Womanish Theology: Discovering God through the Lens of Black Girlhood

by Khristi Lauren Adams

Khristi Lauren Adams's faith was first shaped by her experiences as a Black girl--learning about Scripture from her grandmother, Mama Hattie; "playing church" with her seven cousins over summer vacation; and grieving the murder of her 16-year-old friend when she was just 15.

In Womanish Theology , Adams reflects on those experiences, inviting readers to learn from a new perspective and guiding them to a deeper understanding of their own spirituality.

This groundbreaking book introduces a new branch of theological thought Adams calls womanish , as a play on womanist (the theology of Black womanhood). "Womanish," remembers Adams, is a term Black mothers used for young girls as they grew more interested in doing grown-up things. Adams draws on her own life story as well as the life stories of other Black girls to explore theological concepts such as Scripture, theodicy, salvation, prayer, neighborly love, and the image of God.

Through this journey, readers will learn that theology is for everyone and that the whole community of God can learn from the spiritual insights of Black girls.

Genres: Religion, Christian, Christianity

192 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2024

About the author

Khristi Adams is a Speaker, Author and Advocate. Khristi is an ordained Minister with American Baptist Churches USA. She is the Firestone Endowment Chaplain and instructor of religious studies and philosophy at the Hill School in Pottstown, PA. She also works as co-director of Diversity at the Hill School. Previously she worked as Interim Protestant Chaplain at Georgetown University Law Center & Georgetown University, Associate Campus Pastor for Preaching & Spiritual Programming at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California and former Director of Youth Ministries at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ. Khristi is passionate about youth advocacy and is committed to work that affirms the wholeness and self-worth of black girls and women. Khristi is also the Founder & Director of “The Becoming Conference,” that began summer of 2017 (iambecoming.net). The Becoming Conference is an annual conference designed to empower, educate & inspire girls between the ages of 13-18. Khristi is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Advertising and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary where she obtained a Master of Divinity degree.

Reviews

[Katy Van Meter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disagreed with the theology but fascinating seeing the world through womanish eyes

[Shanté Grossett O'Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a black woman of Caribbean descent living in the United States, I found Womanish Theology to be refreshing. Although much of my girlhood was spent between Jamaica and the Greater NYC area, many of Adams' own childhood stories were relatable. For example, a deep reliance on prayer was also emphasized in the community in which I grew up. Praying into the New Year during Watch Night Service was something my parents considered to be non-negotiable.

I resonated with the statement in the introduction where Adams writes: "To me, this was the standard for theological thought: older, White, male theologians." Adams demonstrates throughout the book that White males do not own theology, and that Black women and girls have great theological insights.

For example, Adams describes the role of Black parents and grandparents in the spiritual formation of young black girls. Particularly, Black grandmothers were the matriarchs of the family and modeled Christ-like lives for Black girls to follow. She artfully notes: "Our foremothers may not have been academy trained, but the wisdom gained through their life experiences qualified them as leading voices of the faith."

Chapter 3, "Womanish Theology of the Imago Dei," was my favorite. Adams makes an important point: Black girls believe that they are made in the image of God because they hear it so often. However, they also hear conflicting messages about their identities and worth. They are often encouraged to change themselves through hair straightening, skin lightening, etc. to fit into White society. Adams suggests that the same society that states Black girls are made in the image of God seems to whisper "Not quite."

Chapter 4, which addressed evil and suffering, was another great one. Adams highlights how Black girls practice "womanish resistance" by choosing gratitude in the face of evil and suffering. However, she also notes that Black girls are rarely given the opportunity to sit with and process trauma.

Throughout the book, Adams acknowledges certain theologies passed down to Black girls that were not necessarily helpful. For example, while memorizing scripture is good, Black girls are not often taught how to interpret scripture. As she says, we should teach Black girls to interpret scripture. While the scriptures are "instructive" and "medicinal," they have also been incorrectly used to harm Black girls. Black girls are empowered when they can know and interpret scripture themselves.

