This topic examines the roles women play in religious texts, such as the Bible, the Quran, and the Bhagavad Gita. It explores how these texts have been interpreted and how feminist theologians are reimagining the stories of women in Scripture.
Women in the Bible: Examines the stories and roles of women in both the Old and the New Testaments of the Bible.
Women in the Quran: Explores the role of women in Islamic scripture, including the teachings and stories of the prophet Muhammad.
Goddesses in ancient religions: Focuses on the divine feminine figures from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Women in Hinduism: Identifies the key roles of women in Hindu mythology and the Hindu social order, including the caste system.
Women in Buddhism: Describes the roles of women in Buddhist tradition, including the teachings of Bodhisattvas and the role of the female Buddha.
Feminist theology: Examines the intersection of religion and feminist thought, exploring the ways in which religion has been used to justify patriarchy and how it can be reclaimed as a tool for empowering women.
Women in Christian history: Charts the contributions of women to Christian theology, scholarship, and social activism throughout history.
Women in Jewish history: Similarly explores the role of women in Jewish history, focusing on key figures, events, and themes.
Women in contemporary religious practice: Looks at the experiences and roles of women in different religious communities today, including the challenges they face and the ways in which they are challenging traditional gender roles.
Gender and sexuality in religious contexts: Examines the complex relationship between gender, sexuality, and religious teachings, uncovering how religious beliefs impact how people understand and navigate gender and sexual identities.
Representation of women in religious art and literature: Explores the ways in which women have been depicted in religious art and literature throughout history, charting the evolution of portrayals and the impacts on gender norms and cultural understandings of womanhood.
Women and the body: Analyzes religious teachings and attitudes toward the female body, exploring how religious beliefs have impacted women's experiences of embodiment and sexuality.
Intersectionality and women in religion: Highlights the ways in which religion intersects with other identities, such as race, class, and sexuality, and how this intersectionality impacts women's experiences within faith communities.
Women's leadership in religion: Examines the role of women in religious leadership, including the barriers they face and the ways in which they are working to transform religious institutions.
Women's spirituality: Explores the spiritual practices and experiences that are unique to women, including ritual, prayer, and the development of feminine divine connections.
Eve: The first woman created by God; wife of Adam.
Sarah: Wife of Abraham; mother of Isaac.
Rebekah: Wife of Isaac; mother of Jacob and Esau.
Rachel: Wife of Jacob; mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
Leah: Wife of Jacob; mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah.
Miriam: Sister of Moses; known for leading the Israelite women in song and dance after crossing the Red Sea.
Deborah: Judge and prophetess of Israel; known for leading the Israelites in battle against the Canaanites.
Ruth: A Moabite woman who became the wife of Boaz and great-grandmother of David.
Hannah: Wife of Elkanah; mother of Samuel.
Esther: Queen of Persia; saved the Jewish people from genocide.
Mary, mother of Jesus: Mother of Jesus; known for her faith and obedience to God.
Mary Magdalene: One of Jesus' followers; witness to his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
Martha: Sister of Mary and Lazarus; known for her hospitality and service to Jesus.
Priscilla: Christian missionary who worked with her husband Aquila; known for her teaching and hospitality.
Lydia: A wealthy Christian businesswoman who opened her home to Paul and his companions.