A couple of months ago, social media circulated people’s “Top 10 Book” lists. I thought I might join in, but soon found it impossible to make a list that I was satisfied with. But the attempt led me to a good place–to thinking about those who have been fresh voices to me in my spiritual formation.
I began to think about those women and men (historical and contemporary) who have provided me with new wineskins to hold God’s new wine This week and next, I will share my list of names with you. This week, women–in no particular order of priority…
Historical: The Desert Mothers, Clare, Catherine of Siena, Julian of Norwich, Teresa of Avila.
Contemporary: Evelyn Underhill, Dorothy Day, Susan Muto, Kathleen Norris, Jan Richardson, Carolyn Custis James, Kathleen Hirsch, Barbara Brown Taylor, Christanne Squires, Marva Dawn, Joan Chittister, Emilie Griffin, Rachel Held-Evans, Jen Hatmaker, Phyllis Tickle, Anne Lamott, Christine Pohl, Sue Monk Kidd, Diana Butler Bass, Sarah Bessey.
As others come to mind, I may tell you about them in future posts. I am sure I have forgotten some in this list-making moment.
If you like, use the comment option of this post to let us know who are the women who are “fresh voices” in your Christian journey.
Oboedire 
Thanks for the additions. Keep ’em coming! I should have thiught to include Nadia. Yes, she is one of my fresh vouces. Karen is surely worthy of addition; I just have not personally followed her writing carefully. And Lillian is a new name fir me personally.
Great list!! I think you would enjoy reading Lillian Daniel (When “Spiritual But Not Religious” Is Not Enough). She is also one of the best preachers I have ever heard. Also, Nadia Bolz-Weber (Pastrix). Her language is a little “salty”, but she is one of the top new voices in the Emergent Church (she is good friends with Phyllis Tickle).
John Powers
Add Karen Armstrong!!!