With at least fifteen million adherents around the globe, Mormonism maintains a powerful claim not only on the loyalties of believers but on the interests and imagination of non-Mormons as well. No issue in Mormonism has made more headlines than the faith's distinctive take on sex and gender. From its polygamous nineteenth-century past to its twentieth century stand against the ERA and its twenty-first century fight against same-sex marriage, the LDS Church has consistently positioned itself on the frontlines of battles over gender-related identities, roles, and rights. Even as the LDS Church has maintained a very conservative position in public debates over sex and gender, Mormon women have developed their own brand of feminism rooted in Mormon history and theology. To be a Mormon feminist is to live the tension between the visionary theology of Mormonism (for example, the faith's distinctive belief that God is a married couple, a man and woman) and its conservative institutional politics, between women's experience-based knowledge and the all-male Church hierarchy. This groundbreaking book gathers together for the first time essential writings of the contemporary Mormon feminist movement from its historic beginnings in 1970 to its vibrant present, offering a guide to the best of Mormon feminist thought and writing. This volume presents the voices of Mormon women--including historians, humorists, theologians, activists, and artists--as they have challenged assumptions and stereotypes, recovered lost histories of Mormon women's leadership, explored the empowering potential of Mormon theology, pushed for progress and change in the contemporary church, and joined their voices with other feminists of faith hoping to build a better world. Designed for use by book clubs, study groups, and classes, this highly accessible but rigorously developed book includes a timeline of key events in Mormon feminist history, discussion questions, and a topical guide.

About the Author
Joanna Brooks is Associate Vice President of Faculty Affairs at San Diego State University. Rachel Hunt Steenblik is a PhD student in Philosophy of Religion and Theology at Claremont Graduate University. Hannah Wheelwright is a Programs Assistant at Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.

Reviews
This important collection offers both a retrospective elaboration on the past and a firm foundation - and no little ammunition - for ongoing struggles in the future through debate and activism...it remains a powerful intellectual and spiritual guide to embrace and ponder. * Iren Annus, Americana E-Journal of American Studies in Hungary *
Spanning the Second Wave to the present wave of the womenas movement, these essays constitute a significant body of work on the religious implications of feminism. Their usual omission from feminist and Mormon history makes collection of them here all the more welcome and necessary. They are, indeed, 'essential.' The study of contemporary Mormonism should not be attempted without them. * Kathleen Flake, Richard Lyman Bushman Professor of Mormon Studies, University of Virginia *
The depth and breadth of Mormon feminist thought assembled in this volume will bring awareness to some and enlightenment to many. So much that has been thought and felt among Mormon women is here for reflection, reference and discussion. This book will enrich the legacy we treasure and point us to a proud future. * Aileen Hales Clyde, Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1990-1997) *
In Mormon Feminism: Essential Writings a chorus of diverse women's voices passionately and rationally weaves a narrative that shows us where we've been and points us to the future. Set in recent decades of Mormon history, the story it tells forgets nothing of universal womanhood. As I read, I felt a reassuring sisterhood being formed among our different religious traditions and similar experiences. Together, we are invited to explore and draw lessons from the nuanced feminist themes that connect our lives, affect our faith, and impact our work for equality. There is much solace, encouragement, and inspiration to take in the presence of such strong, smart, and articulate women. This is a rich resource of feminist thought, problem solving, and frameworks for activism that I will revisit again and again. * Jennifer Crumpton, author of Femmevangelical: The Modern Girl's Guide to the Good News *
Can one be a Mormon and a feminist? Through the careful combing of historical and modern Mormon feminist writings, the complexity of what it means to be an equal-minded, intelligent woman in a patriarchal church is here presented in its hopeful, heartbreaking, faithful entirety. Though the answer is complicated, this book honors those who have bravely and eloquently added their voices to the movement. As a church we owe these women -- their words and work -- much recognition for their progress and perspective. * C. Jane Kendrick, writer at cjanekendrick.com *
The depth and breadth of Mormon feminist thought assembled in this volume will bring awareness to some and enlightenment to many. So much that has been thought and felt among Mormon women is here for reflection, reference and discussion. This book will enrich the legacy we treasure and point us to a proud future. * Aileen Hales Clyde, Chair, Utah's Task Force on Gender and Justice (1989); Regent, Utah System of Higher Education (1989-2003); Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (1990-1997) *



Book Information
ISBN 9780190248031
Author Joanna Brooks
Format Hardback
Page Count 344
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 590g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 160mm * 31mm