^[1] This addition to the Cambridge Companion series offers a concise introduction to the debates and methodologies shaping current feminist theology. The range of contributors and the scope of the essays reveal something of the diversity of approaches possible when feminists turn their attention to the study of religion and theology. This diversity of approach and belief suggests why feminist theology has consistently provided some of the most innovative work in the area of theology.

^[2] The volume is structured in two parts. The first section provides a map of the range of approaches and methodologies employed by feminist theologians in essays written by some of the leading figures in the field: Rosemary Radford Ruether, Carol Christ and Rita Gross. The second section focuses on providing a sample of the kind of themes that have been explored by feminist theologians.

^[3] This collection provides the reader with a sense of the richness, diversity and innovation of the field. The best essays provide useful overviews of specific areas that provide a way into the field for those who are new to it. Rosemary Radford Ruether’s overview of the history of feminist theology is a particularly helpful starting point, describing in an accessible and interesting way the development of Christian feminist theology. Pamela Sue Anderson provides an account of the philosophy of religion as feminist theology that shows to fine effect the diversity of possible feminist positions. Celia Deane-Drummond provides a clear introduction to the area of ecofeminist thought. Carol Christ offers a thought-provoking account of the way in which thealogians have developed post-traditional approaches to the subject that move beyond the idea that to be a theologian one must be Christian.

^[4] Yet despite this attempt to illustrate the diversity of feminist approaches, a tension emerges that is most clearly revealed in the shape of the book itself. In the preface the editor is at pains to stress that feminists are challenging the assumption that theology can be understood in any monolithic way: most notably that they are challenging the idea that theology has to be Christian (see p. xiii). A number of essays support this view. Carol Christ shows the extent to which this idea is taking hold when she lists the number of feminist thealogians who are moving beyond the established religious traditions and who are explicitly identifying themselves with ‘the return to/of the Goddess’. Similarly, Rita Gross offers a critique of feminist theology that is particularly challenging. Gross is convinced that Christian feminists implicitly – and often explicitly – identify ‘religion’ with ‘Christianity’, and thus fail to engage with the diversity of religious positions (see p. 63). One would hope that her concerns would be addressed in a volume such as this, but effectively the over-arching structure gives credence to her contention. Section two is entitled ‘the themes of feminist theology’; yet note which themes dominate this section: the Trinity, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Church and Sacrament. Identifying central themes in a way that effectively excludes feminist theologians who are not Christian effectively justifies Gross’ critique. We are far from an inclusive feminist theology that reflects the diversity of women’s lives and experiences.

^[5] Of course, this weakness reflects the tension between Christian and post-traditional feminist theologians. But perhaps rather than ignore that tension it would have been good to bring it centre-stage, allowing it to shape the way in which the volume is constructed. Then the themes that unite but also those which divide feminists could have been explored in greater detail.

^[6] Such comments should not diminish the useful quality of this companion. The essays that focus on introducing key areas and approaches are particularly helpful, providing a real sense of why this area has provided the most interesting theological debates in recent years. But perhaps it is wise to see this volume not as the final word in feminist debates but as one that reveals some of the debates that are still waiting to be had.