Without neglecting bodily ethics and the right use of power relations, the authors in this volume offer a way to revalue the whole body in pastoral theology, utilizing both western and non-western traditions as foundations for reclaiming the five senses in pastoral practice—a balancing act well accomplished.

Pamela Cooper-White, Christiane Brooks Johnson Professor of Psychology and Religion, Union Theological Seminary in New York

In a field that often makes the mistake of dealing in polarities (e.g. individual v. society, subject v. object, psyche v. body), this volume unites them, arguing that the body mediates personal, cultural, social, and religious experiences, and thus must be taken seriously as a site of knowing and healing. If practical theologians are to understand human being more fully, we must contend with physicality. This collection of essays invites readers into this complex work of taking embodied selves seriously, and encourages us to value them as loci of wisdom and theological insight.

Barbara McClure, Brite Divinity School