A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, Really)

Jen Wilkin

One of my favorite scenes in the Gospels is when Jesus explains salvation to Nicodemus. Without a hint of awkwardness or hesitation, he employs the metaphor of female reproduction: womb, water, and blood. Yet, in the church today, the female reproductive cycle is still regarded as taboo to speak of, let alone to ponder in relation to our faith. I’m deeply grateful that Rachel Jones has endeavored to dignify what God has architected and to help us consider what we might learn from that design. As the prevailing culture dismantles the categories of male and female before our eyes, Rachel shows us how precious the gift of our female biology is, and all the more for the theology it illustrates.

Rebecca McLaughlin

Most Christians throughout history—regardless of time or culture—have had one oft-neglected thing in common: periods. In this energetic and helpful book, Rachel Jones thinks theologically about the
quiet drumbeat of female experience and orients us toward God in the midst of things that might feel painful, shameful, or emotionally charged. Whether periods play a big part in your life or no part at
all, you will find biblical wisdom in this book that will help you navigate your own experiences or support those you love in theirs.

"It has made me a more caring husband, a more compassionate brother in the faith, a better man."

Two questions which you may be asking. Number one: Why write a Christian book about periods? Number two: Why are you, a man, reviewing a book about periods? I’ll let Jones answer for herself: ‘The incredible thing about God’s word is that it truly speaks to all of life.’ I’ll take number two: because I have a wife. And she has periods. Even if I didn’t, as a man, I have a lot to learn.... continue reading

“Excellent and Important”

As a woman who has had many ups and downs on my path during menstration, I was so refreshed by this book!

I have been somewhat blindly-led through period (and later, fertility) difficulties by our culture and it’s medical approach only to have my concerns mostly ignored, morally and physically. I was bombarded most especially by the commoditization of child-conception (during my multiple rounds of infertility…thankfully still blessed with 2 boys so far) and a complete lack of entrusting my body to do what it was made by God to do naturally.

I have found peace in working to listen to my body and help resolve obstacles to my overall health as a woman in a way that acknowledges my God-given, image-bearing, and uniquely feminine body and it’s impact on my spirit and mind.

Then I saw this book! I wish I had come across it earlier (though it was just written) as a Christian voice on this topic is sorely missing. Looking back, I see the Christian perspective on a woman’s cycle as crucial to many important decisions in life that I only recently came to realize. The author helped outline the Christian worldview that should underpin all of life’s aging and reproductive processes. A worldview that we much seek out and cling to as Christians in a growing secular world.

The lesson about the significance of blood is one every Bible student should cherish because without a full appreciation for our cleansing through Christ, we miss how hopeless we were without His cleansing. The author’s simple explanation of the symbolism of blood and the transition to the New Covenant are valuable aspects of the big picture of the Bible that any Christian reader would benefit from.

While I had walked the path laid out in this book the hard way, coming to appreciate the gift of my cycle only after fighting against it and controlling it for most of my life up until 32, I hope that others may find it through the beauty of the outline in this book!

“Unexpectedly encouraging”

Although I’m 10 years post-menopausal, the topic of periods still interests me, and I was curious about how a Christian publisher would tackle it. Still, I requested a review copy of "A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, Really)" with a bit of trepidation.

What with infertility, severe endometriosis requiring multiple surgeries, difficult perimenopause and early menopause, my reproductive system—including my monthly cycle—has been a thorn in my side for most of my adult life. Author Rachel Jones is a couple of decades younger and doesn’t seem to suffer from the same maladies that have affected me, so I wondered whether I would be able to relate to what she had to say.

I needn’t have worried. Jones isn’t just writing to women who get a little grumpy and bloated every 28 days or so (although she has much to say to them too). Where she lacks personal experience, she brings in other voices to help. Her tone is lighthearted when appropriate, but also practical and empathetic. True to her title, she writes of periods from a thoroughly biblical perspective—in light of the fall and the cross, as well as through the lens of eternity.

A good decade after my last period, I didn’t realize there were tender spots in my heart that still needed to be healed regarding this topic. The entire book is good, but I found the chapter titled “So Much Pain” to be especially cathartic and encouraging.

If you struggle with your periods (or, like me, struggled mightily with them in the past), I highly recommend this little pink book.

“Helpful, Clear Book on Periods”

This book was really helpful and answered several questions I had about periods. I enjoyed her clear research and well thought out responses to commonly asked questions/Bible passages (i.e, Lev 15). She did a really good job of being gracious, allowing for Christian freedom in answering some questions, and being hopeful!

“Absolutely fabulous”

This is an absolutely fabulous book! I bought 10 extra copies to give to friends. Jones has written insightfully and faithfully about women and Christ. Hoping for more works of this level of accessibility and theological acumen from Jones and Good Book soon. Maybe this could be the beginning of a series of “A Brief Theology of …”?

“Accessible, imaginative and not gross”

I bought this out of curiosity, and with low expectations but found it to be an excellent book and a much-needed voice at a time when 'period pride' and 'period power' are increasingly mainstream. This book helps the reader consider all the impacts of periods: the time they take up, the pain, the mess, the cost, the emotions and the purpose of them. Rachel Jones points us to comfort and assurance, reminding us that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made" without ever telling us to grin and bear it or - heaven forbid! - man up. She challenges our attitudes to weakness, shame, and pain without coming down too hard on the side of either resignation or celebration and I appreciated her examination of periods in the Bible and what we can learn from that. The final chapter addresses the perimenopause and ageing what these can mean for identity and sense of self. I would love to see a book on this! I particularly recommend this book for anyone who hates having periods and anyone who has never considered just what most women go through every month but really there is something for everyone - male and female - in here.

“A great read”

I have to admit that I bought this book out of pure curiosity. It is an easy and enjoyable read, although there are many parts that could impact individuals deeply, depending on their own particular life circumstances. It has been written sensitively to cover all possibilities, as well as with a good sprinkling of humour. This is a book that I would love to share with many of my friends - and I hope to encourage our ministry team to read it too.