Feminist Theologies for a Postmodern Church Diversity, Community, and Scripture

«In a remarkably lucid manner, this book examines the prospects of postmodern feminist theology by describing four divergent theologians. Attending to specific efforts and methods, Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd explores a rich tapestry of both classic Christian features - the rule of faith and the literal sense of Scripture - as well as novel reformulating that pushes through and beyond older modern criticisms. ... Shepherd avoids simplistic generalizations and challenges us to consider carefully what, at its best, a postliberal, postmodern theological position might be. By not dismissing uncritically the classical Christian tradition and by engaging some of the most promising recent efforts, she wonderfully provokes us to think about methods as well as what might be theologically a liberating word to the contemporary church at large.» (Gerald Sheppard, Professor of Biblical Studies, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto)
«Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd's concern is the challenge that contemporary issues of diversity, marginalization, authority, and the interpretation of revelation present to theological reflection today. Convinced that previous theological methods, and in particular the approach of liberal theology, are inadequate, she combs the works of four current feminist theologians for insights on theological method. She finds them and then presents her own lines of reflection for a more adequate and just theological method. This is a careful, critical, and creative work, a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation in theology today on unity in diversity.» (Mary Ellen Sheehan, Professor of Feminist Theology and Pastoral Theology, St. Michael's College, Toronto School of Theology)
«In a work of exacting scholarship and exciting original thinking, Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd applies insights from four methodologically distinct contemporary feminist theologians to illumine her critique of the largely liberal, modern, dominant-centralist approach of biblical interpretation in a series of late-twentieth-century documents on sexuality and sexual orientation of one major Canadian Protestant denomination. Her concluding suggestions of new criteria in formulating an alternative approach have the potential of inviting/challenging other faith communities in and beyond North America to attend to the various marginalized 'Other' to a radical re-ordering of 'life together'.» (Wenh-In Ng, Associate Professor of Christian Education, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto)