New Faith

Patterson argues that black women must possess "new faith" for their survival and future. This text is based on a womanist view of Jesus Christ and urges women to seek a better existence for themselves through two goals: eradicating unnecessary suffering and implementing corrective love. Patterson argues that unnecessary suffering is partly the result of mis-education by the historic church. It has taught black Christian women to suffer for the sake of their men, just as they are to suffer for Christ's sake. Further, she argues that corrective love remedies the madness induced by unnecessary suffering-helping black women to develop an intolerance for the negatives, such as sexism and racism, that historically have impeded them. This text employs the theological passion of black womanism to identify and address the religious realities that underlie ersonal, familial, and societal maladies and dilemmas. Patterson, a visible, energetic, and articulate author, facilitates a remarkably lucid and engaging discussion of religious issues for women in a practical and helpful manner that centers on relationships, self-regard, and relationship with God.