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To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond Paperback – June 6, 2023

by Katie J. McCoy Ph.D (Author)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 47 ratings
See all formats and editions
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The Gospel Coalition 2024 Book Awards, Public Theology & Current Events Category, Award of Distinction

We live in a cultural moment where the definition of “woman” eludes the keenest of thinkers and brightest of scientists, where one’s biological sex and one’s gender are divorced, where the meaning of gender itself is a constantly moving target, and where girls and women, especially, struggle to know who they are.

Where societal confusion has naturally ensued from this state of affairs, and Christians especially wonder how to think and respond to it, Katie J. McCoy offers a clear and helpful guide in her debut trade book, To Be a Woman.

In these pages, Katie will help you understand:
  • Why, as a culture, we’ve arrived in such a place of gender confusion
  • What the relationship is between biological sex and gender, and why this relationship is so crucial
  • The truth about gender transitioning, including the irreversible damage of hormone therapy on the female human body
  • Common myths and misunderstandings in the gender debate
  • What Scripture and science have to say on the matter
  • Ways to respond in a Christlike way to loved ones struggling with gender identity
Previous page
  1. Print length
    208 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    B&H Books
  4. Publication date
    June 6, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.57 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1087784441
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1087784441
  8. See all details
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The Whole Woman Never Cast Out Women & Work
Customer Reviews
4.6 out of 5 stars
13
4.6 out of 5 stars
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4.7 out of 5 stars
20
Price $17.09 $17.09 $15.22
Author Kristin L. Kellen and Julia B. HIggins (Editors) Jasmine L. Holmes Courtney Moore
Description What does it mean to care for another woman holistically—as an extension of loving God? The book explores the different facets of helping women grow in their walks with the Lord, and leaves you with practical action steps. The story of shame is powerful. But even stronger are the arms of the One who carried your shame and will never cast you out. Jasmine breaks down how and why shame hurts—and how to fight it. Are you ready to experience Him and finally be free? Vocation and work are often a charged topic for women - inside or outside the home. In this practical book on the theology of work, read wisdom from women of all callings because all work is Kingdom work.
Page count 224 224 208
Dimension 5.5 x 8.5” 5.5 x 8.5” 5.5 x 8.5”

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This book is an important contribution to the gender narrative. In To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond, McCoy addresses our deepest questions, concerns and confusion with great wisdom, insight, love, grace, and compassion. We must wrestle with the truths contained within these pages in order to offer a hope-filled way forward for a generation seeking freedom. It is always the truth that sets us free.”
—Christine Caine
Founder, Propel Women

“This is an important and well-researched book that remains wonderfully accessible. It begins with contemporary controversies over recent gender theories, traces their history, places them in biblical perspective, and sets forth a better and more glorious vision of God's design of the natural body. If you're looking for a compassionate and convictional resource that shines light on the confusion of our times, this is where you should begin.”
—Trevin Wax
Vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board, author of The Thrill of Orthodoxy, Rethink Your Self, and Gospel Centered Teaching, columnist at The Gospel Coalition, and a fellow with the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics

“Dr. Katie J. McCoy has written an informative and courageous book about the war over women. This book is deeply compassionate, well-researched, and draws on the wisdom of Scripture where relevant. The world is fraught with a harmful mix of ignorance, misinformation, and propaganda about sex, gender, human bodies, identity, and psychological pathologies. But Dr. McCoy helps us understand what is being debated, the complexities of gender fluidity, the concerns that need to be raised, and the danger it potentially poses to women. A great read for someone looking for some common sense in a crazy culture war over gender identities.”
—Dr. Michael F. Bird (Ph.D University of Queensland)
Academic Dean and Lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia

“’Female identity is socially guided, philosophically formed, relationally confirmed, biologically grounded, and theologically bestowed.’ This is Dr. McCoy’s premise, and she delivers on it. This is one of the most instructive books I have read on the current gender issues in our culture. This issue is becoming the defining issue of Christian faithfulness in our generation, and all believers should be informed and prepared to give an answer about it. Dr. McCoy serves us well here.”
—J. D. Greear
Pastor, The Summit Church

