In WOMEN SHAPING THEOLOGY theologian Mary Ann Hinsdale draws upon the literary discourses of self-narrative and memoir to tell "the story" of women in Catholic theology in North America over the past fifty years. Using the lens of her own life experience, she relates how visionary and prophetic women set in motion structures (i.e., the Sister Formation Movement, Catholic Women's Colleges, lay Catholic Action organizations) that have enabled women to join the ranks of professional theologians in the church. Focusing in particular on the story of academic women and the impact that feminist theologies from a variety of cultural perspectives have had upon the church and theology as a discipline, Hinsdale also acknowledges the voices of women who, as "organic intellectuals," lead grassroots theological reflection in Christian base communities; give spiritual direction and staff renewal centers; engage in contemplative prayer in monastic communities; run homeless shelters, parish discussion groups and liturgy committees; organize church reform movements, community development initiatives and participate in so many educational and social justice endeavors, all of whom have contributed to the "shaping" of theology.
Aimed particularly at the post-Vatican II generation who has not heard this story, WOMEN SHAPING THEOLOGY considers such issues and problems facing women theologians in the Catholic church today as: the changing demographics of women theologians; the impact women are having on the "theological establishment"; the reception of feminism and feminist theology by the hierarchy; the unmet, intercultural challenges posed by women "on the margins"; the concerns voiced by younger women theologians; and the spiritual dilemmas facing all women who desire to embrace the vocation of theologian in the Catholic church of the third millennium. †
