Noble Daughters: Unheralded Women in Western Christianity, 13th to 18th Centuries (Contributions to the Study of Religion) [Hardcover]

Marie A. Conn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0313306699 | ISBN-13: 978-0313306693

The history of Western Christianity, written predominantly from a male perspective, has often ignored women's stories and their unique contributions to both Church and society. Unlike the virgins and martyrs who are named in the official list of the Church's saints, the beguines, Anabaptists, so-called witches, and nuns of Port-Royal have gone largely unrecognized. Their stories, as presented in this one volume, explore the underside of history and challenge support of a strictly hierarchical Church. These four groups of women represent disparate approaches to a Christian commitment, but they share an intense devotion to their understanding of the gospel message. Their willingness to adhere to their beliefs brought them into conflict with ecclesiastical and civil authority. Often, these women sacrificed their lives; all of them refuted the stereotype of a passive female Church member. These women's stories unfold within the complex picture of medieval Europe, but their beliefs and struggles offer models of Christian living relevant to today. This work will appeal to scholars of gender and women's studies, theology, and European history. The research and documentation provides information about these women previously available only in scattered and often obscure sources. Although these women represent a unique ecumenical mix of backgrounds, they share a common strength, commitment, and feminine approach to religion.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

MARIE A. CONN is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (March 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313306699
• ISBN-13: 978-0313306693
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,341,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars very interesting work but a wonderful author, February 23, 2001

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Kate (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Noble Daughters: Unheralded Women in Western Christianity, 13th to 18th Centuries (Contributions to the Study of Religion) (Hardcover)

Dr. Conn, a interesting and knowledgeable teacher , gives a wonderful work of the women who are often lost in the study of religion. She gives form, through her words, to women whose contributions often go unnoticed throughout the study of religon and history. She gives us their true stories, not just the myths that our society uses to define them.