The Feminist Question

"It is difficult to exaggerate the profundity and complexity of the challenge presented to Christianity by contemporary feminism. In this book we finally have an argument that meets this challenge with the seriousness it deserves. Reviewing a vast range of feminist literature, Francis Martin is eminently fair in his analysis. His biblically based criticisms are strong but carefully qualified and are placed in the light of what he argues are some weaknesses in post-Enlightenment thought...
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"It is difficult to exaggerate the profundity and complexity of the challenge presented to Christianity by contemporary feminism. In this book we finally have an argument that meets this challenge with the seriousness it deserves. Reviewing a vast range of feminist literature, Francis Martin is eminently fair in his analysis. His biblically based criticisms are strong but carefully qualified and are placed in the light of what he argues are some weaknesses in post-Enlightenment thought more generally. A much-needed study, one that will become indispensable reading in the years to come." David L. SchindlerJohn Paul II Institute "As the title indicates, feminists have posed a question for the Christian theological tradition. In seeking to locate the nature, scope, and purpose of the feminist question, this book gives legitimacy to the whole Christian feminist enterprise while at the same time engaging it in an exhilarating dialogue. The very breadth of Martin's exploration points to the radical quality of the question. One hopes that a renewed dialogue "in the light of Christian tradition" will take place on many fronts." Mary T. Malone University of St. Jerome's College "An important clarification of, and corrective to, the feminist theological quest. The Feminist Question provocatively exposes the secularist foundations on which feminism builds both its critique of Judaism and Christianity as patriarchal and its hermeneutics of biblical texts as androcentric. Martin weaves scriptural, patristic, conciliar, papal, and systematic theological traditions into a dialectical discernment of the works of major feminist theologians. He illustrates well the gentle wisdom and profound understanding that the light of faith in God's Word brings to open minds and hearts." Matthew L. Lamb Boston College "Someone had to write this book! We can be grateful that it was Francis Martin. Those in the community of Christian scholars who find the conclusions of feminist theology troubling but do not want to dismiss its challenge will welcome his well-informed and incisive analysis and evaluation." Sara Butler, M.S.B.T. Mundelein Seminary