Susanne Scholz

Empowering Memory and Movement

“This is an exhilarating, energizing, and profoundly important book by one of the founding mothers of the feminist study of religion. Thirty-four essays, interweaving autobiographical reflections with feminist-theoretical, historical, hermeneutical, epistemological, pedagogical, exegetical, theological, and ethical analyses, demonstrate the huge difference one deeply committed and intellectually driven feminist scholar has made in academia during our life time. Schüssler Fiorenza's personal and scholarly journey and her amazing intellectual accomplishments ought to encourage every feminist anywhere to keep on going despite the relentlessly persistent structures of domination not only in academia but also in the world.”

Exquisite Desire

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“We need this “pro-desire” book. Carey Walsh reads the Song of Songs as biblical poetry nurturing our souls. She also encourages us to follow this biblical poetry’s advice: Commune with gazelles, foxes, lions, and doves! Taste the fruit and plants of the field in your gardens and meadows! Reconnect with the freedom and beauty of creation! Walsh reminds us to listen to the Song’s musical poetry of desire for life and its offerings, all coming from the “source of existence” itself. If you are ready to move into the mystical waters of reading the Song as desire for God, then Walsh’s delightful exposition on the Song of Songs is for you.”

Finding Our Voice

Christian Living

“A fierce meditation about the quest for meaning in our lives that goes far beyond the happy smiley faces of empty redemption. Ellis’s reflections are haunting to Jews and non-Jews alike, as he ruminates on the forces of injustice that make meaning seem such a game of luxury. His considerations about being Jewish in the era of Jewish-state empowerment are a must-read for anybody worried about the ubiquitous network of oppressive power, politics, and religion.”

Gods, Goddesses, and the Women Who Serve Them

Biblical Studies & Commentaries

“Any reader wedded to the exegetical quest for biblical origins must read Susan Ackerman’s new book. Steeped in comparative historical criticism that regards the Bible ‘as a window into ancient Israel’s past,’ ten essays present fascinating gynocritical reconstructions of women’s religious practices on the basis of Ackerman’s reconstructive ‘magic’ with biblical and ancient Near Eastern texts. The book as a whole argues for a differentiated reading of women as worshippers, priests, prophets, or queen mothers. Complex and thorough investigations into the significance of goddesses like the Queen of Heaven, Tiamat, or Asherah propose their popularity among the non-elite Israelite population, especially women, in opposition to the ‘minoritarian’ views of biblical writers like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, or ‘the spokespersons of the Deuteronomistic school.’ Yet whether these historical portrayals are not altogether only ‘speculative’ is an important methodological issue that this collection of essays does not aim to resolve.”

Wisdom from the Witch of Endor

Christian Living

“An introspective and personal rumination on the wise woman of Endor (1 Samuel 28) by a benevolent and caring feminist scholar who loved the Bible. If you know somebody who needs courage to pursue their dreams, give them this little book. In her reading, Frymer-Kensky counsels her readers just like the witch of Endor took care of King Saul’s psyche. A delightful and endearing read!”