Women in World Religions (Naari Series on Women Studies)

Book Title: Women in World Religions
Author: Arvind Sharma (Editor)
Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications
Language: English
Edition: 1995
ISBN: 9788170304289
Pages: 312
Cover: Hardcover
Dimensions: 23 cm x 15 cm
Weight: 460 gm

About the Book

Women in World Religions, edited by Arvind Sharma, is a pioneering work that explores the position of women within the world’s major religious traditions, offering a unique and insightful perspective on gender in religion. The book presents essential facts and examines the ideological issues surrounding women's roles in Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Taoism, and various tribal religions.

What makes this book stand out is its phenomenological approach, wherein each contributor, all accomplished scholars in religious studies, examines sacred texts not only from an academic perspective but also from their own feminine point of view. These contributors bring a deeply personal and scholarly perspective to the study of religion, ensuring that both facts and perceptions are carefully balanced. This approach adds a unique layer of understanding, making the book invaluable for those seeking an in-depth exploration of women’s roles in religion, as well as the shifting dynamics over time.

The book is enriched with contributions from a diverse group of female scholars, including Katherine K. Young, Nancy Schuster Barnes, M. Theresa Kelleher, Barbara Reed, Denise L. Carmody, Jane I. Smith, Rosemary Radford Ruether, and Rita M. Gross, among others. Their expertise spans various religious traditions and provides readers with a nuanced view of women’s lived experiences in these faiths.

The editor, Arvind Sharma, reflects on the long journey of creating this work, acknowledging the significant contributions of his colleagues and expressing gratitude for the collective effort that brought this project to fruition. While the book is edited by Sharma, it is essentially the voice of the women scholars who have crafted this comprehensive study, making it a crucial resource for anyone interested in the intersection of gender and religion.

Whether you are a scholar, student, or general reader, Women in World Religions provides a thought-provoking exploration of how women have been viewed and have navigated their roles within the world’s major faiths.