Bearers of an Idle Tale : Women's Authority in a Credibility Economy; 2024 Madeleva Lecture in Spirituality

In this, the 2024 Madeleva Lecture in Spirituality given at St. Mary's College, South Bend, Indiana, Natalia Imperatori-Lee asks, "Is there something about women doing theology that is inherently incredible or unbelievable?" Why are the stories of some more readily believed than those of others—namely those of women and especially women of color. This dynamic has been present in the church since Mary Magdalene brought news of the resurrection to the apostles on Easter morning, and they didn't believe her. It continues to this day. Natalia Imperatori-Lee is professor of religious studies at Manhattan University in Riverdale, Bronx, New York. †