Feminist Theology: Voices from the Past

by Ann Loades

Some feminist women search for the roots of feminism in the recent past; others write the past off. Too many assume that religious traditions have nothing to offer feminism, so even when religious belief has been central to the inspiration of some of the most powerful campaigners for the value and worth of women, the significance of that belief has been ignored.
Mary Wollstonecraft argued for the 'rights' of women'; Josephine Butler fought against the devaluation of women expressed in the Contagious Diseases Acts; Dorothy L. Sayers had a powerful sense of the way women and men grace one another's lives in their work. They all drew on the Christian tradition of their own times, but this has rarely been given weight. These women have not been considered together, nor as theologians, as here in Ann Loades's new book. In their life time, each of them opened up some painful abortion and its significance in our shared social lives, forms of coercion, especially the sexual abuse of children, and the importance of women's work. Their courage and generosity offer salutary challenges to our own times.
Feminist Theology will be of interest to all those concerned with contemporary theological questions as well as to students of feminism and the analysis of gender, in sociology, politics and the humanities.

Genres: Feminism, Religion, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Shayna Kasbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book enlightens and delivers hope. While the world is violent and chaotic, this book helps us to see the movements around the world of people rising and standing up for justice. How their peaceful actions bring hope to many and deliver the message of Christ that is inclusive and contradicts what the world wants us to believe.
In Feminine Theology from the Third World, you will learn powerful lessons to resist the pressures of the world. You will witness the Holy Spirit at work and come to know Christ as our liberator and captain, this will embolden you to live into our hope for the future (Feminist Theology, 219).

[Pamela Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book from uni days which I have now read instead of dipping into for essays. It goes from ok I get that to really ! Not for the casual reader. A series of essays by female theologians every female theology student should read ... Men you need to read it too

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book!

I came to this book really burned by other feminist works (all of the worlds ills stem from white males) and was a little apprehensive. But was I surprised! It was fantastic! It opened my eyes to another facet of seeing that was awe-inspiring and humbling. It made me want to join a women's Bible study and just be an observer, listener.

I highly recommend this book, especially for men.