"This groundbreaking reader challenges the absence of female voices in traditional surveys of Christian theology. Drawing exclusively from texts authored by women, this anthology provides a comprehensive introduction to the contributions of women theologians from every era. It defies the notion of a single "woman's perspective" by including diverse voices from feminist, womanist, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostal, traditional Roman Catholic, and Evangelical traditions. Through a range of literary genres and registers of voice, including hymnody, autobiography, poetry, and more, students will be able to engage with theology in a way that reflects the lived texture of Christian experience. Each chapter features visual art by women artists, alongside commentaryfrom the editors. With commissioned essays from notable women theologians and cross-referenced connections, this reader fosters a living and ongoing theological conversation. Addressing the need for inclusive theological education, The Women's Theology Reader provides a vital resource for students and instructors, amplifying the voices of women throughout Christian history."--
A groundbreaking collection showcasing women's voices in Christian theology across time and tradition
The Women's Christian Theology Reader offers a transformative approach to theological study by centering the voices of women from across the centuries and around the world. Featuring primary sources from the second century to the present, this singular collection brings together writings from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions—presenting theology through poetry, sermons, hymns, and visual art as well as traditional theological prose.
Organized around core theological topics, the Reader introduces key doctrines while allowing women's perspectives to shape the discussion. Each chapter includes introductory reflections, commentary on selected excerpts, and discussion questions that encourage deeper engagement. Newly commissioned essays from contemporary women theologians provide insight into how these historical writings continue to shape and challenge Christian thought today.
The only theological reader that presents core Christian doctrines exclusively through the writings of women, The Women's Christian Theology Reader:
- Features writings from Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions, highlighting the broad range of women's theological perspectives.
- Concludes each chapter with contemporary essays that connect historical voices to modern theological discourse.
- Incorporates perspectives from feminist, womanist, and other theological frameworks while respecting historical contexts.
- Expands the theological canon by including lesser-known but significant women theologians.
Thoughtfully designed as both a standalone textbook and a supplementary resource, the Women's Christian Theology Reader is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in Christian theology, church history, or women in the Christian tradition within degree programs in theology, religious studies, and divinity. It is also a must-have for general readers seeking to understand theology through a wider and more generous lens—one that acknowledges the contributions of women as integral to the Christian tradition.
Notes on Contributors x
Acknowledgments xv
Historical Timeline of Authors xvii
About the Companion Website xix
Introduction: An Invitation to Read and a Thought-Provoking Question 1
1 Knowing and Speaking of God: Theological Prolegomena 6
The Sources of Theology 10
Reading and Hearing Scripture 19
Theology and Other Ways of Knowing 30
The Un/Knowability of God, and Theological Method 41
The Posture of the Theologian 48
Contemporary Reflections 54
Jennifer Powell McNutt 54
Maeve Louise Heaney 55
G. Sujin Pak 57
2 Who and How God Is: The Doctrine of God 59
Attributes and Names of God 63
The Almighty, The Creator 73
God as Immanent and Transcendent 82
God as Trinity 91
Trinity, Love, and Community 99
Contemporary Reflections 109
Valerie Cooper 109
Maria Clara Bingemer 110
Lauren Guerra 112
2A Excursus 1 Gender and the Fatherhood of God 114
Gendered God-Talk as Metaphor for Relationships 116
The Richness and Necessity of Father Language for God 121
Feminine/Maternal Metaphors and Names for God 126
3 All That Has Been Made: The Doctrine of Creation 134
God's Act of Creation 137
Creation As Witness to and Communion with God 144
The Ambiguous Testimony of the Creation 152
Providence: God's Ongoing Care for Creation 158
Humanity's Calling to Care for Creation 168
Contemporary Reflections 173
Aminah Al-Attas Bradford 173
Cheryl Bridges Johns 175
4 Being Human: Theological Anthropology 177
The Image and Likeness of God 180
Body, Soul, and Human Personhood 187
The Gift and Challenge of Gender Differentiation in Theological Anthropology
196
Human Nature and Missing the Mark 202
The Vocation of Being Human 213
Contemporary Reflections 220
Rachel Muers 220
Melanie A. Howard 221
Elizabeth Y. Sung 223
5 The Person of Christ: Christology 226
Thinking about Deity and Humanity in Jesus Christ 228
The Son as the Eternal Word of God 237
The Christology of Nicea and Chalcedon 245
Jesus as God with Us Friend, Example, Co-Sufferer, Brother, Mother, Spouse
257
Contemporary Reflections 272
Kayko Driedger Hesslein 272
Christina Carnes Ananias 274
6 How and From What Are We Saved? : Soteriology 276
Salvation as Victory and Triumph 279
Sacrifice, Suffering and Atonement for Sin 290
Salvation as Following in the Way of Jesus 302
Salvation and God's Participation in the Suffering of the World 309
Recapitulation, Participation, and the Remaking of Our Humanity 318
Contemporary Reflections 327
Natalie Carnes 327
Marion Grau 329
7 Holy Spirit, Breath of God: Pneumatology 331
The Spirit Who Breathes Life into all of Creation 334
The Holy Spirit Who Creates and Gives Life to the Church 342
The Spirit Who has Spoken, and Speaks 349
The Spirit as God's Presence With Us 354
The Spirit Who Draws and Unites Us to God 361
The Sanctifying, Gift-Giving Spirit 365
The Spirit Who Makes God's Power Actual in Our Lives 370
Contemporary Reflections 375
Kirsten Laurel Guidero 375
Jane Williams 377
8 The Community of Faith: Ecclesiology 380
The Distinctive Character of Christian Community 383
The Unity And Diversity of the Church 394
Church Missions and the Mission of the Church 403
Sacraments Eucharist 409
Sacraments Baptism 416
The Protestant Critique 420
Contemporary Reflections 426
Sarah Jean Barton 426
Lama Htoi San Lu 427
Alexia Salvatierra 429
8A Excursus 2 Women in the Church 431
Proponents of Women's Leadership in the Church Historical Voices 433
Proponents of Women's Leadership in the Church Contemporary Voices:
Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Evangelical 441
Proponents of Differentiated Roles for Men and Women Contemporary Voices
451
9 The Life of the World to Come: Eschatology 458
The Hope of the Resurrection 461
Heaven, the Beatific Vision, and the Communion of Saints 467
Paradise, Purgatory, and the Intermediate State 470
Hell and Judgment 481
The Promise of Justice Beyond This Life 491
This Present Creation and the New Creation 497
Contemporary Reflections 508
Katherine Karam McCray 508
Zaida Maldonado Perez 510
Lizette M. Acosta 511
Image Credits 514
Index 516
BETH RITTER-CONN is Assistant Professor of Religion and Honors at Belmont University. She specializes in theology and feminist thought, focusing on the voices of women in Christian history.
STEVEN R. GUTHRIE is Professor of Theology and Religion and the Arts at Belmont University. His research explores the intersection of theology, music, and the arts.
