Womanstrength: Modern Church, Modern Women

by Joan D. Chittister

This book contains 16 essays on women, women's role in the Church, social ministry, justice and peace, spirituality and activism.

Genres: Spirituality

187 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Joan Daugherty Chittister, O.S.B., is an American Benedictine nun, theologian, author, and speaker. She has served as Benedictine prioress and Benedictine federation president, president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, and co-chair of the Global Peace Initiative of Women.

Reviews

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 3 out of 5]

In places it is very dated or particular to US but it is a good and thoughtful book, written to deepen the reader's thought. I felt challenged by the constant refrain about getting more mature with prayer and not asking God to solve things for us but it was a relief at the end when she admitted we need to pray what we need to pray and God will hear and help us somehow.

It's just that prayer is not a substitute for action and activism and love of others. I kept swinging between thinking the author was very brave and very privileged ...but I think in the end this is what we need (minus the essentialism) a recognition that the female/feminine side of life may have wisdom for us and a deep rejection of all things militaristic. I did love how uncompromising on that she was.

I'll keep reading Chittister, I think she's written more recent stuff and she seems like someone who would evolve. I'll take on board some of the stuff about humility, self-care and work.