We are pleased to announce the launch of an International Reading Group on Womanhood in Interfaith Contexts, which will explore this fascinating subject from multifaceted perspectives.
Ancient societies have traditionally been described as patriarchal. The sacred texts of most religions were written by men, which has conventionally been interpreted as patriarchal texts in their overall views of women. Nonetheless, women have played an important role in religious lives from ancient history to the present day. They have been revered for their creative and spiritual powers. While women are not generally in the forefront of public life in the Scriptures, those who are named are usually prominent for reasons outside the ordinary. Representing as creators of life and animators of all existence, they are depicted in many manifestations, from loving mothers to raging warriors. Women often overturn human power structures, and their heroism leads to surprising results. Almost all religions present Wisdom as a female attribute.
One of the main aims of the Reading Group will be to explore, utilising selected readings, women’s role in the formation of religious thoughts and attitudes from ancient traditions to modern era.
The Group will meet once a month via Zoom for an hour to discuss a specific theme presented by an invited speaker. An open discussion will follow the presentation.
The Reading Group is open to anyone, and we invite you to register your initial interest below.
Related Sessions
- SIKH: Two Centuries of Western Women’s Art & Writing
- Bridge or Barrier? Mary and Christian-Muslim Relations
- Maryam – The Muslim Mary: A Symbol of Devotion, Virtue and Hope
- Who was Mary, the Blessed Virgin and Mother of God? A Byzantine hagiographical narrative by the ninth-century Monk Epiphanios
- Jacob of Sarug on the Canaanite Woman (Mt 15:21-28, Mk 7:24-30): Biblical Storytelling and Models of Faith
- Narsai on the Virgin Mary
