In Whose Image?

Rating:
Summary: Detailed Images of God
Review: Jann Aldredge-Clanton does an excellent job of laying out specifically the imagery of God presented in both Hebrew and Christian Scriptures (Old and New Testaments). Although most Christians are unaware, there are many masculine/feminine/gender neutral images of God in Scripture. This book feels to be an elaboration on The Divine Feminine, by Virginia Ramey Mollenkott. She methodically goes through Scriptural images and discusses the social implications of using unorthodox images in spiritual journeys. She emphasizes the healing possibilities for using alternative imagery with people who have difficulty connecting to God as Father/Judge/King. For example, God as Mother (common theme, though rarely discussed in Church) feels safer to many victims of rape, sexual abuse, or incest.
I absolutely loved this book. Because it was so technical, however, it did not seem accessible to the average layperson. Each chapter is dense, intellectually stimulating, and requires a great deal of writing in the margins. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone involved in the field of Christian feminist theology. However, for an introduction to Christian imagery, I recommend The Divine Feminine by Mollenkott or Sexism and God-Talk by Rosemary Radford Ruether. Both of these would be excellent to work into Sunday School, Bible Study, or personal quiet time sessions.

Rating:
Summary: Detailed Images of God
Review: Jann Aldredge-Clanton does an excellent job of laying out specifically the imagery of God presented in both Hebrew and Christian Scriptures (Old and New Testaments). Although most Christians are unaware, there are many masculine/feminine/gender neutral images of God in Scripture. This book feels to be an elaboration on The Divine Feminine, by Virginia Ramey Mollenkott. She methodically goes through Scriptural images and discusses the social implications of using unorthodox images in spiritual journeys. She emphasizes the healing possibilities for using alternative imagery with people who have difficulty connecting to God as Father/Judge/King. For example, God as Mother (common theme, though rarely discussed in Church) feels safer to many victims of rape, sexual abuse, or incest.
I absolutely loved this book. Because it was so technical, however, it did not seem accessible to the average layperson. Each chapter is dense, intellectually stimulating, and requires a great deal of writing in the margins. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone involved in the field of Christian feminist theology. However, for an introduction to Christian imagery, I recommend The Divine Feminine by Mollenkott or Sexism and God-Talk by Rosemary Radford Ruether. Both of these would be excellent to work into Sunday School, Bible Study, or personal quiet time sessions.

Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking at the least - Life changing potential
Review: This book is not the work of a radical feminist, bent on reversing the existing social order to place women in a dominant role in the church. Dr. Aldredge-Clanton seeks only to establish religious equality between the sexes, something long overdue and hindered throughout history by a male dominated hierarchy. Her clear, thought provoking style forces you to examine and re-evaluate your perception of God - ultimately leading you to a vision of a supreme being who is neither male nor female, but reflects the attributes of both genders. To read this book with an open mind is to invite an awakening on both an intellectual and emotional level.

I first became aware of Dr. Aldredge-Clanton's book about ten years ago. It is a shame I did not read it then. In reading it now, I have gained knowledge and understanding of my own life's actions that has greatly impacted the search for my personal spiritual path. Her discussion on the impact of a "God is male" philosophy on self-esteem, alone, may well have kept me from making some of the mistakes I have made throughout my life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to have a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God.

Rating:
Summary: Thought provoking at the least - Life changing potential
Review: This book is not the work of a radical feminist, bent on reversing the existing social order to place women in a dominant role in the church. Dr. Aldredge-Clanton seeks only to establish religious equality between the sexes, something long overdue and hindered throughout history by a male dominated hierarchy. Her clear, thought provoking style forces you to examine and re-evaluate your perception of God - ultimately leading you to a vision of a supreme being who is neither male nor female, but reflects the attributes of both genders. To read this book with an open mind is to invite an awakening on both an intellectual and emotional level.

I first became aware of Dr. Aldredge-Clanton's book about ten years ago. It is a shame I did not read it then. In reading it now, I have gained knowledge and understanding of my own life's actions that has greatly impacted the search for my personal spiritual path. Her discussion on the impact of a "God is male" philosophy on self-esteem, alone, may well have kept me from making some of the mistakes I have made throughout my life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to have a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God.