This volume investigates how mothers can understand parenting as spiritual practice, and what this practice means for theological scholarship. An intergenerational and intercultural group of mother-scholars explores these questions that arise at the intersection of motherhood studies, religious practice, pastoral care, and theology through engaging and accessible essays. Essays include both narrative and theological elements, as authors draw on personal reflection, interviews, and/or sociological studies to write about the theological implications of parenting practice, rethink key concepts in theology, and contribute to a more robust account of parenting as spiritual practice from various theological perspectives. The volume both challenges oppressive, religious images of self-sacrificing motherhood and considers the spiritual dimensions of mothering that contribute to women's empowerment and well-being. It also deepens practical and systematic theologies to include concern for the embodied and everyday challenges and joys of motherhood as it is experienced and practiced in diverse contexts of privilege and marginalization.
"This book offers parents a wealth of different experiences that open avenues of understanding and meaning making. ... This book is not only for those in academe but offers a great deal of wealth of thought and reflection for all parents and could form the basis of valuable material for parish groups. ... this book offers richness of theological thought and support. It is written by women for women and men who wish to deepen their appreciation of how parenting is a spiritual practice and a source of powerful theology." (Angela McCarthy, Marriage, Families & Spirituality, Vol. 28 (2), 2022)
"In addition to being of interest to scholars in feminist theology and ethics, childhood and family studies, and related fields, essays from this accessibly written volume would serve as excellent teaching tools in undergraduate or seminary classrooms. ... This volume offers a symphony of voices on important issues in maternal theology and practice; its vibrancy invites others to continue itswork." (Cara Curtis, Religious Studies Review, Vol. 45 (3), September, 2019)
"In addition to being of interest to scholars in feminist theology and ethics, childhood and family studies, and related fields, essays from this accessibly written volume would serve as excellent teaching tools in undergraduate or seminary classrooms. ... This volume offers a symphony of voices on important issues in maternal theology and practice; its vibrancy invites others to continue itswork." (Cara Curtis, Religious Studies Review, Vol. 45 (3), September, 2019)