Rita Gross

Rita Gross (1943-2015) was an American Buddhist feminist theologian and scholar of comparative religion, known for her groundbreaking work on gender and religion, particularly Buddhism and feminism. As a professor of comparative studies in religion at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Gross produced influential scholarship examining Buddhist thought through a feminist lens. Her 1993 book "Buddhism After Patriarchy" became a foundational text in Buddhist feminist theology. Gross served as president of the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies and was also a dharma teacher authorized to teach within the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Her academic work focused on how religious traditions both perpetuate and can help transform gender inequality. Beyond her scholarly contributions, Gross authored numerous books including "Soaring and Settling: Buddhist Perspectives on Contemporary Social and Religious Issues" and "A Garland of Feminist Reflections: Forty Years of Religious Exploration." Her writing consistently explored intersections between feminism, Buddhism, and religious studies methodology.

Readers consistently note Gross's clear analysis of gender issues in Buddhism and her ability to bridge academic and practitioner perspectives. Many cite her book "Buddhism After Patriarchy" as helping them understand feminist approaches to Buddhism. What readers liked: - Accessible writing style that explains complex concepts - Personal integration of Buddhist practice with feminist theory - Thorough historical research and documentation - Balance between critique and appreciation of Buddhist traditions What readers disliked: - Some find her tone overly academic - Arguments can be repetitive - Limited engagement with non-Western feminist perspectives - Focus primarily on Tibetan Buddhism rather than other traditions On Goodreads, "Buddhism After Patriarchy" maintains a 4.1/5 rating from 89 reviews. "Buddhist Theology" averages 4.0/5 from 23 reviews. Amazon ratings average 4.3/5 across her books. One reader noted: "Her analysis helped me understand how Buddhism can adapt to modern gender equality while maintaining its core insights." Another commented: "Sometimes gets bogged down in academic language when simpler explanations would work better."

Buddhism After Patriarchy: A Feminist History, Analysis, and Reconstruction of Buddhism (1993) An examination of Buddhist traditions through a feminist lens, analyzing gender dynamics in Buddhist history and proposing a feminist reconstruction of Buddhist theology.

Feminism and Religion: An Introduction (1996) A systematic exploration of the relationship between feminist thought and religious traditions, covering methodological issues and various religious responses to feminism.

Soaring and Settling: Buddhist Perspectives on Contemporary Social and Religious Issues (1998) A collection of essays addressing modern social issues including gender, religious diversity, and environmental ethics from a Buddhist viewpoint.

Religious Diversity: What's the Problem? (2005) An analysis of religious pluralism, examining how different faiths can coexist while maintaining their distinct identities and truth claims.

A Garland of Feminist Reflections: Forty Years of Religious Exploration (2009) A compilation of essays spanning four decades of Gross's work on feminism, Buddhism, and religious diversity.

Religious Diversity—What's the Problem?: Buddhist Advice for Flourishing with Religious Diversity (2014) An exploration of Buddhist approaches to religious plurality and interfaith dialogue in contemporary society.

Grace Jantzen writes about feminist philosophy of religion and critiques traditional patriarchal religious frameworks. Her work examines gender in Western religious thought, similar to Gross's analysis of Buddhism and feminism.

Nancy Auer Falk specializes in women's roles in Buddhism and Asian religions. She studies female religious practitioners and gender dynamics in Buddhist traditions across cultures.

Judith Simmer-Brown focuses on Buddhist meditation, contemplative education, and women in Buddhism. Her research connects Buddhist practice with contemporary Western contexts.

Anne Carolyn Klein examines Buddhist philosophy and meditation through feminist perspectives. She investigates the intersection of gender theory and Buddhist thought across Asian traditions.

Diana Paul studies women in Buddhism and translates Buddhist texts with attention to gender issues. Her work reveals historical perspectives on women's roles in Buddhist traditions.