My only critique is that the book could benefit from a bit more scholarly explanation behind some of the themes. While the memoir style and personal anecdotes are powerful, additional research into African American studies, history, sociology, etc. could provide a deeper understanding for readers unfamiliar with the Black girl experience. However, Adams does include the work of Womanist theologians, which adds insight to the book.

Overall, I deeply enjoyed reading this book. It can be helpful for anyone interested in theology, gender studies, or Black cultural studies. Black women may feel seen as they read through Adams' personal stories; White men and women as well as people of other ethnicities will benefit from hearing Black stories.

[Cheryl Lopes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A grounding read, especially during my own spiritual journey this Lent. Reading stories of young Black women and the role religion plays in their lives, families, and identities was both relatable and affirming. It reminded me that there’s no single path or “right” way to live out faith.

Along the way some questions are answered, others remain—but what I know for certain is that faith in action has got me a long way (James 2:17), and I pray it continues to anchor me.

[Haley Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m still new to the world of Womanist Theology, and this book was an excellent and empathetic look into the ways that young Black women are formed liturgically and spiritually. It was an incredibly tender read, and a book that I will cherish throughout my seminary journey and beyond.

[Luna Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Womanish Theology: Discovering God through the Lens of Black Girlhood by Khristi Lauren Adams is a groundbreaking and deeply insightful exploration of faith, identity, and spirituality. Drawing on her own experiences growing up as a Black girl, Adams invites readers into a reflective and transformative journey that is at once personal, cultural, and theological. From learning Scripture with her grandmother to navigating grief and loss, Adams’ narrative provides a rich and relatable lens for understanding the spiritual lives of young Black girls and the broader implications for faith communities.

Adams introduces the concept of “womanish” theology, a thoughtful expansion of the womanist tradition, which highlights how the curiosity, creativity, and lived experiences of Black girls offer profound theological insight. Her writing is both accessible and intellectually engaging, making complex theological ideas understandable without sacrificing depth. By weaving together personal stories, historical context, and spiritual reflection, Adams encourages readers to see Scripture, prayer, salvation, and neighborly love in new and illuminating ways.

This book is more than a memoir or theological study; it is a call to recognize and celebrate the spiritual wisdom of Black girls, often overlooked in traditional theological discourse. Adams’ work is transformative, inviting all readers, regardless of age, gender, or background, to consider how community, identity, and lived experience shape one’s understanding of God.

Womanish Theology is essential reading for anyone seeking a fresh, authentic, and inspiring perspective on faith. It is both courageous and uplifting, offering lessons in empathy, spiritual curiosity, and the power of lived experience to illuminate God’s presence in the world.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I fully acknowledge that I am not this book’s intended audience, I’m so glad for the opportunity to learn under a gifted writer/teacher/preacher.

Womanish (black girl) Theology uses Scripture, scholarly writings, gender studies, and personal stories to paint a picture of the deep well that is the inner spiritual lives/thoughts/gifts of young black women.

I particularly loved the chapters on Imago Dei, and hospitality.

While I have the unfortunate tendency to #notallwhitewomen, this book allowed me to deal with Caught Feelings in my own head, rather than out in the world where I might hurt someone.

Thanks to NetGalley and Brazos Press for this illuminating ARC.

[Kira K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I found this book really enlightening. I have seen from documentaries, the news and some films that God and religion is deeply ingrained in many Black women’s lives but never took too much time to think about it, not being so myself. But this book not only explained the general link but goes more in depth such as through prayer, hospitality, and scripture. I liked the combination of theory alongside little quotes by different women and girls, as well as an age to contextualise it more in terms of stages of life.

[Requel Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finish this book it will be worth it! I love how I was able to see myself in this book as well as the young women who were quoted. This will be a great book for those who aren’t directly related to understand our perspective from black girlhood!

[ktyler02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! This book offers endearing stories of faith birthed in black girlhood. The authors ability to craft succinct narratives and correlate the womanish theology framework is refreshing.