I also appreciate the ways Byrd interacts with cultural values. She does a good job of distinguishing between cultural standards of beauty and God’s values, calling us to embrace aging with grace. She points out ways in which the self-absorption and self-esteem that seem so prevalent inhibit a wholehearted pursuit of God where we seek to glorify him rather than self.

Aimee Byrd. Housewife Theologian: How the Gospel Interrupts the Ordinary. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2013. 240 pp. $12.99.

Despite what some might tell you, theology is deeply and pervasively practical. This is Aimee Byrd’s thesis, and she develops it well in this book focused on application to housewives. Byrd draws from a number of biblical texts, and from a number of writings (both historic and current) to make specific applications of theological principles to issues women face. She evidences how thinking rightly about God and his revelation strengthens and directs women in their particular roles of wife, mother, and homemaker; though, gratefully, much of what she writes also applies to women in other circumstances and in different stages of life. Through chapters discussing topics as varied as intelligence, beauty, sanctification, marriage roles, and idolatry, the mother of three demonstrates how theology, rightly understood, will foundationally affect the way we live.

Byrd formerly owned a coffee shop, and her writing reflects this experience. It’s warm and conversational, like talking over a latte with a good friend about the issues of life. She relates personal anecdotes and thoughtful illustrations that draw the reader into her points of application. At the conclusion of each chapter, she includes a number of helpful “journaling questions,” with the hope that women will read Housewife Theologian: How the Gospel Interrupts the Ordinary in “workshop groups” with discussion. This makes it a useful resource for a small group or book club. Additionally, it’s evident Byrd read widely in preparing to write this book, and she cites some others that I have added to my “must read” list.

Everyday Details

In his oft-quoted opening sentence, A. W. Tozer tells us in The Knowledge of the Holy that “what comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” I am convinced Byrd would agree. She works hard at connecting our theological commitments and convictions to the everyday details of life. She believes God’s revealed Word affects how we submit to and help our husbands, how we manage our homes, and how we think through options for educating children. Most of all, she imparts a passion for knowing God, pursuing him, and making time with him our highest priority. Byrd expresses a desire to live life intentionally, carefully, and with biblical discernment. She commends us to be “jealous” to protect the truth of God’s Word, to seek to be wise regarding cultural pressures, and to guard against Satan’s distortions. Throughout the book, she provides a compelling call to love truth, and a sincere desire to grow in sanctification. For example, she writes, “I continually have to lay down who I think I am or who I want to be if it is anything different from God’s plan for me to be transformed into the image of his Son” (77).

Regarding topics more typically of concern to women, Byrd shows insight in dealing with roles of men and women, in upholding the value of homemaking and hospitality, and in distinguishing between feminism and biblical femininity. She encourages the reader to give careful thought to these things, for example: “How does your intimacy with your husband show forth in your behavior with others? How does your intimacy with God show forth in your behavior with others?” (92)

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