557 - The Strength of the Weak: Toward a Christian Feminist Identity & Christian Feminism: Visions of a New Humanity

The Strength of the Weak:
Toward a Christian Feminist Identity
By Dorothee Soelle
Philadelphia, Westminster, 1984. 184 pp. $9.95.

Christian Feminism:
Visions of a New Humanity
By Judith L. Weidman
San Francisco, Harper & Row, 1984. 196 pp. $12.95,

In the midst of the growing literature on Christian feminism, two recent books deserve attention for their critique of sexism in theology while also

558 - The Strength of the Weak: Toward a Christian Feminist Identity & Christian Feminism: Visions of a New Humanity

addressing the systemic ramifications of oppression, patriarchy, and injustice.

Dorothee Soelle's book is a collection of essays which continue her perspective of linking religion and politics. As the title suggests, Soelle examines helpless/ powerless individuals and groups for clues to oppression as well as for inherent powers contained by the collective. She maintains that since theology originates "in our need for more, in our sense of failure, in our awareness of life destroyed," is it any wonder that Christianity is characterized by intolerance, oppression, paternalism and even banality? Soelle's analysis strikes resonance with all who wonder whether and to what extent Christianity perpetuates oppression while espousing liberation.

Gathered from a variety of sources, these essays are organized into two major divisions, "Faith and Society" and "Foundations of- a Feminist Theology," and reflect the theological growth and development in Soelle as well as the maturation of feminist critique of theology. Throughout these essays, however, we find Soelle's relentless pursuit of individual/theological liberation and her critique of all that prevents its actualization. Soelle has always been skillful and poignant in making human the victim, in revealing those silenced or suffocated by religion. Through her search for identity in mass society, Soelle builds solidarity with "the other" and "the outsider," and in the process of linking the person with the political, liberation is at least made more hopeful.

In contrast, Judith Weidman has chosen a reconstructionist approach to her book and has intentionally included works representative of writings/perspectives shared by Christian women who are "still 'hanging in' with the church." The articles address such issues as feminist theology, changing work patterns, human sexuality, and women's roles in the church. The book is divided into two parts, "Church Life and Practice" and "Personal and Cultural Issues," and includes contributions from such feminist theologians as Rosemary Ruether, Elizabeth Fiorenza, Rita Brock, Letty Russell, Nanette Roberts, Clare Fischer, Beverly Harrison, and Constance Parvey. Believing that the problem is theological as well as sociological, these authors share the conviction that renewal and reform must first emerge within church structures.

Both of these books share a futurist as well as activist perspective. They should be of interest to all who question the community of the church, who believe our theologies need reconstruction, and who believe the women's movement provides important directions to theological/social transformation in the emerging church.

Beverly J. Crute
First Presbyterian Church
Willmar, Minn.