Church in the Round: Feminist Interpretation of the Church

by Letty M. Russell (Editor)

Ideas of the Christian church are changing, and Letty Russell envisions its future as partnership and sharing for all members around a common table of hospitality. Russell draws on her pastorate in Harlem, her classes in theology, and many ecumenical conversations to help the newly emerging church face the challenges of liberation for all people.

Genres: Theology

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

Reviews

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FEMINIST THEOLOGIAN CALLS THE CHURCH A "COMMUNITY OF FAITH AND STRUGGLE"

Letty Mandeville Russell (1929-2007) was a feminist theologian who taught at Yale Divinity School, who also wrote/edited books such as 'Dictionary of Feminist Theologies,' 'Human Liberation in a Feminist Perspective--A Theology,' etc.

She wrote in the Preface to this 1993 book, "This book is called 'Church in the Round' because a metaphor is needed to speak about a vision of Christian community of faith and struggle that practices God's hospitality... a church struggling to become a household of freedom, a community where walls have been broken down so that God's welcome to those who hunger and thirst for justice is made clear." (Pg. 12)

She asks, "How do we develop a feminist theory about the church that makes sense of women's reality and experiences of oppression and yet continues to affirm Jesus Christ as the source of life and connection in the Christian community?" (Pg. 21) She adds, "from my point of view as a feminist theologian, (feminism) represents a search for liberation from all forms of dehumanization on the part of those who advocate full human personhood for all of every race, class, sex, sexual orientation, ability, and age. This means that men can also be feminists if they are will to advocate for women." (Pg. 22)

On a personal note, she states, "I myself am an ordained clergyperson in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)... (I) would have left ... to be ordained elsewhere if the denomination had not begun to ordain women... just before my last year of seminary. I must confess, however, that the growing alienation and disillusionment with the church and clerical structures that so many women share are part of my life as well... The only reason I remain ordained at this point in my life is because... I stand in solidarity with many sisters and brothers who are denied the opportunity to be considered for ordination..." (Pg. 53)

She argues, "Hospitality calls us to be a community of faith and struggle that connects with those at the margin and celebrates the way God has called a diverse people, so that we may all share together at God's welcome table!" (Pg. 181)

This is an interesting and challenging book by a famed theologian, and deals frankly with a number of issues that are still very "current."

[Jennifer Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! It gave me some language for much of what I intuitively feel about ministry and the church. One thing I really appreciate about Russell is her inclusion of tradition as marker for moving forward. Rather than saying we should just 'scrap everything and start over' as many of the feminist voices do, Russell shows a great respect for and honors the tradition that has helped to serve and shape the church over centuries. Her imperative is connection and staying connected to those in the margins by coming along side them in the struggle. I love her view and have no doubt she will be an influence in my formation.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

My response to almost every other page of the this books was simply: YES! This is the way church should be. A fantastic book for anyone who has ever wanted church to look differently.