Intersectional Identities of Christian Women in the United States

Amanda Hernandez’s ambitious and incisive volume demonstrates the immense value of integrating intersectional insights on race and gender into the study of religion. She draws on rich interview data from religious women of diverse backgrounds while also analyzing influential texts to shed new light on the connections between race, gender, and faith. As it turns out, faith and feminism are not incompatible, but their connections vary remarkably by race. Intersectional Identities of Christian Women in the United States breathes new life into ongoing discussions that are vital to understanding religious complexity today. -- John P. Bartkowski, University of Texas at San Antonio In this important book Amdanda Hernadez takes on the myth that feminist and Christian are incompatible identities for American women. Using interviews, supplemented by national survey data, Hernandez shares the narratives of the complicated relationships many women encounter with bringing together feminism and religion in their lives. Central to her argument is an intersectional perspective. With the interview accounts, Hernandez shows how race affects these women’s experiences and perspectives and argues that women of color are much more likely that white women to bring these identities together in their lives. Hernandez presents a compelling critique of white feminism and white Christianity and the ways that they both support white supremacy. She unpacks the many ways that Christian women today talk about feminism, suggesting how intersectional feminisms that focus on structural change rather than individual choice can transform patriarchal religion. Hernandez’s passion for this transformation of feminism and Christianity informs her work. This book should be widely read; its approachable style lends itself to classroom use, and her thoughtful analysis advances how those who study religion understand intersectional processes. -- Mary Jo Neitz, University of Missouri