Rosemary Radford Ruether (1936–2022)

Wonderful work, just great, clear and learned writing. I think this is the most readable, and thus memorable, among the books on liberation theology that I've read. I am halfway through it, I like the chapters about Christian anti-Semitism, the one about celibacy and sexuality, the one about Christian apocalypticism, and how it contrasts with the intellectual and social ferment among young people during the late 60s. In short, I like most of what I've read. The chapter on Christian show more anti-Semitism is especially interesting because it focuses on the plight of the Jew, it is written from the perspective of the Jew who had to contend during the modern period with the anti-Semitism that existing socialist projects inherited from centuries of Christian anti-Semitism. It is not 'philo-Semitic' though as it is critical of the Zionist project in Israel. The comparison between Christian religio-political intolerance during the early period of its adoption by the Roman Empire and the more democratic methods of Jewish religious life and organization is also illuminating.

Liberation theology is my kind of theology. It is the kind of engaged religious thinking that makes me still view religions as being not that bad sometimes. Ruether's work is important, not just in terms of intellectual religious history and Biblical studies, but also as a part of a curriculum in social ethics and progressive politics. show less

a tour de force of christian theology (and the sexism it contains) from its jewish origins to karl barth. not only does ruether diagnose the oppressive qualities of christianity astutely, but she also recommends theological and pastoral changes that the church needs to make in order to reconnect woman with her authentic self (and to understand the authentic nature of god).

Having a child with any type of mental illness is challenging, but having a child diagnosed with schizophrenia is devastating. Thoughts of homelessness and endless hospital stays come to the mind, when a diagnosis such as this enters a family’s life. This book is about an educator and her struggle to find stability in her schizophrenic son’s life. Everyday there is a battle to find normalcy, support, and understanding for him. His name is David and he is one of many people that battle show more this tortuous disease. This book describes the many situations that David experienced throughout his time in various group homes, mental health facilities, and hospitals. It provides poems that shows how schizophrenia takes the mind of a talented writer and destroys it bit by bit. The author writes with brutal honesty about her struggles to communicate with both her son and his group home providers. A great deal of history is given throughout the book that discusses the treatment of the mentally ill and past remedies that were given.

This book was a very intense read. It was both informative and educational. As a parent to a child who was recently diagnosed as a schizophrenic, I find this book very helpful. In our short journey we have gone from possibly autistic, to severely bi-polar, to where we are now; which is schizophrenic. At nine years of age I never thought I would have a child experience something so unique. Reading books like this has allowed me to cope and gather the necessary information that I am going to need in the future. The author painted a realistic picture for me and allowed me to experience her heartache a little early. By doing so I was able to prepare myself and educate myself on some of the resources I may need in the future. Although there is much sadness in this book, there is also a lot of hope. David and his mother share a special bond with one another that cannot be easily broken and today he is faring well. I highly recommend this book to those that have loved ones that are struggling with this unique disease. show less

This is based on Biblical tradition but open to enrichment from other sources. The author makes clear that we can not simply appropriate past sources but do some dreaming and creation of our own.