Reformation Women

A concise and brief look into the story of 12 women in the 16th century and their contribution to the Reformation. Rebecca VanDoodeward outlines three reasons why it is important for the Church today to ’meet’ these women [p.4-5]:

1. “Limiting our study of Reformation history to men limits us to half a history.” Women were not sitting around being idle, but they participated in God’s work through their work and influence.
2. Feminists claimed these faithful women as protofeminists to fit their narrative which distorts the witness that these Christian women left us.
3. Learning from the Reformation era regarding women’s roles and to help women today to bear fruit.

In retelling the short biography of these 12 women, VanDoodeward addresses a brief historical background in each chapter. I found this very helpful to place each woman in the bigger picture of world history. Beside this helpful elaboration of context, the appendixes are great tools to take note of. 

The twelve women included in this book are Anna Reinhard, Anna Adlischweiler, Katharina Schutz, Margarethe Blaurer, Marguerite de Navarre, Jeanne d’Albret, Charlotte Arbalaste, Charlotte de Bourbon, Louise de Coligny, Katherine Willoughby, Renee of Ferrera, and Olympia Morata. 

Most of these names were new to my ears (forgive my ignorance of history), and I don’t usually enjoy reading biographies. But I read this book in 4 sittings and certainly gleaned various lessons. VanDoodeward has successfully presented different women with different characters, roles, giftings, and life circumstances but with the common traits —selflessness, faithfulness, and fruitfulness. 

I like how the author concludes the book. She admonishes us women of today “to be faithful with what God has given us where He has put us”[109]. We are to continue being fruitful despite any radical change in our circumstances, in our changing roles as women, and as we use our God-given gifts. We are to honour God-given headship and to be submissive to our husbands.

Reformation Women has challenged me to view my roles as a Christian woman in the backdrop of God’s promise to build His church. I pray that my faithfulness can be evident as I walk my faith as the helpmeet of a man who is exploring his calling to be a pastor.