“Thank you for this much needed and anticipated book. The dramatic increase in gender dysphoria and the culturally demanded affirmative care is alarming and yes, may I say it, abusive. It is evident that the enemy hates the image of God in each person He has created. With thorough research and biblical clarity. Katie offers us a way to compassionately navigate our culture while still accurately reflecting Christ. To Be a Woman gently points us to the One who created us female – in His image and for His glory.”
—Donna Gaines
Author, Bible Teacher, Founder and President of the Board of ARISE2Read

“To Be a Woman hits every key mark we need to respond to this touchy topic in today's world: conviction straight from Scripture, compassion that mirrors the character of God, and confidence from the Holy Spirit. Katie is thoroughly researched, refreshingly relatable, and earnestly invested in women understanding ourselves as God's image-bearers by His good design. What you glean from these pages will equip you for conversations with your children, with other believers, and with those who find themselves confused by culture or curious about Christ. Get a copy for yourself and a woman you care about!”
—Michelle Myers
Co-founder of She Works His Way and Author of the Conversational Commentary Series

“Our culture is drifting into increasing confusion about gender and sexuality. Sadly, this confusion has impacted a growing number of Christian families and local churches. In this helpful book, theologian Katie J. McCoy helps believers, and especially Christian women, to think biblically about gender dysphoria and related phenomena. Dr. McCoy follows the biblical admonition to speak the truth in love—even when the truth is countercultural. I would strongly recommend that every parent, teacher, and youth minister read To Be a Woman.”
—Nathan A. Finn
Provost and Dean of the University Faculty at North Greenville University

“This book is a timely and generous gift to the Church and Dr. Kate J. McCoy is the one to write it. I could not put it down. Her intellectual acumen, biblical application, and clear understanding of this secular age brings this critical topic into the light. Her research is comprehensive and compelling. Perhaps most notable is McCoy’s ability to confront the tide of a growing, destructive ideology with truth and grace. I am recommending this book to my family, friends, my congregation, and my entire ministry team. This is the book we’ve been looking for in this cultural moment.”
—Jeff Warren
Senior Pastor, Park Cities Baptist Church

“To Be a Woman provides the reader both a greater love and understanding for those dealing with gender dysphoria. Most importantly, the foundational thread throughout is the hope for healing and restoration.  At the beginning of the book, she states that ‘female identity is socially guided, philosophically formed, relationally confirmed, biologically grounded and theologically bestowed.’ This is more than a book. It is a journey that equips you in each of these areas in a masterfully concise way.  As Christians, we know God made humanity male and female, and our biological sex is part of our identity, uniquely created by God. This book is a kingdom tool that gives you the logical strategies to communicate love in a way all can receive even when they disagree.  We know that when the Gospel does its work, truth doesn’t just hold its ground; it advances and sets people free.  This book will loosen the grip gender dysphoria is having on our children, especially girls, and replace it with God’s joy and purpose of being female.”
—Sherri Huston
Membership Director and Church and Ministry Alliance, Alliance Defending Freedom

“Dr. Katie J. McCoy’s To Be a Woman is a thoughtful interaction with our society’s ever-changing ideas of gender and sexuality. This book is a much-needed tool providing an understanding of cultural language, practical definitions, important data, and recommendations for further reading. Employing academic rigor, McCoy has delivered a work rich in theological depth crafted in language that the lay person is able to connect with.”
—Missie Branch
Assistant Dean of Students to Women, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary 
 

About the Author

Katie J. McCoy holds a PhD in Systematic Theology and is a former seminary professor. McCoy teaches and writes on the intersection of theology, culture, and women's issues, and has co-authored a work on the doctrine of humanity as part of the Theology for the People of God series (B&H Academic). Included among her research is discovering the pattern of justice for women in Old Testament laws.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ B&H Books (June 6, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1087784441
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1087784441
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.57 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 47 ratings

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  1. Katie J. McCoy Ph.D

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    Katie McCoy serves as Director Women's Ministry at Texas Baptists. She holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from Southwestern Seminary (TX), where she served on faculty for five years. Katie's research includes the patterns of justice for women in Old Testament laws as well as the intersection of theology, gender, and women's studies. She is a frequent speaker and writer on women's and gender issues. She is the author of To Be a Woman: The Confusion Over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond. Katie loves to bake (or just make a mess in the kitchen) and the Container Store is her "happy place."

