Evidence of Ludy's distaste for femalekind shows throughout the book. She uses inhumane language to describe non-Christian and "average" Christian women: throngs and a dime a dozen are a few of the examples I've seen. In a later chapter she talks about the adulterous woman from Proverbs 7, and how her aggressive man-hunting is descriptive of "the majority of young women in our modern culture, even most Christ-professing ones."
Set-apart Femininity Review #3: Proverbs 31 and Sin Nature
This chapter has reminded me why I left modern American evangelicalism. It may be the answer for many people, but it didn't work for me. The checklists and Bible scouring and lifestyle rules didn't work for me. Being told to ignore friends' and strangers' smiles, laughter, art, and kindness to see non-Christians as "ugly and deformed" definitely didn't work for me.
Set-Apart Femininity Review #2: The beauty problem
At the same time, I think "set-apart femininity" is where Leslie Ludy and I begin to part ways. The solution she's presenting seems to use her personal experiences as prescriptive for every young woman in the world, even saying it's God's intent for all women's lives. And it seems to be exchanging one method insecure girls can use to purchase beauty (the beauty industry) with another method to acquire beauty (this book).
Set-Apart Femininity Review #1: Let’s talk communication
While some niches of Christianity favor appearing tough and passionate, I think this passion can easily slip into a pride that looks down upon normal (or "soft-spoken") discourse. Communicate in a gentle and loving way? That's weak and "mediocre." Scream at people? That's strong and "on fire for the Lord."
Review Series: Set-Apart Femininity by Leslie Ludy
Doing an in-depth book review is an idea that's been brewing in my mind for months. I've heard of other bloggers doing similar projects, and as it turns out, literature analysis is a really nifty springboard to launch into some meaty topics that I've been wanting to discuss here.