Description: Lanzetta illuminates the transformative potential of the classical tradition of women mystics, especially in light of contemporary violence against women around the world.
Focusing on the contemplative process as women’s journey from oppression to liberation, Lanzetta draws especially on the mysticism of Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Avila. She lays out the contemplative techniques used by mystics to achieve their highest spiritual potential and also investigates how unjust social and political conditions afflict women’s souls.
Lanzetta identifies a specific historical female mystical path (the via feminina) and draws contemporary conclusions for how women might understand their bodies, their rights, and their ethics.
Customer Reviews
Review Summary: Radical Wisdom -
Date: 2005-10-10
Details: Radical Wisdom by Dr. Beverly Lanzetta is a rare and articulate revelation of the distinct spiritual journey traveled by a woman or man who feels drawn to the subtler, embodied trek toward the Divine. Intellectually and emotionally accountable, the work puts words to aspects of the mystical spritual journey seldom discussed. It particularlly addresses a woman's experience of the world, of herself, of her own body, and of the Divine Mystery that most works have only pointed toward. A functional blend of historical perspective and mystical apprehension, Lanzetta offers a humble and pristine glimpse that will serve to legitimize and elevate a woman's life as a distinct path to the holy Mystery. This work positions itself in the current-day struggles of all vulnerable beings, whether female, male, child, or nature, and finds voice and power in the movement of everyday lives. Radical Wisdom is a ground-breaking, much needed work.
Review Summary: Radical Wisdom is a labor of love -
Date: 2005-09-27
Details: It is a "must read" for any woman who has been searching for the Heart of God as she will discover Her in the very depths of her own self, through the experience of reading this book. While reading Radical Wisdom an indelible impression was made within my heart that spiritual freedom can only come through the healing of the Sacred Feminine, Blessed Be She - and while particular to women, also includes the need for healing of the sacred feminine within men. Dr. Lanzetta pierces a level of wounding of the sacred feminine that has been primarily directed at the core of the feminine spirit/soul, inflicted primarily by the oppression of Patriarchal religions as well as the still-patriarchal world/society we live in. Women around the globe have suffered throughout history and are still suffering today. My experience with Radical Wisdom has been one that is so personal and intimate - one that has allowed me to encounter these deeper stirrings that have taken me to a new depth of vulnerability in God. I am truly grateful to Dr. Lanzetta for this work.
--Patricia Kilcullen, M.Div., IfCM
out of 2 Reviews
