“Bodily Citations: Religion and Judith Butler (Gender, Theory, and Religion)”
Ellen T. Armour & Susan St. Ville
Columbia University Press, 2006, 336 Pages

At A Glance: “Bodily Citations: Religion and Judith Butler” is an anthology that applies Judith Butler’s theories to religious studies, exploring diverse religious traditions and topics like gender, sexuality, and ritual through the lens of feminist and queer theory.

Overview: “Bodily Citations: Religion and Judith Butler” edited by Ellen T. Armour and Susan St. Ville is a pioneering anthology that applies the groundbreaking theories of Judith Butler on identity construction and performance, particularly from her works like ‘Gender Trouble’ and ‘Bodies That Matter,’ to the field of religion. This collection features essays by scholars in various disciplines including anthropology, biblical studies, theology, ethics, and ritual studies, exploring topics in biblical, Islamic, Buddhist, and Christian traditions.

Contributors use Butler’s ideas to cast new light on religious practices and narratives, examining their ethical and political implications, and significantly expanding the conversation between religious studies and feminist and queer theory. Topics covered range from the woman’s mosque movement in Cairo to the ordination of women in the Catholic Church, exploring possibilities for queer ethics, religious ritual, and biblical interpretations of sexuality. This book is an invaluable resource for those at the intersection of religious studies, feminism, and queer theory.

Thoughts from Readers: