Women at the Well: Feminist Perspectives on Spiritual Direction

by Kathleen Fischer

Presents a new approach to spiritual direction, one which arises out of women's experience and reflects a feminist concern for inclusiveness, connectedness, mutuality and justice. †

Genres: Spirituality, Feminism, Womens, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1988

Reviews

[K Kriesel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend who is training to become a spiritual director read this and, as I'm much more familiar with feminist theology than he is, asked me to read and review it for him.

While this book echoes a lot of academic feminist theology (Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza, Sandra M. Schneiders, Rosemary Radford Ruether), the context of spiritual direction makes the same information more practical for the average layperson. The reflections and meditations especially turn the academic into the relational.

Parts of the book are outdated. The chapter on discernment is weakened by its lack of references to online resources. And race is rarely mentioned, the experiences of white ciswomen are conflated to cover all women.

I do recommend this book as one among many whether for spiritual direction, academics, or your own personal development.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fischer writes for women who wish to grow spiritually and as human beings and for counselors who work with women confronting issues that prevent spiritual and other growth. The author notes that many issues that are stumbling blocks for women come from social norms rather than through the fault and actions of the individual although these are certainly factors to be considered. Each chapter ends with a variety of spiritual excercises that can be done by an individual or by a group. I found at least one of the excercises in each section to be something I would actually consider doing. This book provided down to earth inspiration for me at this stage of my life.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though aimed at spiritual directors, Women at the Well was accessible for me as an untrained layperson. She gives helpful connections between feminist theory and spiritual developmental milestones for women which prompted good reflection.

[John Arndt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good. I am very grateful for this perspective to aid me in serving people of different ways of knowing and experiencing God and the world around, regardless of gender norms. This is a must read for spiritual directors

[JOANNE MACPEEK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this a long time ago..