Girl, Arise!

Is it possible to be both a Catholic and a feminist? Claire Swinarski, writer and creator of The Catholic Feminist podcast, believes it is: Im a feminist for the same reason Im bold and honest and sometimes ragey: because Jesus was all of those things.In Girl, Arise!, Swinarski reconciles the two identities by demonstrating the strength and abilities women have to share with the Body of Christ, the importance of women throughout the history of the faith, and how the love you experience through Christ and the Church can change you and the world around you.In Girl, Arise!: A Catholic Feminists Invitation to Live Boldly, Love Your Faith, and Change the World Swinarski points out that while both feminism and Catholicism can mean different things to different people, both feminists and Catholics desire to make the world a better, fairer place. And she shows that by treating women with dignity equal to that of menby calling them his friends and teaching themJesus acted as a feminist as well.With humor and sass, Swinarski addresses her frustration with the traditional concerns churches ascribe to women, as shown by the many talks directed at women focused on marriage and modesty rather than social justice. But she pinpoints the areas where modern feminism goes too far, arguing against abortion and exploring what it means to serve others rather than focus on our own needs first.Swinarski also tells the stories of holy womenincluding Vashti in the book of Esther, Sts. Thrse of Lisieux and Joan of Arc, Mary Magdalene, and the Blessed Virgin Maryto show how their faith influenced their actions, even when those actions went against traditional norms and roles of women.You will be empowered to embrace your God-given abilities as you follow the women who have gone before you in faith whoby announcing Christ to his disciples, believing in Gods promises, and being faithful in hardshipchanged the world.Claire Swinarski