Good and Mad: Mainline Protestant Churchwomen, 1920-1980

Good and Mad is a new book that provides a women-centered view of mainline Protestantism in the 20th century, exploring the paradoxes and conflicting loyalties of liberal Protestant churchwomen who campaigned for human rights and global peace while working within the confines of a church that denied them equality. It challenges the idea that change is only ever made by the loud and highlights the debts second-wave feminism owes to their efforts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Good and Mad: A New Women-Centered View of Mainline Protestantism in the 20th Century

Good and Mad is a groundbreaking book that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on mainline Protestantism in the 20th century, particularly focusing on the experiences of liberal Protestant churchwomen who played a significant role in advocating for human rights, global peace, interracial cooperation, and women's ordination. Despite facing opposition and inequality within the church, these women tirelessly worked to bring about change, challenging traditional notions of gender roles and religious authority.

The book explores the paradoxes and conflicting loyalties of these liberal Protestant churchwomen as they navigated the complex terrain of the church's teachings and traditions while simultaneously fighting for their rights and the rights of others. Through vivid vignettes of individual women, the author, historian Margaret Bendroth, highlights the struggles and sacrifices these women made in their pursuit of equality and justice.

One of the key themes of the book is the notion that change is not always achieved through loud protests and aggressive activism but can also be sparked by quiet, persistent efforts and compromises. Bendroth argues that these liberal Protestant churchwomen recognized the value of working within the confines of the church to bring about change, even if it meant compromising their ideals and beliefs.

The book also delves into the debts that second-wave feminism owes to the efforts of these liberal Protestant churchwomen. Despite their lack of self-identification as feminists, their work laid the foundation for the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. By challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for women's rights, these women paved the way for future generations of feminists to build upon their work.

Good and Mad is a lively and engaging historical account that provides valuable insights into the history of gender and religion in America. It challenges the notion that change is always linear and straightforward and highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of social and cultural transformations. The book will be of interest to anyone who is interested in the intersection of faith, gender, and social justice, as well as in the history of mainline Protestantism in the 20th century.

In conclusion, Good and Mad is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the complex and fascinating history of mainline Protestantism in the 20th century. Through its insightful analysis and compelling storytelling, the book offers a new perspective on the experiences of liberal Protestant churchwomen and their contributions to the feminist movement. It is a testament to the power of perseverance, compromise, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.

Weight: 496g
Dimension: 243 x 163 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197654064