The New Catholic Feminism: Theology, Gender Theory and Dialogue

by Tina Beattie

It is hard to over-estimate the challenge that feminism poses to Roman Catholicism. Pope John Paul II's call for a 'new feminism' has led to the development of a Catholic theological response to the so-called 'old feminism'. The New Catholic Feminism sets up a dramatic encounter between the orthodox Catholic establishment and contemporary critical theory, including feminist theology and philosophy, queer theory, and French psycholinguistics, in order to explore fundamental questions about human identity, personhood and gender. From the naked bodies of Eden to the 'gay nuptials' of liturgy, it argues that the strange and volatile world of Catholic sexual symbolism cannot be 'tamed' to meet the ideological agendas of either feminist theology or conservative Catholicism. Only through a radical re-evaluation of the sacramental significance of the sexed human body might the Catholic Church provide a redemptive response to the sexual politics of contemporary society.

Genres: Feminism, Theology

382 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Raúl Mora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since catholic feminism is still a relatively newborn topic and has encountered few spaces for discussions in both origin houses, the Catholic Church and the academic feminism, respectively; this book is a pioneer for setting up the table for debate with a well constructed argument is built around the historical review and detailed analysis of women's role in the Church. In general, a much needed first step in the road to achieve a more inclusive and equitable church.