Religious, Feminist, Activist

Laurel Zwissler is an assistant professor in the Philosophy and Religion Department at Central Michigan University.

“A valuable window into the complex but important role of religion in many progressive feminist groups. Zwissler’s volume helps us to better reflect on the challenging dance of religion and feminism, within the all-important context of activist work. Focusing on cultural and religious resources, rituals, and discourses that shape and constrain movement activity, this is a beautifully written, thoughtfully argued, and timely contribution.”—Courtney Bender, professor in the Department of Religion at Columbia University“The most effective way to understand activist religion is [through] finely tuned ethnographic work. Laurel Zwissler asks perceptive questions, listens to complex responses, and observes the multiple layers of women engaged in progressive public enactments in Toronto. The result is a convincing, compelling book.”—Ronald L. Grimes, director, Ritual Studies International and professor emeritus of religion and culture at Wilfrid Laurier University“Laurel Zwissler’s comprehensive and up-to-date summary and synthesis of matters pertaining to religious, spiritual, and political uses of ritual, ceremony, and action are critical to every large scale protest movement of our time.”—Mary Keller, assistant academic professional lecturer for the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Wyoming

• List of IllustrationsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. Changing Rituals, Changing Worlds2. “The Shrine Was Human Rights”: Pilgrimage and Protest3. “Spirituality” as Feminist Third Choice: Gendering Religion and the Secular4. Self, Community, and Social JusticeConclusionSource AcknowledgmentsNotesBibliographyIndex