Bare Marriage Episode 304: Francine Rivers' And the Shofar Blew Part 2: What Can We Learn from Christian Fiction?
Nov 13, 2025
Joining the discussion are Dr. Merry Lin, an insightful author and commentator on marriage and gender dynamics, Sarah McDugal, an advocate for women healing from betrayal trauma, and Joanna Sawatsky, a critique of Christian fiction's roles and narratives. They dissect the troubling messages in Francine Rivers' 'And the Shofar Blew,' highlighting how the book encourages abuse victims to endure suffering and propagates harmful gender roles. The panel also explores how fictional narratives shape women's perceptions of faith, marriage, and their worth, often reinforcing toxic dynamics instead of promoting justice.
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Fiction Shapes Theology
- Christian fiction can inspire but also shape unhealthy theology about marriage and gender roles.
- Sheila Rae Gregoire warns these novels quietly teach readers what is "normal" in faith and marriage.
Silencing Framed As Virtue
- Rivers presents silencing women and relegating them to service as charming and godly.
- The hosts critique that portrayal as unexamined sexism that normalizes female passivity in church life.
Prayer Used To Justify Inaction
- The book elevates prayer and passivity as the primary Christian response to harm.
- Guests say that theology minimizes grieving and avoids action for those being harmed.
