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Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement

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In "Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement" by Kathryn Joyce, the author delves into the dangerous and acidic patriarchy known as patriocentricity that has infiltrated Christianity. The book exposes the extreme beliefs and practices of this movement, which go far beyond traditional complementarianism. Joyce reveals the oppressive nature of patriocentricity, where women are forbidden from various aspects of autonomy, including voting, working outside the home, and using birth control. Through detailed interviews and descriptions, the author paints a vivid picture of the disturbing beliefs and behaviors of those involved in this movement.

The book also explores the personal stories of individuals impacted by patriocentricity, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll it takes on women and families. Through real-life accounts and meticulous research, Kathryn Joyce brings to light the harmful effects of this patriarchal ideology on both individuals and society as a whole.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by grace, clarity, and an engaging narrative that presents complex ideas without overt bias.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot delves into the Quiverfull movement, illustrating its impact on women's lives through personal narratives and the author's investigative findings.

Setting:

The setting encompasses diverse locations in the U.S. within the context of fundamentalist Christian communities.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book varies, combining slower, dense narrative segments with intense personal stories that heighten engagement.
“I’ve watched my wife counsel a lot of young ladies who are considering marriage, and she always asks them the question, ‘Are you willing to call your husband “Lord”?’ There will be dead silence in th...

Notes:

The book explores the Christian Patriarchy Movement and its impact on women's rights.
Doug Phillips, a key figure, held celebrations that celebrated white settlers while denying the historical suffering of Native Americans.
Women in the movement are often treated as property and forbidden to express opinions or participate in church activities.
The book highlights cases of harassment and bullying among members of the homeschooling community against women seeking independence.
Kathryn Joyce includes personal interviews and firsthand accounts to illustrate the oppressive environments created by these groups.
The movement promotes a belief against the use of birth control and encourages large families regardless of financial stability.
Nancy Campbell, a prominent figure, advocates for procreation without concern for financial security, claiming it's God's command.
The book criticizes teachings that suggest women provoke abuse through their behavior, reflecting a dangerous mindset towards domestic violence.
The author describes the lack of self-esteem among women in this patriarchal framework, where their worth is tied solely to motherhood.
Joyce depicts fundamentalist attitudes as anti-feminist and controlling, creating an environment that stifles women's independence.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of emotional abuse, physical abuse, extreme gender roles, and fundamentalist ideologies.

From The Publisher:

Kathryn Joyce's fascinating introduction to the world of the patriarchy movement and Quiverfull families examines the twenty-first-century women and men who proclaim self-sacrifice and submission as model virtues of womanhood-and as modes of warfare on behalf of Christ. Here, women live within stringently enforced doctrines of wifely submission and male headship, and live by the Quiverfull philosophy of letting God give them as many children as possible so as to win the religion and culture wars through demographic means.

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It Was OK
1 month

This was good, lots of good information, but a LOT that was taken out of context, especially where Mark Driscoll was quoted. I felt that the author's bias showed constantly and her dislike (poorly disguised as confusion or disbelief) of the women that she describes is obvious. As a journalist or print documentarian, she fails in the arena of objectivity.

Ironically, reading this book had the opposite of the intended result for me.

 

About the Author:

Kathryn Joyce is a freelance journalist whose writing has appeared on Salon and in the Nation, Mother Jones, Newsweek, Double X, and other publications. She lives in New York City.

 
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