The Feminine Genius of Catholic Theology - by Matthew Levering (Paperback)

About the Book

A unique introduction to Catholic theology based on the thought and work of the great
women theologians of the Church.

Book Synopsis

This book introduces Catholic doctrine through the crucible of the women mystics' reception of the gospel.The work of the great women theologians of the Church's second millennium has too often been neglected (or relegated to the category of 'mysticism') in textbooks on Catholic doctrine.This is a shame, because their work shows the interior conjunction of liturgical experience (broadly understood), scriptural exegesis, philosophical reflection, and doctrinal/creedal formulation.Drawing on their work, this book presents the tenets of Catholic faith in a clear and accessible manner, useful for introductory courses as well as for students and scholars interested in the contributions of women to Catholic theology. Women theologians in this book include Catherine of Siena, Theresa of Avila, Therese of Lisieux, Simone Weil and others.

Review Quotes

'The "feminine genius" is a popular phrase in theological parlance but it is rarely given much content. Matthew Levering has managed not only to give it content, but to explain the basic themes in Catholic theology with reference to the contributions of great female saints and theologians. The Feminine Genius of Catholic Theology should be on the reading lists of all Catholic schools and Liberal Arts Colleges.' - Professor Tracey Rowland, Dean, John Paul II Institute, Melbourne & Adjunct Professor, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, Australia.
Theology and Sexuality

[Levering] knows his sources really well, and shows real skill in laying out their ideas... he has produced a book on the 'feminine genius' of Catholic women, and it is nice to have their contribution to theology acknowledged so generously.

It is rare to see so many women's voices present in a single text and the author should be applauded for this ... Levering's use of female mystics as his sole sources for a contemporary account of Catholic theology is unique and important.
Church Times

About the Author

Matthew Levering is Professor of Theology at the University of Dayton, USA.He has most recently authored Biblical Natural Law (Oxford), Participatory Biblical Exegesis (Notre Dame), and Ezra and Nehemiah (Brazos). He also co-edited Vatican II: Tradition within Renewal (Oxford), and is preparing the Oxford Handbook on the Trinity.He has written and edited numerous other books.He currently co-edits series on Classical Christianity (Brazos) and Reading the Scriptures (Notre Dame), and serves as co-editor of the quarterly journal Nova et Vetera.