Singleness and the Church
A New Theology of the Single Life
Jana Marguerite Bennett
Reviews and Awards
"Readers seeking to engage with Christian ethics on the subject of marriage and singleness will find this an important resource, as will those desiring a study of singleness that interprets it broadly Recommended."--CHOICE
"Singleness and the Church...is a valuable partner in the conversation that, hopefully, will continue to challenge and enrich contemporary theological discussion and church practice." -- Lina Toth, University of the West of Scotland, Studies in Christian Ethics
"Singleness and the Church constructs a strong argument that the church's idolization of the family is hurting single people in all stages of life. As she attests, there is little written about singleness, but hopefully feminist theologians will take up her call to engage with the topic of singleness Perhaps one day the church will be a place where singles in all stages of life will be celebrated, both literally and liturgically. Singleness and the Church is an important beginning step towards that goal."--Stephanie Townes, Reading Religion
"Dr. Bennett's Singleness and the Church is a remarkable achievement. With an inclusive and diverse understanding of singleness-one that does not mean isolation but different ways of relating to those around us-Dr. Bennett shows the good in singleness and, in doing so, the vital elements of all relationships. The result is a truly enriching understanding of how human relationships can strengthen one's relationship with God."--Jason King, author of Faith with Benefits: Hookup Culture on Catholic Campuses
"Bennett reorients Christian conversation on singleness by highlighting some of the tradition's most intriguing figures and setting their stories in the context of current debates about sex and marriage. She is an astute reader of culture and a compelling advocate for a counter-cultural and theologically rich Christian understanding of single life in all its many varied forms."--Julie Hanlon Rubio, author of Family Ethics
"Singleness and the Church will be a valuable resource for pastoral ministry training. It will provoke ministers to notice occasions when they perpetuate unhelpful assumptions about single people or ignore their needs, untapped insights, and heroes." -- Horizons: The Journal of the College Theology Society
