I started to scan this book so that I could do this review but I found myself starting to read it again. So I guess I liked it! Rosaria Butterfield has a few books out now and I have always wanted to read something by her. Her story is very interesting as she went from an atheist, lesbian, professor of feminism to a conservative, homeschooling, Christian mom. The book is very well-researched and academically informed. Her background gives her a unique voice to address these issues with understanding and competence.
I appreciate how Butterfield uses Scripture as her primary source to teach truth in these areas of sexuality and that she is not afraid to say things that our society finds offensive. She is unapologetic in her views and commitment to the truths of the Bible. This book is culturally relevant and tackles hard issues about sexuality that are on the forefront of much conversation in our society today.
This book also held my attention because Butterfield weaves the story of her life through each chapter. So it not only contains good research, well-reasoned arguments, and biblical truth – it also reads like an autobiography. In this regard, chapter six was so interesting to me because it is the story of how she first encountered the full message of the Bible through a pastor reaching out to her to share a lecture he had written. Chapter six contains the lecture and her notes and stream of consciousness as she listened. Very interesting!
I also wanted to mention that I appreciate how she consistently points the reader to the importance of finding a good church, studying the Bible with other believers, listening to sermons, repenting of sin, and seeking to obey the Lord and what he says about marriage, sexuality, and gender.
Here is a quick list of the five lies and the chapter titles under each lie. This will give you a quick idea of some of the themes and topics that are addressed in the book.
Lie #1: Homosexuality Is Normal
Chapter 1: Once Gay, Always Gay?
Chapter 2: What Is Intersectionality?
Chapter 3: What Are Homosexual Orientation and Gay Christianity?
Chapter 4: Why Is Homosexuality a Sin When It Feels Normal to Some People?
Lie #2: Being a Spiritual Person Is Kinder than Being a Biblical Christian
Chapter 5: Where Is God—in an Ancient Book or in Me?
Chapter 6: The Bible Knows Me Better than I Know Myself
Lie #3: Feminism Is Good for the World and the Church
Chapter 7: Do You Know Yourself and How Do You Know?
Chapter 8: Does the Gospel Need a Feminist Rescue?
Chapter 9: The Power of a Woman’s Voice
Lie #4: Transgenderism Is Normal
Chapter 10: The Sin of Envy
Chapter 11: The War of Words
Chapter 12: Eternal Life Means More than Just Living Forever
Lie #5: Modesty Is an Outdated Burden That Serves Male Dominance and Holds Women Back
Chapter 13: In the Presence of My Enemies
Chapter 14: Exhibitionism: The New Almost-Christian Virtue
The last chapter in the book is the Afterward. It serves as a summary of the book and also provides some useful information and advice about specific situations. Butterfield gives quick, honest, and strong advice in a question-and-answer format. This is a helpful reference section about some specific issues such as, “Do I attend the gay wedding of my son?” And, “My daughter and her lesbian partner are having a baby by artificial insemination. They want me to attend the baby shower. Should I?”
This book also has a nice corresponding study guide book. This study guide would be useful for deeper personal study or for a group discussion. If I went through this book with a group I would want to use this study guide.
Rosaria Butterfield also has participated in videos, podcast interviews, and articles related to this book. I have listed a few of them below with the links. These resources should give you a good idea of who she is and the heart behind the book.
Short Videos on the Five Lies by Rosaria Butterfield
Podcast interview with Kevin DeYoung
I received a copy of this book from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.
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