I Found God in Me is the first womanist biblical hermeneutics reader. In it readers have access, in one volume, to articles on womanist interpretative theories and theology as well as cutting-edge womanist readings of biblical texts by womanist biblical scholars. This book is an excellent resource for women of color, pastors, and seminarians interested in relevant readings of the biblical text, as well as scholars and teachers teaching courses in womanist biblical hermeneutics, feminist interpretation, African American hermeneutics, and biblical courses that value diversity and dialogue as crucial to excellent pedagogy.
This was an interesting collection which I was introduced to because my pastor mentioned he had used it for one of our sermon series. As a lay reader bits got a little over technical and some of the church vocabulary lost me but I am glad I worked through it and feel I got the main ideas out of my reading.
Part 1 was a little tough for me to get through (more focused on theory), but part 2 (providing examples of womanist interpretations) was easier to read and really interesting.
"Womanist discourses are in favor of strategic essentialism that associates black womanhood primarily with the struggle against racism, sexism, and classism."
The compilation of groundbreaking essays is Dr Mitzi Smith continued mining the depth of womanist scholarship. This volume is a must read to track the history, challenges and roadmap for future exploration. A library resource that offers solutions for reconciliation and healing. My go to reader.