Beyond Patching (Revised Edition): Faith and Feminism in the Catholic Church (Anthony Jordan Lectures)

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. †

Sandra M. Schneiders, a member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Monroe, MI), holds an STL in patristics from the Institut Catholique, Paris, and an STD in scripture and spirituality from the Gregorian University, Rome. The author of several books, she is currently professor of New Testament and spirituality at the Jesuit School of Theology and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA.