GirlTalk / GodTalk: Why Faith Matters to Teenage Girls––and Their Parents

People are Talking About GirlTalk / GodTalk

"Joyce Mercer practices wonderfully the spiritual discipline she preaches listening attentively, thoughtfully, sympathetically to adolescents and takes us straight to the heart of the rich complexities of faith as framed through the voices of teenage girls. For all those eager to understand how theology is woven into everyday life, for those ready to serve as advocates for vital faith among teens, this book is an immeasurable resource."
Bonnie Miller–McLemore, Carpenter Professor of Theology at Vanderbilt University and author, Let the Children Come and In the Midst of Chaos

"With clear and pastoral language Joyce Ann Mercer invites parents and religious professionals alike to practice ′holy listening′ as girls . . . talk about God, their spirituality, their bodies, their mothers and fathers, and many more aspects of their Christian faith."
Evelyn L. Parker, associate professor, Christian Education, Perkins School of Theology and editor, Sacred Selves of Adolescent Girls

"Joyce Ann Mercer has given us an invaluable resource for understanding the lives of adolescent young women. For parents, teachers, and mentors, it will offer a rich source of insight into adolescent girls′ aspirations, fears, and values, and above all into their quest for personal and religious integrity."
Elaine Graham, canon professor, Samuel Ferguson Professor of Social and Pastoral Theology, University of Manchester, United Kingdom

"In a world where the struggles of adolescent girls seem to get most of the press, GirlTalk/GodTalk offers a refreshing dose of hope . . . If you have ever loved a teenager, and if you have ever cared about the faith of our daughters, GirlTalk/GodTalk is a must read."
Kenda Creasy Dean, parent, pastor, and associate professor of youth, church, and culture, Princeton Theological Seminary; author Outing the Emperor: Changing the Church of Benign Whatever–ism Through the Faith of American Teenagers

Preface xiii

Introduction xix

1. Girl Talk: A Way of Hearing the Lives of Adolescent Girls 1

2. Girl Talk on Faith 14

3. Girl Talk on Gender 45

4. Girl Talk on Mothers 75

5. Girl Talk on Fathers 99

6. Girl Talk, God Talk 124

Appendix River of Life: A Life–Review Activity 135

Notes 137

Bibliography 147

The Author 151

Index 153