Heart of Flesh: Feminist Spirituality for Women and Men

Concise, wise, poignant and honest, Joan Chittister gives us direct perspective on the true compassion we can find in God and nurture in ourselves. She backs up her points with scripture and history and her words cut like a knife through the tough cultural gender roles we're forced into. As others may tell us how feminists are homosexual home-wreckers, Chittister reminds us that the neglect, confinement and restraining of women hurts men just as much, and that neither men nor women can grow in God's Love under such intolerant conditions. Chittister is unwaivering with Jesus' message clearly detailed in The Holy Bible. I applaud her for her strength of character and faith in writing her books in the honest and direct manner that she does.

As a native woman and former Christian, I found this book very helpful in naming the "thing" that we as a society has agreed upon but were unconcious about this agreement. We as woman are taught to be less than men, double that for native women for we go with the myth that we are oppressed as natives also.There are so many myths about being native, so many agreements we make to keep "peace" in the home. The terrorist act on the WTC is just a big big wake up call to see what we are allowing - violence - in our home, allowing our children to be abused and allowing ourselves as women to be less than everyone. If you want to understand women and our gift of spirituality, this is the book.

This book is one of the best, well-balanced, thoroughly-discussed commentaries on Christianity, feminism, and liberation theology that I have ever read. Although she makes no secret of her political or spiritual views, Dr. Chittister places them in context, sharing anecdotes and stories as a means for getting her point across. She also manages to detoxify such "buzz words" as "feminism" and clarify why "Westernization" meets with such strong resistance in other cultures In additioning to covering the "same old ground" (as I've heard it described) of why traditional hurts women, Dr. Chittister also illustrates how it harms men, society, and the earth; and points out how it differs from the way Jesus related to people - inclusive, peaceful, healing and compassionate. This book points to a more respectful and open theology. A brilliant, balanced, and compassionate work.

Every woman ( & man, for that matter) who believes in a Higher Power should read this book. Those of us who are uncomfortable with the male version of a violent, misogynistic God will find answers in this wonderful book. As an added bonus, there is gorgeous feminist artwork throughout.

After reading this book and attending a week long retreat on it, I must recommend it. It clarifies what a feminist is ,and how Jesus was one himself. It points out how patriarchy has interpreted the bible and defined men and womens role - to the detriment of the world.Ths book is not just ' opinion ' but well researched. She shows us the biblical point of view that is against the heirarchy,violence, oppression ,consumerism , sexism, racism ,and ecological destruction of todays global mindset. This book points the way to a Godly,peaceful,inclusive,co-creative, feeling, empathetic, non-dualistic, empowering of all people and sexes. You won't know what feminism is till you read this, and why it is for both sexes and for the survival of the world. Hope I've tempted you to read it and learn for yourself . Don't rely on what you 'think' you know about this subject. Don't get hung up on the word.