book about feminism and faith could evoke such frequent belly laughs! -- Joanne Bradford, author of The Inner Fix and psychotherapist
Lauren is a funny, provocative and deeply honest guide to any of us who want to explore how our devotion to Jesus can define and embolden our commitment to all that's good and right with feminism. As a Jesus-freak and guilty-feminist, I love Lauren's unflinching interrogation of where (and why) the church has held women back from God's call on their lives and her commitment to the wholeness of humanity; women and men. Part manifesto, part testimony, 'Notes on Feminism' will stir you to show up with magnificent hope for girls and women in your community. -- Rachel Gardner, author of The Sex Thing and The Girl De-Construction Project and youth resourcing lead at St Luke's Blackburn
Lauren Windle is one of my favourite writers. In fact, she might be one of my favourite humans. Part of the reason for this is that she never quite does what you expect, so if you're coming to this book expecting an angry tirade against men and masculinity, think again. What you'll find instead is a collection of brilliant thoughts about women, men, power, justice and faith, drawn together through a journalist's pen and with a stand-up comedian's eye. It's alternately moving, hilarious and thoughtful, and it's definitely not just for women - or even feminists. This might be the most balanced, surprising and open-hearted book on feminism I've ever come across, and written into a world and a subject that's desperately short on nuance, it's a gift. -- Martin Saunders, Director, Satellites Event
The exact book I want my both my daughter and son to read when the time comes. Lauren skilfully navigates the hot topic of feminism with both loving grace and refreshing candour. -- John Reynolds, influencer and author of Able To Laugh
I celebrate how Lauren boldly answers God's call on her life to step out and speak into areas the Church has often sadly shied away from. Notes on Feminism is a story-filled, research packed book, which acts as the perfect conversation starter into this important topic. In reading this book, you may not agree with every angle or stance taken, but I encourage you to allow Lauren's words to spark your conversation with your friends, Church and most importantly, Jesus. My prayer for women who read this book is that you would feel loved, seen and known by Jesus. And for men, I pray you would read this book, press into Jesus, and allow Him and His word to shape your heart to love women His way; because God's way is always the best way. -- Andy Monks, author of The NOW Generation and head of children and youth at Ascension Balham
In 'Notes on Feminism', Lauren Windle skilfully gathers a host of voices, and adding her own insightful, honest and often witty perspective, encourages us to hold in tension more than one opposing view. These pages are full of the rich, deep and nuanced experiences of women in whose shoes we are invited to walk, so their view of the world can enrich our own. This book imparts knowledge, and that as the saying goes, is power... -- Arianna Walker, CEO of Mercy UK
Book Information
ISBN 9780281087679
Author Lauren Windle
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Can I truly be a feminist and still go to church - not just in theory but in practice? Insightful and entertaining, this book offers readers a chance to wrestle with what it truly means to be a faithful feminist today.
About the Author
Lauren Windle (Author) Lauren Windle is a public speaker and journalist, published by Mail Online, Huffington Post, The Sun, Fabulous Digital, Marie Claire, The Star, Church Times and others. Her first book, Notes on Love, was published by SPCK in 2021. On 22 April 2014 she got clean and sober from a cocaine and alcohol addiction and became a Christian five days later. She has a MA in Addiction Studies, runs a charity recovery course for people struggling with addiction and, in 2018, gave a TEDx Talk about her personal story of addiction and recovery. She is also the proud owner of a Blue Peter badge and has her grade four ice-skating. You can connect with Lauren @_lauren_celeste on Instagram and Twitter.
