Horizons On Catholic Feminist Theology

Ten essays illustrate feminist theological awareness within the Catholic tradition (though written, for the most part, as "loyal opposition" within the church). Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Procario-Foley, Elena Book jacket.

Having confronted the conflict between feminism and the Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI, Beattie proposes a new theological approach to the encounter between feminism and Catholicism, for the twenty-first century"--Jacket

By all accounts, feminist theology is at a crossroads. Even as the longstanding consensus wanes that women's experience is the source and norm of feminist theology, the specific and often contradictory experience of different groups is now highlighted, and new theoretical frameworks are being proposed. This landmark volume explores central issues of female subjectivity and feminist identity, gender and embodiment, tradition and norms, and their impact on theology. Leading thinkers in this new generation of feminist theologians rethink the central claims of feminist theology and offer proposals for the future.

Having confronted the conflict between feminism and the Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI, Beattie proposes a new theological approach to the encounter between feminism and Catholicism, for the twenty-first century"--Jacket.

Hail Mary? examines the sexist and misogynist themes that underlie the socially constructed religious imagery of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Maurice Hamington explores the sources for three prominent Marian images: Mary as the "the blessed Virgin," Mary, the "Mediatrix"; and Mary, "the second Eve." Hamington critiques these images for the valorization of sexist forces with the Catholic Church that serve to maintain systems of oppression against women. In challenging dominant, religious representations of Mary, Hamington surveys a variety of emerging reinterpretations of Mary. He then provides a framework for further study of "non-alienating" images of Mary.

The growing body of feminist literature in the late 20th and early 21st centuries demonstrates the phenomenal advances of feminist thought and movements in the context of church and society. Characteristic of this growth is the re-location of issues from the global North, and broadening of focus to include voices from the global South.
In the context of globalization new vistas and voices are emerging that trace new directions and seek to rephrase the central questions in the feminist discourse. This volume aims to highlight the changing face and color of feminist theological discourse, recognize innovative research in the field, and facilitate a global conversation among feminists engaged in theological ethics in the world church.

Asserts that the current half-hearted attempts to patch up the excruciating tensions due to the sometimes morally unacceptable way women are treated in the Catholic Church must be replaced with a whole-hearted renewal or the Church stands in danger of losing touch with many of its women. Reissue.