Book Review: "A Conversation with God for Women," by Marcia Ford

The subtitle of this book is: If you could ask God any question, what would it be? Each chapter in this book starts with a question, which is “answered” by God, Jesus, and other biblical figures, in a conversational format.

I have no problem with answers that are a paraphrase of scripture; it is where Ms. Ford expounds on scripture that I take issue.

One example is found on page 241, regarding the answer “from Jesus” to the question: Are all sins the same to you?

In Ms. Ford’s multi-paragraph response she writes:

“...I [Jesus] said that looking at someone else’s spouse in a lustful way or simply thinking about being unfaithful was just like actually committing adultery.”

This statement is referenced with supporting scripture. It is the following paragraph where the problem occurs:

“Now, do you believe that I consider thinking about adultery to be equal in seriousness to committing adultery?...If you answered yes…you have gravely misunderstood My teaching.”

“Jesus” goes on to explain that his teaching was not meant to be taken literally because people would just go ahead and commit adultery, if they thought the consequences were the same as thinking about it. “Jesus” continues by saying that his words were directed at the Pharisees, in particular, and were dealing with heart issues.

My question for the author is – how is that different than those of us today who struggle with heart issues?

This book is full of similar instances. Questions are asked one way, and the answer is provided in a slightly different way. It is for that reason I would not recommend this book to anyone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.