When Women Become Priests [Hardcover]

Kelley A. Raab (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2000

In an analysis that deftly unites feminist criticism, psychoanalysis, and Catholic theology, Kelley Raab explores the symbolic implications of women at the altar, providing rich insight into issues of gender, symbolism, and power.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In talking as Raab does of a "female Christ," we confuse thetruth that Christ was incarnate as a particular man, fully human and fully divine, at a particular juncture of history. Although Raab does seem to accept that the historical Jesus was, indeed, a man, her feminist Christology is extremely confusing.

Raab believes that having a priesthood limited to men somehow means that salvation, too, is limited to men and that only with the emergence of women priests will there be "equal access to salvation."

Men and men have always been equal in the eyes of the Church and God. The Church maintains her ban against the ordination of women because of tradition, and because Christ, who elevated the position of women in society, did not ordain women. Christianity honors both sexes, but it upholds the idea that they are different. (Beliefnet, July 2000) -- From Beliefnet

About the Author

Kelley A. Raab is assistant professor of Religious Studies at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (May 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 023111334X
• ISBN-13: 978-0231113342
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,559,349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Women Priests?, September 6, 2000

By 

Catherine Roach (Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Women Become Priests (Paperback)

A fascinating and provocative look at the controversial issue of ordaining woman as Catholic priests. Dr. Raab is a professor of Religious Studies who draws on psychology and feminist theory to study what difference it would make to have women in the role of priest. Her academic study is made lively through her use of extensive interviews with current male and female Episcopcal priests and laypeople. I highly recommend this book for university- and seminary-types interested in the fields of psychology and religion; women and religion; or ordination and for those in the educated public wanting to participate in what might well be the Catholic Church's greatest debate of the 21st century.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding contribution to the national Catholic dialogue., September 8, 2000

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Women Become Priests (Paperback)

This survey of the Catholic women's ordination debate provides the first sustained reflection on the differences which would happen were women at the altar. Analysis includes consideration of the implications for the Catholic church, relationships between female and male priests, and underlying politics. A thought-provoking consideration for any Catholic studies program.