Springs of Water in a Dry Land: Spiritual Survival for Catholic Women Today

The profound spiritual dislocation of a segment of American Catholic women in all walks of life is the subject of these seven deeply felt essays by theologian Weaver ( New Catholic Women ). Abstracting from composite portraits, the author articulates issues of perceived misogyny, conflicts with feminism and ``the longing for place'' with which she personally aligns herself. The collection covers a diversity of viewpoints with empathy; questions are raised, answers are sought, not prescribed. ``Spiritual homelessness,'' as described, is a tormenting condition for the women who negotiate through it variously: withdrawal from a patriarchal church, alternative liturgies, membership in other churches, espousal of ``Goddess'' religion. The essays are particularly interesting because of autobiographical interpolations of Weaver's spiritual journey and her advice to women to trust themselves. (Jan.)