Disobedient Women: How a Small Group of Faithful Women Exposed Abuse, Brought Down Powerful Pastors, and Ignited an Evangelical Reckoning

Journalist Sarah Stankorb's book "Disobedient Women" highlights how access to the internet has allowed women to dismantle the false authority of evangelical communities that have long demanded their submission. These women have built online megaphones to create long-overdue change and bring abuse stories to national attention, driving journalists to help bring these stories to light. The book also presents a full, layered portrait of the treatment of women and the fight for change within the modern American church.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

A NATIONAL BESTSELLER! Journalist Sarah Stankorb delves into the transformative power of the internet, granting women access to its networks, freedom of expression, and invaluable resources for conducting thorough research and reporting on influential church figures. This newfound access enabled women to challenge the false authority wielded by evangelical communities, which had long demanded their submission. A generation of American Christian girls was raised with the belief that submitting to men was God's will, and they were discouraged from questioning the men in their families or their pastors. They were taught to maintain sexual purity and were subjected to feelings of shame if they were tempted. Unfortunately, some of these girls faced abuse and assault, while others were forced to shrink down to an unimaginable extent, losing their sense of self. Challenging their leaders was equated with questioning God, and as a result, male leaders within the church constructed vast fiefdoms, exerting influence in politics and policy. To safeguard their church's influence, these men resorted to covering up and concealing instances of abuse. The rise of American Christian patriarchy over the past four decades inflicted harm upon many devoted believers, leading to a significant decline in church attendance. However, amidst the turmoil, a courageous group of women emerged. They harnessed the democratizing power of technology to create online megaphones, amplifying their voices and advocating for a different kind of faith. In her book, Disobedient Women, journalist Sarah Stankorb rightfully recognizes these everyday women as leaders and advocates, whose tireless efforts have compelled journalists to bring abuse stories to the national forefront. Through meticulous weaving, Stankorb presents a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of the treatment of women and the ongoing fight for change within the modern American church.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 162 x 238 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781546003809