Christian Imperial Feminism: White Protestant Women and the Consecration of Empire

White American Protestant women embraced a racially specific version of social inclusiveness that centered themselves as the norm during the early twentieth century. This Christian imperial feminism prioritized issues like civil rights and racial integration, but retained a rigidly hierarchically ordered world Christianity with white women retaining a privileged place as guardians.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 January 2024
Publisher: New York University Press

Amidst the tumultuous early twentieth century, white Christian American women embraced a unique version of social inclusivity centered around their identity as the norm. This phenomenon emerged as a response to the growing power of the United States and the increasing roles of women within the church. Driven by a combination of American imperialism and religious fervor, white Protestant women adopted a form of feminism that was deeply rooted in both religion and imperialism.

Gale L. Kenny, in her insightful book "Christian Imperial Feminism," delves into this Christian imperial feminism, tracing its origins from the women's missionary movement to its ultimate goal of creating a Christian world order. Kenny demonstrates that this form of feminism marked a significant departure from the earlier Protestant worldview, which prioritized moral and racial purity and considered interactions between races inconceivable. Instead, this new approach prioritized issues such as civil rights, racial integration, and the empowerment of women. While the vision of a racially diverse Christian world was still firmly hierarchical, with white women retaining a privileged position as guardians, this shift in perspective was a significant milestone in the history of gender and religion.

By examining these complex dynamics, "Christian Imperial Feminism" offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of religion, gender, and empire. It challenges the notion that white evangelical nationalism is the sole lens through which to understand the racial politics of white religious liberalism. This book adds a vital layer to our understanding of these critical topics, shedding light on the ways in which white women have played a significant role in shaping the course of history and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 227 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479825530