cover image Dictionary of Feminist Theologies

Dictionary of Feminist Theologies

. Westminster John Knox Press, $39.95 (351pp) ISBN 978-0-664-22058-7

This is a major publishing event, the result of a remarkable four-year team effort in which some 180 advisers and authors have worked to advance the growing field of feminist studies (including womanism and mujerista). Since the 1960s, a wealth of research and writing in feminist religious studies has accumulated, and the Dictionary both benefits from and contributes to this scholarship with its admirable and diverse scope. The book is indeed a dictionary of ""theologies,"" and though its focus is Christian, Jewish feminists and women of many other faiths and ideologies share in the discussions, providing a pluralistic approach to feminist theologies. With scholarly depth and breadth, with entries from noted experts in their disciplines, the book can not help but appeal to a broad audience of laypeople, clergy and religious professionals. Introductory articles provide essential overviews of key fields. Each entry gives the traditional meaning of a term before expanding upon its meaning from a feminist perspective. Study questions, thorough cross-referencing and a bibliography will help readers steer themselves through the riches offered in a volume not only destined to be the standard scholarly reference work in its area but also likely to become a touchstone text for students of religion, women's' studies and American culture. (May)