Archives: Product Reviews

The patriarchal structure and bias of most Christian communities has made it hard for women to find inspirational models for the spiritual life. In Woman-Witness: A Feminist Lectionary and Psalter: Women of the Hebrew Scriptures: Part Two, Miriam Therese Winter, professor of Liturgy, Worship and Spirituality at Hartford Seminary, has put together 50 services for Old Testament figures such as Deborah, Ruth. Esther, Judith, the Temple Singers, and many others.

The readings, psalms, and prayers in these creative and thought-provoking liturgies put the accent on the action and presence of God in women’s lives. WomenWitness nicely supplements Winter`s previous books, WomenWord on women in the New Testament and WornenWisdom the first volume on women in the Hebrew scriptures.

“An important book for Catholics who take their faith seriously.”

“I can hardly think of a book more needed today. It is well-researched, to the point, clear, up-to-date, and helpful for the many Catholics today who are confused, on the edge, marginal, or suffering . . . I just wish that there were some way of getting it to every Catholic. In our pastoral work today, your book is a great help.”

“Richard A. McCormick, S.J., introduces this little book by a Benedictine who evidently shares the problem many Catholics have today: how to be true to the church when it creates crises in faith . . . Central doctrines are not at stake . . . There is no effort here to promote individualist dissidence, or arrogant, narcissistic ‘going of one’s own way.’ This is for people of deep faith and alert conscience who find good reasons to disagree with the church; Kaufman also sees good reasons for them to stay in it.”