Because She Was Called
Elaine Ricker Kelly
Independently Published (2024)
ISBN: 978-1738823321
Reviewed by Sara Lancaster for Reader Views (11/2024)
“Because She Was Called,” book 2 of the From Broken to Bold series by Elaine Ricker Kelly, takes a deep and emotional look at women’s roles in early Christianity, focusing on their skills, rights—or lack thereof—and the power structures that shaped their lives. The author—a financial advisor for thirty years, yet with a strong commitment to empowering women and affirming LGBTQ+— asks big questions about where women have been, where they are now, and where they could go in the future. These questions are important and feel especially timely in today’s world, where gender equality and inclusivity are hot topics.
One of the best things about this book is how it makes the Bible’s accounts feel fresh. It reframes traditional stories by focusing on the women’s experiences and contributions, challenging previous interpretations. The issues and emotions unearthed throughout the narrative, of both women and men, are surprising, and make for a rich and thought-provoking reading experience.
The author’s understanding of the historical and cultural context is also evident and lends a raw realism to her arguments. Her strong egalitarian beliefs shine through, a particularly important message in our divisive modern world. The addition of LGBTQ+ characters adds further layers of diversity and complexity, making the book relevant to contemporary audiences. It ties past historical struggles to modern discussions about inclusion, identity, equality, and above all, fairness.
The story centers primarily on the lives of Susannah and Joanna, along with a large supporting cast. These two early disciples of Jesus the Nazarene find that their faith and determination to contribute to his mission are met with constant challenges. The women navigate a pluralistic society, struggle with their own emotions, and face the pressures of governing authorities that affect their lives and their daily decisions, narrowing their own choices.
At the same time, they must contend with the men around them—fellow followers who, though equally committed to serving God and welcoming early adopters of the striking and culture-shifting message of equality—still don’t quite know how to apply it, and often fall back into cultural norms. These men are also trying to sort out the place of women, and don’t really know what it is. This creates a pendulum effect in how they treat women, veering from compression to freedom. In this situation, the men’s imperfections also create additional struggles for the women, deeply affecting their lives as they try to fulfill their new calling.
Here’s an example:
Mariamne’s forehead wrinkled. Susannah knew Mariamne was worried that having children might interfere with her ability to fulfill her call. The men discounted her candidacy without asking her plans or seeing her reaction.
As well, here’s another. It’s a passage where Susannah both decries Philip’s attitude, then defends him, in a conversation with Sextilia.
“Maybe Philip also feels that obeying Jesus is more important than obeying you. You have said he is a well-liked evangelist, so let him shine,” said Sextilia.
“You mean make myself small so he can be great?” Susannah felt sick.
Amidst the seriousness of the author’s message—that of equality and the very real consequences of ignoring it—there is also at times a lightness, as well as welcome vignettes into the daily world of the story’s time. I truly enjoyed these passages. One example is a discussion between Susannah and Phillip about the shoes he’s wearing and the fact that they aren’t suitable, for cultural reasons. (Sound familiar?) The ancient brand was known as the Calceus Patricius. Highly symbolic, these leather shoes were the Gucci or Prada of their day, worn only by the elite. Again, an excellent example of the author’s extensive knowledge of the time, and an enjoyable window into the issues of the day, and also—how things really haven’t changed.
Another example of things that enjoyably put me into the story is the setting of the scene of one of the chapters.
Susannah’s stomach was fluttering like butterflies in the spring. She was taking Philip to meet Noah. He managed the olive orchard in Galilee that he inherited from their father, but he had agreed to meet them in Jerusalem.’
While the story and its plot line are important, it feels secondary to the broader themes. These themes come through strongly, giving the book a tone closer to that of a written documentary, or report. This approach may not appeal to readers looking for a tightly woven plot, but for those interested in history, culture, and theology it is an enlightening read.
The title itself is particularly apt, and well-chosen. When the questions will not stop coming—as to why the women persist in pushing long-established cultural and societal boundaries as to their activities, rather than focusing on their own personal desires and wants—one strong answer emerges, from the women themselves: because they were called.
In conclusion, Elaine Ricker Kelly’s “Because She Was Called” is a deeply thoughtful work that invites readers to critically examine women’s roles in religious and social history. It doesn’t just ask important questions——it pushes readers to think deeply about them, making it a relevant and meaningful read for today’s world.