Key Takeaways
1. Seven extraordinary women who shaped history through faith and courage
"We must be honest enough to recognize that each era cannot help having a pinched, parochial view of things, and of course the largest part of that parochialism is that each era thinks it is not parochial at all."
Breaking stereotypes. These seven women defied the expectations of their times, cultures, and often their churches to make profound impacts on the world. They were not defined by their relationships to men or their adherence to societal norms, but by their deep faith and conviction to act on behalf of others.
Diverse backgrounds, common thread. From medieval France to 20th century India, these women came from vastly different circumstances:
- Peasant girls and aristocrats
- Wives, mothers, and celibate nuns
- Activists, educators, and contemplatives
Yet all shared an unshakeable belief that God was calling them to extraordinary service, often at great personal cost.
2. Joan of Arc: A young peasant girl who led France to victory through divine inspiration
"Joan of Arc was no fierce amazon. Far from it. There was nothing even slightly 'manly' about her. On the contrary, it was her youth, innocence, purity, and holiness that made it possible for her to do what she did."
Divine calling. At age 13, Joan began hearing voices she believed were from God, instructing her to drive the English out of France and crown the rightful king. Despite her gender, youth, and lack of military experience, she convinced skeptical leaders to let her lead troops into battle.
Miraculous victories and martyrdom. Joan's presence galvanized the French army:
- Led the lifting of the siege of Orléans in just 9 days
- Paved the way for the coronation of Charles VII
- Captured by the English and burned at the stake as a heretic at age 19
- Later exonerated and canonized as a saint
Her unwavering faith and courage inspired a nation and continues to captivate imaginations centuries later.
3. Susanna Wesley: The "Mother of Methodism" who educated her children for God's glory
"I know that many people whom I hear say a thousand brilliant and agreeable things disbelieve, or at least disregard, those truths on which I found my everlasting hopes."
Educational pioneer. Despite limited formal education herself, Susanna developed a rigorous homeschooling system for her 19 children, including daughters—radical for the early 18th century. Her curriculum emphasized:
- Spiritual formation
- Classical languages
- Literature and critical thinking
Lasting legacy. Susanna's influence shaped her sons John and Charles Wesley, founders of Methodism:
- Instilled deep faith and disciplined habits
- Modeled service to the poor
- Encouraged education for all, including women
Her "Methodical" approach to faith and life became a hallmark of the Methodist movement, which went on to transform British society and spread globally.
4. Hannah More: A literary genius who used her pen to fight slavery and reform society
"Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world."
Cultural influencer. More leveraged her fame as a playwright and author to advance social causes:
- Collaborated with William Wilberforce in the fight against slavery
- Wrote influential tracts promoting morality and education
- Founded schools for poor children
Bridge builder. More's unique position allowed her to:
- Move between elite literary circles and evangelical Christians
- Use popular forms of writing to spread serious ideas
- Appeal to both emotion and reason in her arguments
Her efforts helped shift public opinion on slavery and laid groundwork for broader social reforms in 19th century Britain.
5. Saint Maria of Paris: An unconventional nun who embraced radical hospitality during WWII
"I offer myself for Your people. In any way. Any place, Any time."
From aristocrat to radical nun. Maria Skobtsova's journey included:
- Early life as a Russian noble and intellectual
- Political activism and two failed marriages
- Becoming an unconventional Orthodox nun in Paris
Sanctuary in dark times. During Nazi occupation, Maria turned her Paris home into a refuge:
- Sheltered Jews and resistance fighters
- Provided forged baptismal certificates to save lives
- Arrested and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp
Her faith led her to see Christ in every person, especially the most marginalized. She died in the gas chamber, likely taking the place of another prisoner.
6. Corrie ten Boom: A Dutch watchmaker's daughter who risked everything to save Jews
"There is no pit so deep that he is not deeper still."
Family of rescuers. The ten Booms, devout Christians, felt called to protect their Jewish neighbors:
- Built a secret room in their home to hide refugees
- Part of a larger underground network saving hundreds of lives
- Entire family arrested for their efforts
Faith tested and triumphant. Corrie and her sister Betsie's experiences in concentration camps:
- Witnessed unspeakable horrors, yet found ways to encourage fellow prisoners
- Betsie died, but Corrie was released due to a clerical error
- Corrie went on to share message of God's love and forgiveness worldwide
Her story, told in "The Hiding Place," has inspired millions with its testament to faith, courage, and the power of forgiveness.
