Evangelization as Interreligious Dialogue: Global Perspectives on the New Evangelization. Edited by John C. Cavadini and Donald Wallenfang. Global Perspectives on the New Evangelization. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2019. xl + 241 pages. $34.00 (paper).

innocents, her ecclesiology lacks the critical edge necessary for interrogating the deeply embedded patriarchy of the Christian church and its persistent complicity in the structures of empire, colonialism, gender violence, and ecological degradation. This critical edge is especially scarce in Carnes’ too easy adoption of Mariology and the trope of “Mother-Church” ecclesiology, both of which have been rightly critiqued by Catholic feminist theologians for romanticism and reinscription of patriarchal gender norms. Nevertheless, the book as a whole offers a compelling account of motherhood as a journey of spiritual growth and as a viable site of practical wisdom and theological reflection. Standing on its own, or paired with Augustine’s Confessions, it would enrich any class on Christian theology, spirituality, or women and religion. More broadly, it would serve as an accessible and engaging source for reflection and dialogue in nonacademic settings, such as adult religious education groups in churches and community book clubs. I myself will be sharing Carnes’ book with several mothers in my own life, whom I know will benefit from her deep wisdom about partnering with God in the joys and pains of loving another creature into the fullness of existence.