“What a brave and powerful examination of observance and empowerment…”

— Mayim Bialik, Jewish Feminist & Emmy Nominated Actress
for The Big Bang Theory

“Why do you stay?”  It is a common question women are asked in relation to their faith.  These are not women who buy into Candace Cameron’s biblically submissive theory; rather, these are women who claim a feminist identity, membership in a particular religious tradition, and practice their faith in spite of gendered challenges.

In a world where women’s issues are political issues and one is forced to take sides, women are judged for their positions in relation to their claimed identities.  Feminists argue that you cannot be a “true” feminist if you are a practicing Christian, Muslim, Jew.  Likewise, religious practitioners claim that you cannot be a “true” Christian, Muslim, Jew, if you support feminist values.  Nevertheless, women who practice these religious traditions and hold feminist values are not uncommon and the question “Why do you stay?” is one that is frequently asked of them.

Hearing the stories of other women is lifesaving.  That is the spirit of Faithfully Feminist – sharing our stories, encouraging other women, and acknowledging that being feminist doesn’t mean giving up on your faith. This text is a collection of essays from women who straddle a feminist religious identity and  address the questions “Why do you stay?” and “How do you stay?”  Contributors discuss personal experience related to their own gendered challenges within their traditions and creatively share their stories of practicing faith in the face of challenge.  This book consists of 45 essays written by 15 Christian women, 15 Muslim women, and 15 Jewish women.