Women Preachers and Prophets through Two Millennia of Christianity (Paperback)

~ Beverly Mayne Kienzle (Editor), Pamela J. Walker (Editor) "In every century, including our own, history records women exercising leadership in Christian communities, and in every century that leadership has been contested, beginning in..." (more)
Key Phrases: congregational discourse, apostolorum apostola, righteous agency, Mary Magdalene, New Orleans, Gospel of Mary (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

For nearly two millennia, despite repeated prohibitions, Christian women have preached. Some have preached in official settings; others have found alternative routes for expression. Prophecy, teaching, writing, and song have all filled a broad definition of preaching. This anthology, with essays by an international group of scholars from several disciplines, investigates the diverse voices of Christian women who claimed the authority to preach and prophesy. The contributors examine the centuries of arguments, grounded in Pauline injunctions, against women's public speech and the different ways women from the early years of the church through the twentieth century have nonetheless exercised religious leadership in their communities. Some of them based their authority solely on divine inspiration; others were authorized by independent-minded communities; a few were even recognized by the church hierarchy. With its lively accounts of women preachers and prophets in the Christian tradition, this exceptionally well-documented collection will interest scholars and general readers alike.

From the Inside Flap

"This book presents dramatic, convincing evidence that the tradition of women's preaching extends back to the beginnings of Christianity. . . . It will be an inspiration to all who suffer from the legacy of constraints on female speech."--Carole Slade, author of St. Teresa of Avila

"The essays are individually inspiring and collectively interdisciplinary. . . . A powerful contribution to the history of preaching and public discourse."--Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, author of Jesus: Miriam's Child, Sophia's Prophet

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Product Details

• Paperback: 395 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press; 1 edition (April 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520209222
• ISBN-13: 978-0520209220
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,198,191 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Study of History, April 10, 2008

By	JR Corry "Jenny" (Fl) - See all my reviews

This interesting book offers a thorough look at the history of women teaching and leading others in the Christian faith. Inspite of patriocentric efforts to erase the existence of such women (as this book itself acknowledges), women have flourished as spiritual leaders and soldiers of Christ regardless of attempts at restraint.

This book is really not at all an argument for female pastors so much as a study of historical women practicing similar roles; indeed, it doesn't even discuss the patriarchal doctrine. Rather, it offers examples of women, from empresses to saints, who helped teach others the way of God. Some of these women wielded great authority and influence simply as teachers to their children, while others gave sermons in public before men and offered supporting words at deathbeds. While some attempted to restrain such women, a surprising number of men in history appreciated and supported the gifts of their strong sisters in Christ, rather than choosing to react in fear and jealousy. As a historical study, this book may offer more power in support of female leaders in Christ than it would if it took an argumentative stance; as someone once said, the greatest method of teaching is example. If we choose to learn from our wise fore-fathers and mothers, perhaps we could improve certain methods in our lives today.

This book is a truly valuable study of various different women in more than one culture. If you'd like an interesting read, a good historical reference, or even to just see what exactly happens when a woman dares lead people in spiritual instruction, I highly recommend this.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Preachers...but not priests, April 3, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Women Preachers and Prophets through Two Millennia of Christianity (Hardcover)

Detailed, but not groundbreaking, survey of women preachers in the Christian tradtion from early times to the 18th century in seventeen seperate essays.

Does not address the Eucharistic question and tends to be agenda-driven regarding "elite sources" and patriarchalism etc. Even so, very useful reading on the subject brought together in one source.

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars "We believe the Bible is God's literal Word...except the parts we don't like!", February 13, 2006

By	J. Michael (Now Born) - See all my reviews

1 Corinthians 14:33-38 "As in all the churches of the holy ones, women should keep silent in the churches, for they are not allowed to speak, but should be subordinate, as even the law says. But if they want to learn anything, they should ask their husbands at home. For it is improper for a woman to speak in the church. Did the word of God go forth from you? Or has it come to you alone? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things I am writing to you are the Lord's commandments. If anyone ignores this, he shall be ignored."

1 Timothy 2:11-15 "A woman must receive instruction silently and under complete control. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. She must be quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. Further, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. But she will be saved through motherhood, provided women persevere in faith and holiness, with self control."