The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church [Paperback]

Monica Migliorino Miller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 29, 1997

In the Authority of Women in the Catholic Church, Dr. Miller sets forth the reality of the Catholic Church, authority, and women, and their relationships with each other. Her book is a response to feminist attacks on the faith of the Church and is an insightful approach to the authentic role of women in the Catholic Church.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The thesis of The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church is that authority is not synonymous with power. Authority is covenantal, and feminine authority 'lies in the inherent sacramental relation, not between women and the priesthood, but between women and the Church.' Dr. Miller believes that the feminist agenda destroys the covenant. She applies the notion of covenantal authority to Christ and the church, to male authority, the authority of male priests, the authority of Mary, and women's authority as explained in scripture and the church fathers and exemplified in the structure of the church, as well as by Judith, Deborah, and many women saints. She concludes that in the covenant church, though women cannot be priests, they have a remarkably high vocation." -- Theology Digest book survey, Vol 45, No. 3, Fall 1998, p. 281

Product Details

• Paperback: 155 pages
• Publisher: Crisis Books (July 29, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883357012
• ISBN-13: 978-1883357016
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,712,732 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars She's Got it Right, June 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church (Paperback)

This is a very good book that helps the reader sort out the thorny issue of why women cannot be priests in the Catholic Church. Miller provides a theology of authority that is really insightful and a refreshing look at the sacramental nature of male and female authority. Anyone who wants to understand the role of women in the Church should read her book. Thank you, Dr. Miller.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A treatise on the true nature of God, April 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church (Paperback)

Thank you, Ms. Miller for blowing through the politically correct rhetoric that is debasing the foundation of the Church and our society.

In a very fair, well-informed book, Miller does an excellent job of debunking the misguided arguments of feminist theology. She sincerely (not vehemently) lays out her argument on the divine nature of God and his loving relationship to the Church (men and women).

It is not a justification for a horrific patriarchal system, but a loving commentary on the divine union of men and women and their relationship to God.

4 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A treatise supporting ordination of men only., September 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church (Paperback)

Miller's book as a whole vehemently attacks feminist theology, and much of it serves as an apologia for the Vatican's denial of ordination to women. Unfortunately the author chooses only the most radical feminist statements she can find, a device that enables her repeatedly to misinterpret the direction and purposes of mainstream Roman Catholic feminism and dismiss it as nothing more than a lust for power. Miller nevertheless supports women's serving in alternative leadership roles -- e.g., as theology professors in seminaries and as officials in diocesan chancery offices -- and says that she could even accept "lady cardinals," so long as they were not allowed to vote in papal elections. -- By reviewer holding an M.A. in theology with a specialization in biblical studies