Radical Wisdom: A Feminist Mystical Theology

by Beverly Lanzetta (Editor)

Lanzetta illuminates the transformative potential of theclassical tradition of women mystics, especially in lightof contemporary violence against women around the world. Focusing on the contemplative process as women's journeyfrom oppression to liberation, Lanzetta draws especially onthe mysticism of Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Avila. Shelays out the contemplative techniques used by mystics toachieve their highest spiritual potential and also investigateshow unjust social and political conditions afflict women'ssouls. Lanzetta identifies a specific historical female mystical path(the via feminina) and draws contemporary conclusions forhow women might understand their bodies, their rights, andtheir ethics.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Mysticism

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Dr. Beverly Lanzetta is a theologian, spiritual teacher, and the author of many groundbreaking books on emerging universal spirituality and new monasticism, including Radical Wisdom: A Feminist Mystical Theology, Emerging Heart: Global Spirituality And the Sacred, Nine Jewels of Night: One Soul’s Journey into God and most recently, The Monk Within: Embracing a Sacred Way of Life. Dedicated to a vision of theological openness and spiritual nonviolence, her work has won praise for its wisdom, eloquence, and mystical insight and is considered to be a major contribution to what theologian Ursula King called “a feminine mystical way for the 21st century.”

Dr. Lanzetta is also a vowed monk of peace living in the world and an interfaith chaplain. She has formed a community of new monks—single, married, partnered, celibate, etc.—dedicated to the universal mystical heart and to the spirituality of nonviolence. She has devoted much of her life to mentoring people who seek a deeper contemplative commitment and who wish to take personal monastic vows. She has taught theology at Villanova University, Prescott College, and Grinnell College.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book for it’s insistence in searching out and embracing the femininity in the Divine. The author’s intense focus on creating a strong vocabulary for feminist mysticism and maintaining a strict tie between the inner world of mysticism and the outer fight for social justice was enlightening to read.

I found the sections towards the middle of the book, on Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Avila, to be slow and methodical - too dense for my interests on the subject. I was also disappointed on the amount of time the author spent discussing Gandhi’s ideologies and “piety” as he is a known misogynistic anti Semitic and directly taught against what the spirit of the rest of this book is about.

Otherwise, this book was an excellent read which served to invigorate me in my studies of mysticism and the feminine Divine.

[V K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wept while reading much of this book. It was as if I was finally given language for feelings, thoughts, and experiences I've had my whole life. Beverly is a brilliant theologian and writer and an essential voice in the inter spiritual movement.