1. What is Girlfriend Theology?  4-step methodology of theological reflection on one’s life story  Grounded in feminist theology  Developmental Theory (Carol Gilligan)  Critical Pedagogy: acknowledging learners’ possession of valuable knowledge and the power of narrative story-telling

2. Goal of Girlfriend Theology?  Give sense of self that is:  resilient and embodied  Connected to something greater than one’s self that gives purpose to life and a sense of awe  Compassionate to others through a connection to the Holy  Able to draw from a spiritual toolbox to deal w/negative influences of postmodernity: stress, anxiety, depression

3. 4-Step Girlfriend Methodology  Grows out of Ignatian Spirituality and liberation theology  1.gathering around central table and creating a sacred space: sacred objects designed to bring calm  2.Girl reads pre-written story coming from her life  3. As group, reflect/discuss on where is God in story?  4. How does story remind us of religious themes in our tradition or others: moral and ethical implications for us in future