7. Rosa Parks: The "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement" who sparked change through quiet defiance
"The only tired I was, was tired of giving in."
Prepared for the moment. Parks' refusal to give up her bus seat was not a spontaneous act:
- Active in NAACP and civil rights work for years
- Trained in nonviolent resistance
- Deeply rooted in faith that gave her courage
Catalyst for change. The Montgomery Bus Boycott sparked by Parks' arrest:
- Lasted 381 days, crippling the city's transit system
- Brought Martin Luther King Jr. to national prominence
- Led to Supreme Court ruling desegregating public transportation
Parks continued her activism throughout her life, becoming an icon of the civil rights movement and inspiring generations to stand up against injustice.
8. Mother Teresa: A humble nun who saw Jesus in the poorest of the poor and inspired millions
"Let them see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven."
Radical compassion. Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity served the "poorest of the poor":
- Established homes for the dying, orphaned, and leprous
- Expanded to serve in over 100 countries
- Challenged societal norms about the value of human life
Global impact. Beyond direct service, Mother Teresa:
- Became a powerful voice for the voiceless
- Used her Nobel Peace Prize platform to speak against abortion
- Inspired countless others to acts of service and charity
Her life demonstrated that one person, wholly devoted to God's call, can have an outsized impact on the world.
Last updated:
FAQ
What's Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness about?
- Biographical Focus: The book profiles seven extraordinary women—Joan of Arc, Susanna Wesley, Hannah More, Saint Maria of Paris, Corrie ten Boom, Rosa Parks, and Mother Teresa—highlighting their unique contributions to society and faith.
- Themes of Greatness: Eric Metaxas explores the concept of greatness, emphasizing that these women achieved their remarkable feats not by competing with men but by embracing their identities as women.
- Inspiration and Faith: Each woman's story is intertwined with themes of faith, courage, and compassion, showcasing how their spiritual convictions propelled them to make significant impacts in their respective fields.
Why should I read Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness?
- Empowering Narratives: The book offers inspiring stories that can motivate readers, especially women, to recognize their potential and the power of faith in overcoming challenges.
- Historical Insight: Metaxas provides a rich historical context for each woman, allowing readers to understand the societal challenges they faced and how they triumphed.
- Cultural Relevance: In a time when discussions about gender roles are prevalent, the book challenges modern assumptions by illustrating how these women’s achievements were rooted in their femininity, not in opposition to it.
What are the key takeaways of Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness?
- Unique Greatness: The book emphasizes that greatness is not defined by societal standards but by personal convictions and the impact one has on others.
- Complementarity of Genders: Metaxas argues that men and women are designed to complement each other, and true greatness comes from embracing one’s unique identity.
- Faith as a Driving Force: Each woman’s story illustrates how deep faith can lead to extraordinary actions, encouraging readers to cultivate their spiritual lives.
Who are the seven women featured in Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness?
- Joan of Arc: A peasant girl who led the French army to victory and was later canonized as a saint, known for her unwavering faith and courage.
- Susanna Wesley: The mother of John and Charles Wesley, she is celebrated for her innovative approach to education and her influence on the Methodist movement.
- Hannah More: A playwright and reformer, she played a crucial role in the abolition of the slave trade and was a prominent figure in the Clapham Sect.
- Maria Skobtsova: A Russian Orthodox nun who risked her life to save Jews during the Nazi occupation of France, exemplifying true Christian love.
- Corrie ten Boom: A Dutch watchmaker who helped hide Jews during World War II, known for her story of faith and forgiveness.
- Rosa Parks: Known as the "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," her refusal to give up her bus seat sparked a nationwide boycott.
- Mother Teresa: Renowned for her humanitarian work, she dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor in Calcutta.
What are the best quotes from Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness and what do they mean?
- Joan of Arc's Courage: “It was precisely her vulnerability and womanly virtue that stunned and inspired the rough soldiers in a way that no man ever could do.” This highlights how her femininity was integral to her leadership.
