Most of the early literature concerning women’s religious experience is about exceptional women; those who diverged from the traditional female role to become nuns, mystics or charismatic leaders. While women were permitted to be prophets and visionaries they rarely played an important part in church organisation. This paradox is explored in this book and a number of themes emerge: in particular, the dominance of male symbolism within the great religions. The question of whether men and women apprehend religious systems and signs in the same way is also explored. In considering the contemporary scene, the book is able to look at the ways in which religion affects the lives of women in different societies and in different historical periods; this gives us a larger view of the ways in which our own perceptions of ‘femaleness’ have been constructed out of the religious world views of both the past and the present. First Published in 1983.

How can material artifacts help illuminate the religious lives of women in antiquity? In what ways do archaeological and art historical studies recover women's religious perspectives and experiences that the literary record misses or underrepresents? The authors of the essays in this volume set out to answer such questions in fascinating, new case studies of women and ancient religions in the Near East and Mediterranean world. They cover a broad historical, geographic, and religious spectrum as they explore women's lives from the time of ancient Egypt in the second millennium BCE into the early medieval period, from the Syrian Desert to Western Europe, in the religious traditions of Egypt, Canaan, Greece, Rome, ancient Israel, early Judaism, and early Christianity. Working at the intersections of religion, archaeology, art history, and women's history, these authors make fresh contributions to interdisciplinary studies, and their essays will be of interest to students and scholars across these academic fields.

Most of the early literature concerning women’s religious experience is about exceptional women; those who diverged from the traditional female role to become nuns, mystics or charismatic leaders. While women were permitted to be prophets and visionaries they rarely played an important part in church organisation. This paradox is explored in this book and a number of themes emerge: in particular, the dominance of male symbolism within the great religions. The question of whether men and women apprehend religious systems and signs in the same way is also explored. In considering the contemporary scene, the book is able to look at the ways in which religion affects the lives of women in different societies and in different historical periods; this gives us a larger view of the ways in which our own perceptions of ‘femaleness’ have been constructed out of the religious world views of both the past and the present. First Published in 1983.

In a world where women’s issues are political issues, feminism and religion are often scripted as opposing sides. But, drawing on the messages of love and social justice from within their religious traditions, women are leading feminist movements that promote positive social change at both the micro and macro levels. Religion is fueling women’s efforts to revolutionize the world! Women Religion Revolution is a provocative collection of essays written by women who understand that being passive is not an option. Each story resonates with passion drawn from the well of faith, along with a drive to forge a connection with other women. The experiences that can shape a woman’s soul are often negative and isolating—sexual assault, domestic violence, eating disorders, addictions—but in seeking healing, in seeking to effect revolutionary change, women often find that the path leads toward other women, toward a connectedness that strengthens us all. This is a very stimulating book. This volume brings together nineteen interesting articles from women from a variety of religious and social traditions. A good book to read and to own as a resource in women's experience of feminism and religion. Rosemary Radford Ruether, Professor of Theology, Claremont Graduate University This is feminist religious thought at its most courageous and creative. The narratives by these authors offer inspiring, revolutionary, spiritual insights about women’s lives, bodies, and violence. Traci C. West, Professor of Ethics and African American Studies, Drew University Theological School The women in this volume are bold in uncovering persistent problems and rethinking new possibilities for thought and action. Their essays are personal, based on the authors’ own experiences as Muslims, Jews, Christians, and Mormons; but they articulate their insights in ways that reverberate in many different contexts. These essays touch on all areas of concern for women: reproduction, sexuality, body image, violence and abuse, poverty and wealth, spiritual power and women’s ordination, the sacred and the Divine. These essays will inspire you. Margaret Toscano, Associate Professor of Comparative Studies, University of Utah

Tilling Sacred Grounds examines Black women’s interiority and negotiation of race, gender, and sexuality in religious spaces and religious practices. Phillis Isabella Sheppard argues for the importance of the exchange between interiority and public spaces, and examines religion in cyberspace, art, ritual, and street ministry. She refigures the location of religious experience by retrieving Black women’s interiority as religious space. Often excluded from Black religious studies, interiority is necessary for understanding Black women’s complex and even unconscious relationship with religion. The book weaves a thread by stressing that interiority has subjective, intersubjective, conscious, unconscious, and relational dimensions formed in historical, and social contexts.

A fundamental and well-illustrated reference collection for anyone interested in the role of women in North American religious life.

This work offers interdisciplinary perspectives by women scholars on the diverse cultural contributions of medieval women mystics.