About Imagining Theology

In this book Heather Walton explores the significance of women poststructuralist

theorists for feminist reading practices in theology. She interrogates the crucial
role that literature has played in the development of feminist theology and
breaks new ground in linking the study of literary texts and theory to creative
writing. This raises important epistemological questions concerning the use of
the imagination in theological thinking and introduces 'reflexive theology' as a
discipline and practice.
Table Of Contents
Part 1
1.What Everyone Was Reading
2. Reading Gaols and Women's Prisons
3. Literature and Theology: Sex in the Relationship
4. Fireflies and the Art Candle
5. 'They will faint when we show them our texts'
6. An article on Midrash, preaching and performing texts in feminist perspective

Part 2
1. Michelle Roberts and the Voices of the Lost
2. Extreme Faith
3. Sex in the War
4. Cyborg
5. 'A World Built on Water: Marilynne Robertson and the beauty of the sacred'.

Reviews
Walton is well placed to comment on the current positioning of women scholars
and women's writing in this growing field of academic scholarship ... the book
conveys something of the richness of women's scholarship and writing ... the
book is also a provocative call to remake gender politics amid all the remaking
of the twenty-first century world. Theological Book Review, Volume 20,
No 2, 2008
Imagining Theology mark[s] an important intervention in the field of literature
and theology by challenging both male scholars and religious feminists to
consider the work of feminist poststructuralists. [This] book will be useful to
scholars in both disciplines, as well as those who occupy the margins between
them. Elizabeth Anderson, University of Glasgow, The Kelvingrove
Review
An inspired title for an inspiring book ... each [chapter] is argued in a
passionate yet nuanced manner. Theology
Walton's essays raise important issues such as the relation between aesthetics
and suffering in the divine economy...Imagining Theology has some excellent
and provocative essays...definitely college library worthy... Lynn M.
Browne, Catholic Library World, March 2009
Mention. Theology Digest, Summer 2006
Walton's book provides the opportunity for women in different social locations
and various forms of ministry to explore the interplay of theology and
contemporary literature. Debra Reagan, Interpretation, April 2009
Heather Walton makes a strong case for more fully incorporating fiction,
published diaries, journals, poetry, science fiction, and feminist philosophy by
women into the discussion of theology...Walton is the Director of the Centre for
Literature, Theology, and the Arts at Glasglow University, and her particular
knowledge is reflected in the choice of topics in this book....Walton's book
provides the opportunity for women in different social locations and various
forms of ministry to explore the interplay of theology and contemporary
literature. Debra Reagan, Interpretation