Beyond Patching: Faith and Feminism in the Catholic Church

By Sandra M. Schneiders

Book Overview

Here is a revised edition of a landmark text by one of our most distinguished authors and theologians. In Beyond Patching, Sandra Schneiders clarifies the language and concerns of feminist spirituality and effectively addresses the excruciating tensions that have arisen because of the sometimes morally unacceptable way that women are treated in the Church. She asserts that the current half-hearted attempts to "patch" things up must be replaced with a whole-hearted renewal, or the Church stands in danger of losing touch with many of its women. Beyond Patching supports meaningful change by presenting the feminist theological agenda in a manner that does not undermine the foundations of Christian faith. It includes such fundamental theological problems as the function of scripture for women once its patriarchal and misogynist content has been identified, the spiritual struggle of women who feel alienated by the church, and Catholic feminism in relation to the larger feminist movement. Beyond Patching is an excellent tool that not only gives hope to women but serves as a warning to Church authorities: just as an old garment can be beyond repair, so, too, the Church, in this case, is beyond patching. +

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809142821
• ISBN13: 9780809142828
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Paulist Press
• Length: 136 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.6" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive Introduction to Modern Feminism

The other reviewer ("Sadly Disappointed") may not have read the introduction of the book, otherwise they would have seen that Sandra Schneiders discusses the postive and negative aspects of many forms of the feminism movement. In fact, she refers to the movement in the plural of "feminisms", point out that there is not one form of feminism that currently exists within society and societies. The first chapter of the book is a cogent summary of feminism, beginning with the late 19th century European feminisms, though our own modern day expressions thereof. She then offers her reflections which lead a person to examine which feminist expressions best suit the issues that we are facing in our own day, ending with practical examples of real life situations. The book is a great resource for those who are trying to attain a working understanding of current feminist expression and movements within society and, especially, how it relates to religious identities. No one author can be taken as the sole voice or summary of an entire thinking, and I am sure the author would dislike being assumed to be such, but as an introductory text, "Beyond Patching" is excellent.