- On Susanna Wesley: “It is no small honour to be entrusted with the care of so many souls.” This reflects her commitment to her children’s spiritual and moral education.
- Hannah More's Influence: “Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.” This underscores the power of literature and art in shaping societal values and beliefs.
- Mother Teresa's Mission: “I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink.” This emphasizes the importance of serving those in need and recognizing the divine in every act of kindness.
- Courage Defined: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” This highlights that true courage involves facing fears and challenges head-on.
How does Eric Metaxas define greatness in Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness?
- Moral and Spiritual Qualities: Greatness is depicted as a combination of moral integrity, spiritual depth, and the ability to inspire others through one’s actions.
- Unique Contributions: Each woman’s greatness is tied to her unique contributions to society, which stem from her identity and experiences as a woman.
- Faith-Driven Actions: Metaxas emphasizes that true greatness often arises from a deep faith that compels individuals to act selflessly for the benefit of others.
What role does faith play in the lives of the women in Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness?
- Foundation of Actions: Faith is portrayed as the cornerstone of each woman’s life, guiding their decisions and actions in times of adversity.
- Source of Strength: The women draw strength from their faith, which empowers them to confront societal norms and challenges head-on.
- Inspiring Others: Their faith not only transforms their own lives but also inspires those around them, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
How does Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness challenge modern views on gender?
- Rejecting Comparisons: Metaxas argues against the notion that women must be compared to men to be deemed great, asserting that their achievements stand on their own merit.
- Celebrating Femininity: The book celebrates the unique qualities of women that contribute to their greatness, rather than viewing them as inferior or secondary to men.
- Complementary Roles: It posits that men and women have distinct roles that, when embraced, lead to a more harmonious and effective society.
What impact did these women have on society according to Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness?
- Social Reform: Each woman played a pivotal role in social reform, whether through activism, education, or spiritual leadership, influencing their communities and beyond.
- Cultural Legacy: Their stories have left a lasting cultural legacy, inspiring future generations to pursue justice, compassion, and faith-driven action.
- Historical Significance: The book highlights how their contributions shaped significant historical events and movements, such as the abolition of slavery and the advancement of women’s rights.
How does Eric Metaxas portray the relationship between men and women in Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness?
- Mutual Respect: The book emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding between genders, advocating for a partnership rather than competition.
- Complementary Strengths: Metaxas illustrates that men and women possess complementary strengths that, when recognized and celebrated, enhance societal progress.
- Shared Goals: The relationships depicted in the book show that both men and women can work together toward common goals, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
How does Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness connect historical events to the lives of the women featured?
- Contextual Background: Metaxas provides historical context for each woman’s life, linking their personal stories to significant events. This connection helps readers understand the broader implications of their actions and the challenges they faced.
- Impact on Society: The book illustrates how the actions of these women influenced societal change during their respective eras. For example, Corrie ten Boom’s efforts to save Jews during the Holocaust highlight the moral imperative to resist evil.
- Legacy of Change: By connecting their stories to historical events, the book emphasizes the lasting impact these women had on future generations. Their legacies continue to inspire movements for justice, equality, and compassion today.
What is the significance of the title Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness?
- Exploration of Greatness: The title suggests an exploration of what constitutes true greatness. It invites readers to consider the qualities and actions that define these women as extraordinary figures in history.
- Focus on Women’s Contributions: By highlighting seven women, the title emphasizes the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history. It challenges the narrative that greatness is solely associated with male figures.
- Secrets of Their Success: The subtitle hints at uncovering the “secrets” behind their achievements, such as faith, courage, and resilience. It encourages readers to reflect on how these qualities can be applied in their own lives.
Review Summary
Readers generally praise Seven Women as inspiring and informative, highlighting its portrayal of influential Christian women. Many appreciate learning about lesser-known figures and their contributions. Some readers find the biographies brief but engaging, while others criticize the author's anti-feminist stance and narrow focus on traditional Christian roles. The book receives mixed reactions regarding writing style and depth, with some finding it simplistic and others appreciating its accessibility. Overall, most readers find value in the diverse stories of faith, courage, and perseverance presented.
Similar Books
About the Author
Other books by Eric Metaxas
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.