La Sierra Professor Wins 2023 Hispanic Theological Initiative Book Prize
18 December 2023 |
La Sierra University Assistant Professor of Practical Theology Dr. Marlene Mayra Ferreras has been awarded the Hispanic Theological Initiative (HTI) Book Prize for her latest book, Insurrectionist Wisdoms: Toward a North American Indigenized Pastoral Theology. This groundbreaking work offers a compelling analysis of the challenges faced by Maya mexicanas in Yucatán, México, who are employed in multinational corporations.
Insurrectionist Wisdoms stands out for its innovative approach, combining practical theological and anthro/gynopological methods to shed light on the exploitation of women of color in the corporate world. Ferreras, through extensive firsthand interviews, reveals the resilience and resistance of these women against systemic oppression. Her decolonial approach intertwines pastoral theology and feminism, proposing the concept of Lxs Hijxs de Maíz as a new paradigm for pastoral care and counseling.
The Hispanic Theological Initiative is a program that aims to “recruit and support Latine scholars in religion, providing both financial resources and a network of support, mentoring, and encouragement.” The HTI Book Prize, renowned for recognizing significant contributions by Latine scholars in various religious disciplines, has this year spotlighted Ferreras’s work among the leading voices in Latine scholarship in the United States. With this honor, Ferreras not only receives an award, but also the opportunity to present her work at the HTI’s annual Professional Development Conference at Princeton Theological Seminary, culminating in a book signing reception.
Ferreras, a proud alumna of La Sierra University, credits her alma mater for her foundation in Adventist education and formation. She is only the fourth woman and the first Seventh-day Adventist author to win this prestigious award since its inception in 2002.
Her academic pursuits are driven by a commitment to her communities outside academia. Ferreras aims to develop a comprehensive Latina ecofeminist pastoral theology for seminary courses, focusing on the intersection of class, economics, and pastoral care. Her broader research agenda includes exploring gender-based violence and pastoral responses to feminicide, particularly in the context of multinational corporations and neoliberal capitalism. Ferreras’s interdisciplinary and interreligious scholarship reflects her dedication to bringing diverse faith practices and theological perspectives to the forefront of practical and pastoral theology.
Insurrectionist Wisdoms is not just a book; it’s a movement, a call to action, and a testament to the power of Latina scholarship in shaping contemporary theological discourse.
