The first work to undertake a theological critique of Christian feminism as a whole, this book seeks to bring traditional faith and the feminist position into a deeper dialogue. Part One presents an overview of the historical issues raised by feminist theology. Part Two compares key feminist theological presuppositions to the prophetic interpretation of reality found in the biblical tradition.

This annotated bibliography, a volume in the Greenwood series, Bibliographies and Indexes in Religious Studies, provides access to the numerous writings, from the 1960s through the 1990s, on feminism and Christian tradition. Major feminist theologians and sociologists are represented. As a guide to further research, this cross-disciplinary approach presents themes and issues in both a historical and a topical framework. An extensive overview of feminism in relation to the women's movement, women's studies, sociology and American religion introduces the literature and provides a historical context for the nearly one thousand entries that follow. Cross-referenced throughout, the literature is presented in six thematic categories that include introductory and background materials, feminism and the development of feminist theology, topical literatures in feminist theology, feminism and womanist theology, religious leadership of women, and responses and recent developments. Separate author, subject, and title indexes complete the volume.

Description of the roles women have played in the construction and practice of Christian traditions, from the earliest disciples to the latest theologians.

Why should feminists care about Christianity? Why should Christians care about feminism? In Feminism and Christianity Riswold presents a collection of concise answers to basic questions like these in order to generate discussion about how the two can challenge each other and can even work together in the twenty-first century. Situated firmly in the third wave of feminist activism and scholarship as well as in contemporary Christian theology, Riswold addresses issues such as race, class, gender, and sexuality with an affirmation of tradition alongside a push for change. This book is an opportunity for Christians to gain a fuller understanding of feminism, moving beyond stereotypes and assumptions and into history and contemporary society. Simultaneously this book is an opportunity for feminists to understand the ongoing relevance of a religion whose social power and core commitments can contribute to a vision of a just human community.

In a Culture of Distortions, Discover God-Defined Womanhood and Beauty In a culture where airbrushed models and career-driven women define beauty and success, it's no wonder we have a distorted view of femininity. Our impossible standards place an incredible burden of stress on the backs of women and girls of all ages, resulting in anxiety, eating disorders, and depression. One question we often forget to ask is this: What is God's design for womanhood? In Girl Defined, sisters and popular bloggers Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal offer women a countercultural view of beauty, femininity, and self-worth. Based firmly in God's design for their lives, this book helps women rethink what true success and beauty look like. It invites them on a liberating journey toward a radically better vision for femininity that ends with the discovery of the kind of hope, purpose, and fulfillment they've been yearning for. Girl Defined helps readers · discover God's design for femininity and his definition of a successful woman · uncover the secrets of lasting worth, purpose, and fulfillment · be equipped and empowered to live out a radically better vision for womanhood · gain personal insight through the chapter-by-chapter study guide

Can a person be Christian and Feminist at the same time? In these extended essays, authors explore the various intersections of feminism, feminist theory and practice, and Christian tradition as it is lived out in the lives of Christian academics.

This annotated bibliography, a volume in the Greenwood series, Bibliographies and Indexes in Religious Studies, provides access to the numerous writings, from the 1960s through the 1990s, on feminism and Christian tradition. Major feminist theologians and sociologists are represented. As a guide to further research, this cross-disciplinary approach presents themes and issues in both a historical and a topical framework. An extensive overview of feminism in relation to the women's movement, women's studies, sociology and American religion introduces the literature and provides a historical context for the nearly one thousand entries that follow. Cross-referenced throughout, the literature is presented in six thematic categories that include introductory and background materials, feminism and the development of feminist theology, topical literatures in feminist theology, feminism and womanist theology, religious leadership of women, and responses and recent developments. Separate author, subject, and title indexes complete the volume.

The Bible has been written, translated, and interpreted for centuries by men in cultures that were patriarchal. In patriarchy, women are subordinated within the gradations of a hierarchical society. Material on women, therefore has often been misinterpreted or overlooked. In some instances, generic nouns and pronouns in the original languages have been translated into English as masculine words. A careful textual study must be made using all the available tools of biblical scholarship. An accurate understanding of the meaning of words must be sought. Also, readers must try to discern the intentions of the author and try to gain a knowledge of the historical and social background of the biblical material. The demands of God must be distinguished from the demands of a particular culture. The bible as a whole makes it clear that God's people are to bring justice and wholeness to all human beings. the injunctions that degrade women do not provide principles valid for every age of Christianity but instead reflect cultural situations in which men related to women through dominance. The standard for the Christian community today should be the glimmers of female dignity and leadership that shine through the pages of the Bible.

"I was amazed to find that I had no idea how to unfold my spiritual life in a feminine way. I was surprised, and, in fact, a little terrified, when I found myself in the middle of a feminist spiritual reawakening." ––Sue Monk Kidd For years, Sue Monk Kidd was a conventionally religious woman. Then, in the late 1980s, Kidd experienced an unexpected awakening, and began a journey toward a feminine spirituality. With the exceptional storytelling skills that have helped make her name, author of When the Heart Waits tells her very personal story of the fear, anger, healing, and freedom she experienced on the path toward the wholeness that many women have lost in the church. From a jarring encounter with sexism in a suburban drugstore, to monastery retreats and to rituals in the caves of Crete, she reveals a new level of feminine spiritual consciousness for all women– one that retains a meaningful connection with the "deep song of Christianity," embraces the sacredness of ordinary women's experience, and has the power to transform in the most positive ways every fundamental relationship in a woman's life– her marriage, her career, and her religion. This Plus edition paperback includes a recent interview with the author conducted by the book's editor Michael Maudlin.