On the Other Side of the Garden

The Holy Spirit lead me to this book, and I’m so glad He did. I am a young (28) converted Christian, I have only been attending church for 3 years now. The Lord placed this friend in my life and she brought me to church, by his leading. It has been the most wonderful thing that has happened to me! Praise God! (Just giving you all a back story as to why this book is so necessary…I’m getting to the point!) I was struggling and asking God so many questions and searching for answers, I would read my Bible about biblical womanhood, but my understanding was lacking, I would apply the teachings and God would bless my efforts, but there was this deep seeded need to know and understand more on this subject. Living in a culture that pushes feminist ideologies, we are told for young gals, that we are equal to men, better than, smarter than, stronger, than men… that mentality is so dangerous, I knew it was because I could see the damage it was causing in my marriage and household. After wresting with these questions and praying to God for answers, He lead me to this book, I couldn’t put it down, it has so much impartation between each page, and has given me newfound hope and skills that I can apply, the Lord has washed me with his peace and assure that he didn’t create us equally but separate and we become one although we are different, and complete eachother. I HIGHLY recommend this book, once you read it you’ll understand why. If you have the same questions coursing through your mind, like I did. BUY IT. Also, forewarning, this book will challenge you and will disrupt old thought patterns that our mothers, and their mothers etc have been taught, it can be a tough read for some women as it challenges the feminist programming we have gone through for years. I pray this book reaches so many women, and blesses their marriages, family’s, and lives, in Jesus name. Amen.

Our bible study group has been doing a study on this & its been so eye opening,..Thanks so much!!! L

I'm only on chapter 7, but already I've decided that every married woman I know needs to read this, in fact, most married men as well. It will be given to my daughters before they say "I do". Excellent clarification of the God-given male and female roles. Great book!!!

This is a very important book for modern western women to read. Not many will, and many who do WILL be offended by it. THe authors tone and style are not at all offensive, quite the contrary she is gentle and honest at the same time. But the message she presents goes againts everything Western media teaches about women and sadly what vast numbers of church attendee's have accepted. That said, if you are willing to look at men and women differently than your 21st century upbringing has taught you to, then you will most certainly learn something. She presents a picture of a woman as terribly important in society because of her influence on her husband and her children. She shows how adhering to the Biblical model for families is actually a great freedom for women, not the bondage feminists would lead you to believe. In regard to the previous review expressing her concern about yeilding authority to an irresponsible husband, I do not believe that what occured in her home was at all what the author was allowing for. The intent was that we are to submit as long as they do not ask us to do something immoral or illegal. In such a case, a woman is supposed to take the matter to her local congregation and elders, and ask them to deal with her husband. I believe it is unfair to blame Fugate for that situation. in addition Fugate does not express anything that contradicts scripture as a previous reviewer implied. Every point is carefully based upon scripture (exegesis). This is different from using scripture to make your point (eisigesis). After reading her book I would encourage the reader to check every scripture reference, every precept and every doctrine against scripture. After such an exploration you still feel you must reject her position, then do so carefully. The writting is very clear and easy to read, the layout is open, and each main point is highlighted.

I found this book challenging. Many times, as I considered the authors thoughts and experiences, I realized that much of my view of myself as a woman needed to be challenged. My perception of marriage has been shaped and molded by outside influences, not by the bible. As a Christian, I needed to be shaken up. Virginia Fugate presents this in a way that helps you take a hard look at where you stand and why you're there. I appreciate her presentation and that she has spent much of her adult life working to develop her walk as a woman who truly wants to live as God created her to.

This book is well written, logical, and well supported with biblical references. It is not "politically correct" but rather "biblically correct" and I highly recommend it to anyone (woman or man) who is married or contemplating marriage.