In the Embrace of God

Since Karl Rahner posited the importance of the nature of the human as the starting point for theological reflection, the field of Christian anthropology has been one where very basic questions - and much creative theologizing - have been focused. For example, liberation theologians have had much to say about the presumptions inherent in classical definitions of human being and have pointed up the vital idea of social location as an integral part of human experience.

Theological anthropology has come to be of vital interest to Christian feminists as well. As in other disciplines, the study of what is human tends to either ignore gender or to favor one as normative. In the quest to understand the totality of human experience it is necessary to view it from 'lived' experience. At the same time and deeply embedded in the Christian tradition is the recognition that human beings come from God, are going to God, and dwell in the embrace of God.

'In the Embrace of God' provides a well-organized, clearly focused volume of original essays by North American feminist theologians encompassing the major areas of theological anthropology. In addressing the meaning of creation and end-time, fall and redemption, sin and grace, pain and suffering, sexuality and ecology, these contributors offer fresh insights and helpful new ways to approach the rich complexities of human experience.

This clear, jargon-free, and thoughtful collection of essays includes not only critiques of the conceptual framework of historical understandings of theological anthropology, but constructive efforts as well. It challenges the prevailing stream of feminist discourse with the inclusion of Latina and mujerista voices. The authors are passionately, theoretically, and pastorally committed to give an account of theological anthropology that honors women and men as mirrors of the image of God.

Dr. M. Shawn Copeland, Marquette University

Feminist theology is often said to be grounded in women's experience, and this collection subjects that claim to careful analysis and imaginative development. An excellent self-critical introduction to feminist theology that reinvigorates categories like human nature, bodiliness, sin, suffering, God, grace, ecology, and eschatology.

Lisa Sowle Cahill, Boston College

Ann O'Hara Graff completed her doctorate in systematic theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School and taught theology at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University, Chicago.