Donna Bowman is professor of honors interdisciplinary studies in the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College at the University of Central Arkansas.

Bowman presents a descriptive account of Christian laywomen who create prayer shawls. Using this group as a case study in theology forged in a local, bottom-up context, the author discusses how third-wave feminism offered the opportunity to take more seriously modes of women’s work that happen in domestic or craft-based domains. But Bowman's central argument is theological: she sees so-called prayer shawl ministries as a movement productively challenging dominant sources of meaning making. The author’s investment in the object of her study is clear . . . Christian theologians and practitioners of fiber arts will likely find the book a good read. Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals and general readers.

• Chapter 1: Shawl OriginsChapter 2: ConnectionChapter 3: InclusionChapter 4: ReciprocityChapter 5: KindlingChapter 6: CompassionChapter 7: SolidarityChapter 8: GenerativityChapter 9: TrustChapter 10: Empowerment

Donna Bowman is professor of honors interdisciplinary studies in the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College at the University of Central Arkansas.

Bowman presents a descriptive account of Christian laywomen who create prayer shawls. Using this group as a case study in theology forged in a local, bottom-up context, the author discusses how third-wave feminism offered the opportunity to take more seriously modes of women’s work that happen in domestic or craft-based domains. But Bowman's central argument is theological: she sees so-called prayer shawl ministries as a movement productively challenging dominant sources of meaning making. The author’s investment in the object of her study is clear . . . Christian theologians and practitioners of fiber arts will likely find the book a good read. Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals and general readers.

• Chapter 1: Shawl OriginsChapter 2: ConnectionChapter 3: InclusionChapter 4: ReciprocityChapter 5: KindlingChapter 6: CompassionChapter 7: SolidarityChapter 8: GenerativityChapter 9: TrustChapter 10: Empowerment

Donna Bowman is professor of honors interdisciplinary studies in the Norbert O. Schedler Honors College at the University of Central Arkansas.

Bowman presents a descriptive account of Christian laywomen who create prayer shawls. Using this group as a case study in theology forged in a local, bottom-up context, the author discusses how third-wave feminism offered the opportunity to take more seriously modes of women’s work that happen in domestic or craft-based domains. But Bowman's central argument is theological: she sees so-called prayer shawl ministries as a movement productively challenging dominant sources of meaning making. The author’s investment in the object of her study is clear . . . Christian theologians and practitioners of fiber arts will likely find the book a good read. Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals and general readers.

• Chapter 1: Shawl OriginsChapter 2: ConnectionChapter 3: InclusionChapter 4: ReciprocityChapter 5: KindlingChapter 6: CompassionChapter 7: SolidarityChapter 8: GenerativityChapter 9: TrustChapter 10: Empowerment