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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
47 global ratings
Compassionately addresses a controversial subject
5 Stars
Compassionately addresses a controversial subject
Gender dysphoria. Gender fluidity. Gender transitioning. Gender itself "is a constantly moving target." No wonder girls and women are especially struggling to know who they are."To Be a Woman" is such a needed book that I'm sure will be of great help to many navigating the often aggressive waters within our culture today.Katie J. McCoy handles the controversial subjects with so much grace and compassion--with the desire to help us understand how our culture came to think the way they do and how to respond to it all in a Christlike way, as so many image-bearing human beings are affected by beliefs and practices within gender ideology.
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Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2023
Verified Purchase
Readable. Well-researched. Loving. A good addition to one’s library. Applicable for both men and women. Thanks to the author and publisher.
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Tony
5.0 out of 5 stars Biblical, Compassionate, and Well-Researched
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
Katie McCoy was an excellent person to write this book. Her expertise in women's ministry and her PhD in theology provides her well-grounded knowledge and research capabilities.

The book is thoroughly biblical and thoroughly compassionate. She in unflinching in truth, but also recognizes this is a real, human issue. Too many conservative Christians miss the latter point, while progressives ignore the former.

The book is well researched, which one can easily see from the notes. Yes, she draws from previous work from the likes of Abigail Shreir, Ryan Anderson, Abigail Favale, Nancy Pearcy, and Andrew Walker, but also directly cites volumes of research from sources such as the American Psychological Association, American Journal of Psychiatry, Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, The Mayo Clinic, The Heart Foundation, independent hospitals, as well as folks like Debra Soh with an expertise in scientific research. If anyone makes the argument this book isn't well researched or only touches "surface level" research, they are wrong.

In addition to being biblical, compassionate, and well-researched, it's very accessible. It's not difficult to follow along with McCoy's reasoning. I highly recommend this book to Christians desiring to better understand this issue and to minister to transgender individuals.
9 people found this helpful
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Aaron Summers
5.0 out of 5 stars Clear and compelling. A must-read.
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
Dr. McCoy presents an academically rich and theologically sound book on the issue of gender identity. I highly recommend every parent, pastor, priest and parishioner read this book.
One person found this helpful
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Freddy Fritz
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a very helpful book to get an understanding of what is going on in the culture regarding transgenderism. It is also a helpful book on how Christians can respond to the current cultural moment.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING.
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2023
Verified Purchase
Honestly, one of the most well-written books I’ve ever read!!!
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Hannah Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, Concise, Necessary!
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
Katie McCoy does a masterful job in presenting not just the issues surrounding our cultural perspective of womanhood, but also the ideologies that form these movements and practices. This book will challenge you to think about womanhood from a Biblical perspective and equip you to discuss these beliefs in a succinct, logical approach. If you have people around you (or you yourself) are questioning what it means to be a woman, this book is for you!
3 people found this helpful
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Lauren Ducommun
5.0 out of 5 stars Compassionately addresses a controversial subject
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
Gender dysphoria. Gender fluidity. Gender transitioning. Gender itself "is a constantly moving target." No wonder girls and women are especially struggling to know who they are.

"To Be a Woman" is such a needed book that I'm sure will be of great help to many navigating the often aggressive waters within our culture today.

Katie J. McCoy handles the controversial subjects with so much grace and compassion--with the desire to help us understand how our culture came to think the way they do and how to respond to it all in a Christlike way, as so many image-bearing human beings are affected by beliefs and practices within gender ideology.
Customer image
Lauren Ducommun
5.0 out of 5 stars Compassionately addresses a controversial subject
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2023
Gender dysphoria. Gender fluidity. Gender transitioning. Gender itself "is a constantly moving target." No wonder girls and women are especially struggling to know who they are.

"To Be a Woman" is such a needed book that I'm sure will be of great help to many navigating the often aggressive waters within our culture today.

Katie J. McCoy handles the controversial subjects with so much grace and compassion--with the desire to help us understand how our culture came to think the way they do and how to respond to it all in a Christlike way, as so many image-bearing human beings are affected by beliefs and practices within gender ideology.
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5 people found this helpful
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JuliaF
5.0 out of 5 stars A great resource
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2024
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Worth your read!
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Top reviews from other countries

avid reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Timely and necessary
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
I couldn't stop reading this! It was clear and structured, and also compassionate. I feel I have a much better understanding of gender issues and what is happening in society. Thank you so much for writing it, Katie McCoy.
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