A Conversation with God for Women by Marcia Ford

A Conversation with God for Women allows readers a one-on-one dialogue with God, Jesus, and other important biblical characters as they respond to questions and concerns relevant to the Christian faith. The often challenging questions address issues and tensions specifically felt by women. Each answer, designed for both believers and seekers, is based on Scripture and written with the warmth and intimacy of a Heavenly Father relating to His child.

Categories and sample questions include:

*God, why don't You just reveal Yourself? *Jesus, why was a virgin birth necessary? *The Bible, what can it teach women? *Life, what about women in ministry? *Prayer, can it really make a difference? *Relationships, how can we trust after betrayal? *Good and evil, how can they coexist?

I honestly can't remember a time when it took me so long to read a book. I've had this book for months, but I just couldn't get into it. When I first began reading it, I told my husband that I felt it would be a good book for new Christians as it dealt with very basic issues and questions. Because of the simplicity of the issues, frankly, I was bored to tears. Still, I was excited to have a book to recommend to new believers. That is, until I begin finding doctrinal errors.

There weren't a lot of errors in the book, but when it comes to dealing with God's Word, one error is too many. Worse, this book is set up as if God were answering the questions, so in a sense, in this book God is contradicting His own Word. In my mind, this is not acceptable. Furthermore, I feel it is dangerous, especially for the new believer who is not grounded in the Word of God.

Throughout the book, the author uses one of my pet peeves, picking and choosing verses to defend her view while leaving out and ignoring the verses that oppose it. At times, verses are taken out of context and explained as meaning something that they don't mean. To a new Christian, not only can this be confusing, but it can also be destructive to their new walk. They must understand that the Bible is God's Word and that it does not contradict itself. If a passage seems unclear, it is due to our understanding, not the actual meaning. New believers need to be taught to compare Scripture with Scripture, not to simply pick out the verse they like and leave the rest.

As a writer myself, I don't like to offer harsh reviews, but as a Christian, it is my duty to steer others away from things that may hinder their spiritual walk. Unfortunately, A Conversation with God for Women falls into that category. If you're interested in tickle-your-ears, watered-down theology, then I feel you'll enjoy this book. Otherwise, steer clear. Don't waste your time.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”