Reviews
"Every Christian woman needs to read this book. Lauren has approached the topic with great pastoral sensitivity, thorough journalistic research and her characteristic warmth and wit. Wherever you stand on the spectrum of feminism, there is space for you to wrestle in these pages with Lauren as a gentle and wise guide. In short, buy a copy - and then buy some more for your friends." -- Rachael Newham, author of Learning to Breathe and And Yet
"A positive and empowering perspective on feminism in Christianity today. The author's insightful reflections challenge and inspire, making it a must-read for those seeking a renewed understanding of the intersection of faith and feminism. Lauren beautifully navigates complex topics with grace and wisdom, making this book a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about equality and empowerment. A compelling read!" -- Charlie Blythe, EU Director of A21
"Notes on Feminism is a superb book. Lauren has written a thorough but thoroughly readable exploration of significant issues that affect us all. Prepare to be informed, challenged, engaged and to enjoy this important book that both men and women will equally benefit from. This is a book I will be recommending repeatedly to Christians who are grappling with the role of women and men and how we live more positively as a society together." -- Cathy Madavan, Author and Speaker
Funny, controversial, grace-filled, gritty, thought provoking. . . Notes on Feminism is all this and more. Lauren curates the open conversation that you'll want to join, so read it and share how you agree, disagree, and all the in betweens. -- Amy Boucher Pye, author of Transforming Love and 7 Ways to Pray
If you've ever wondered if it's possible to be both a Christian and a feminist then this book is for you! Lauren Windle looks at key bible verses; breaks down taboos with clear arguments; and offers useful advice in her usual chatty style. With experiences of her own and from a range of women, she paints an eye opening picture of why this subject remains so important in the world of church. -- Rev Jules Middleton, author of Breaking the Mould and vicar
regularly found myself pausing for thought whilst reading this book. Lauren bravely and skillfully tackles hard-hitting womens' issues with careful consideration, alternative perspectives and a brilliantly sassy sense of humour. I was not expecting that a book about feminism and faith could evoke such frequent belly laughs! -- Joanne Bradford, author of The Inner Fix and psychotherapist
Lauren is a funny, provocative and deeply honest guide to any of us who want to explore how our devotion to Jesus can define and embolden our commitment to all that's good and right with feminism. As a Jesus-freak and guilty-feminist, I love Lauren's unflinching interrogation of where (and why) the church has held women back from God's call on their lives and her commitment to the wholeness of humanity; women and men. Part manifesto, part testimony, 'Notes on Feminism' will stir you to show up with magnificent hope for girls and women in your community. -- Rachel Gardner, author of The Sex Thing and The Girl De-Construction Project and youth resourcing lead at St Luke's Blackburn
Lauren Windle is one of my favourite writers. In fact, she might be one of my favourite humans. Part of the reason for this is that she never quite does what you expect, so if you're coming to this book expecting an angry tirade against men and masculinity, think again. What you'll find instead is a collection of brilliant thoughts about women, men, power, justice and faith, drawn together through a journalist's pen and with a stand-up comedian's eye. It's alternately moving, hilarious and thoughtful, and it's definitely not just for women - or even feminists. This might be the most balanced, surprising and open-hearted book on feminism I've ever come across, and written into a world and a subject that's desperately short on nuance, it's a gift. -- Martin Saunders, Director, Satellites Event
The exact book I want my both my daughter and son to read when the time comes. Lauren skilfully navigates the hot topic of feminism with both loving grace and refreshing candour. -- John Reynolds, influencer and author of Able To Laugh
I celebrate how Lauren boldly answers God's call on her life to step out and speak into areas the Church has often sadly shied away from. Notes on Feminism is a story-filled, research packed book, which acts as the perfect conversation starter into this important topic. In reading this book, you may not agree with every angle or stance taken, but I encourage you to allow Lauren's words to spark your conversation with your friends, Church and most importantly, Jesus. My prayer for women who read this book is that you would feel loved, seen and known by Jesus. And for men, I pray you would read this book, press into Jesus, and allow Him and His word to shape your heart to love women His way; because God's way is always the best way. -- Andy Monks, author of The NOW Generation and head of children and youth at Ascension Balham
In 'Notes on Feminism', Lauren Windle skilfully gathers a host of voices, and adding her own insightful, honest and often witty perspective, encourages us to hold in tension more than one opposing view. These pages are full of the rich, deep and nuanced experiences of women in whose shoes we are invited to walk, so their view of the world can enrich our own. This book imparts knowledge, and that as the saying goes, is power... -- Arianna Walker, CEO of Mercy UK
Book Information
ISBN 9780281087679
Author Lauren Windle
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing
