Role of Women in the History of Christianity

Role of Women in the History of Christianity (BHC04) page 222

By Mrs. Yaoreila

1. Introduction
a. See through the history the Christianity
b. Feminist
c. how women excluded
2. The status and Role of women in the early church
a. Role of women in the Jesus Movement: Mary, the Mother of Jesus, etc.
b. Women in the apostolic circles as missionaries and co-workers
c. Women leaders in the NT
d. Portrait of women in Pauline writings and Tecla, Nestorians, Montanists, etc.
3. Women during the Middle ages
a. Women in the Theology of church fathers
b. The development of women’s religious orders during the medieval period and
their impact n the status of women
c. Role of women mystics in the middle ages with special reference to Catherine
of Siena
4. Women during reformation and post-Reformation period
a. Women’s participation in the reformation
b. The role of women in theevangelical movements of the 18th and 19th centuries
5. Women in the modern period
a. Role of women in the missionary movements
b. Women’s movement in the 19th and 20th centuries
c. Feminist Movement in the 20th century
6. Women in the Indian church
a. Impact of Christianity on women in India
b. Indian Christian women in diaconal ministries and public witness.

11/06/2020

History : study of the past. Modern history – study of life in the society in the past.Our
relation to the society. Dead history – the history it doesn’t have anything to do with society.

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H has special relationship with present life. It gives future hope. Past history has something to
present relationship.

Human afire in the present life, if it doesn’t give any hope, it has nothing to do with it.
Without the knowledge of the history we don’t have any background of religion. Cultural
background, traditional background, if doesn’t have we cannot have identity.

Present life has background

Set of rules in the mind

 Particular incidents – it signifies actual happened time (when), space (where).

Without incident support we cannot. Names memories, dates, place, unless we don’t
have incidents, we cannot write history.
 Information: information about the incident, about the document. Direct information
and indirect information, 100 years ago – indirect information.
 After information, incident, collected data – enquiry or investigate. Do investigate, do
enquiry.
 After investigate – interpret. Analyze, evaluate. We do in history. History not just
knowing and remember but more than that. Information is genuine, integrity,
trustworthy, truth.

Historiography: (dictionary meaning) methodology of writing. Something related to

Presentation, writing, interpretation. What kind of methods we can use it etc.

Methodology of scholarly critically studied. Whatever we found information is just reporting.

Study of how history is reported and presented.

About the past event? Just describing?

1. Reporting, describing of past events

2. EH Carr - “What is history”, in 1961. Traditional belief of study of method of study of
modern historiography. Traditional belief of picking up information or writing
history.

Trying to focus on every area of life.

They are one way bias in their understanding of history.

Early church historians try to focus on writing history on men.

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Modern historiography demands critical approach. We need to go beyond, starting and need
to go back in critically. Go beyond.

Asking questions, theoretical, diametrical.How / when/ where/ what / etc.

Theoretical question –

What is the purpose of writing this history? Testimonial history?As historians who we report
the history? If we don’t have purpose how can we report ..so that we need to investigate.

17/06/2020

Modern historiography – the critical report – what / how / when / were/ - need to ask
theoretical questions.

Traditional historiography – bios, can be inclusive in various – inclusive in children, women,

marginalized.

History focused on only famous men or women. What about the infamous people.

Only 20% of people considered, 80% of people left over in the history.

Regarding loop wholes, we need to reread the history.

History for everyone not only for some people. English people are main focusing in writing.

Christopher Columbus found red Indians – he missed his way to India, finally found another
part of America. European prospective of India is deferent that Indian prospective of India is
different.

Early church father prospective of women is different. Women also equal with men. Their
roles are not neglected in the history. Women also have to inclusive in writing history.

New Testament – patriarchal society, men is the head of the family.

Why women have excluded from the writing of the Christianity? We find only men. Why?

Its because of traditional historiography, - tradition from above – only aristocrat people .. It’s
a story of men, not about women. This is the reason 20% of them only reported and 80% of
left behind.

If we want to write beautiful history, go for important and highlighted things. Actually
victory was in the hand of common people warriors. But history silent.Ex. Roman Emperor.

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They were savage people such mentality they have. History so much influenced by traditional
history.

Romans are important, others are not important.

Patriarchal system is so strong. Impacted exclusiveness.Everything about men.Only head of

the house only well-known to the society in that context.

18/06/2020

Women in Jesus Ministry:

Recap

Women role in the early church

Women role in the time of Jesus

Every situation religions have solutions.

In the time of Jesus time very strictly they are following the rules.

Women were not supposed to speak in front of men, learning from teacher.

Jesus always has the positive image of women.

After crucifixion there are some women following Christ.

Women disciples, they are equal with other disciples. Among 120 disciples in Acts 1ch some
women we can find. Women are so faithful in the ministry of Jesus. From Jewish society
women with Jesus faced lot problem.

Matt 27:55-56; Luke 8:1-3;

In Bethany – Martha and Mary – traditional women’s role, Mary played a different role.
Mary so willing to listen to Jesus, no one discuss about that. Mary is capable of learning; it
shows that women have enough intellectual. It broke early church fathers opinion.

Luke 10:32-42

Women should not be disturbed learning from Jesus. Women also should learning from
Jesus.

Discipleship – Mary Magdalene – totally devoted to Jesus.

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John 10ch – the good shepherd. Mary Magdalene had the experience of Jesus as good
shepherd.

After crucifixion of Jesus Mary Magdalene have the connectivity with Jesus, the first
missionary – women. Samaritan Woman, Mary Magdalene.

Mary Magdalene proved herself as a good sheep to Jesus.

Jesus proved that women are not exception. Jesus never ignored them.

24/06/2020

Luke 8:21 – Jesus affirm in to action.

Mary listening to Jesus, Martha complaint to Jesus. Women can go beyond limits, Jesus
never condemn this attitude. Women were capable of doing more household domestic work
in learning from teacher. Jesus always considered women are equal dignity with men to learn
things from master, they are worthy of respect. They are worthy to receive forgiveness of
sins. Lk 7:36, John 8:1ff

Jesus never fights with Jewish people but he is trying to teach them that women have capable
to do equal with men.

John 4ch. Samaritan women: women left out in Jesus ministry. Jesus acknowledges them the
faithfulness of women.

25/06/2020

Women as Evangelist in the ministry of Jesus:

Evangelion – one who bring good news of God.

5 people turned as evangelist before apostles’ starts ministry

There are 3 women out of five, 2 are men: Zachariah and Simion. (savior of the world
declaration)

Elizabeth, Mary (Saviour of the world declaration), anna – infant narration of Jesus Christ –
declared the savior of the world.

Above 5 people – they declared the savior of the world, in their own context.

Apart of these:

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Samaritan woman – declaration: she was regarded as evangelist to her own people. She
bought whole Samaria to Jesus Christ.

Resurrection narrative: women – encountered the resurrected Jesus Christ.

(in exam - Explain the background/event/etc. comprehensive mode).

Jesus never classifies/ even children can be used in the ministry of God. Mind of child
qualified to the Kingdom of God.

There are many women who are actively involved in Paul’s mission – Priscilla, Persis etc.

Paul was regarded anti-women

Women in the church:

Women prophets:

They did extra ordinary in the entire Christianity.

Paul: his personal life/ Galatians – wants to bring men and women together without any
distinguishes. He well knew about the tradition of Moses regarding women, but he
understand the transformation in Jesus Christ everybody.

01/07/2020

Women co-workers in the ministry:

Men and women are in the apostleship as equal as apostle. They sacrificed and their houses
become house churches. Ex. Priscilla – more instrumental than Aqulla. Her name not
mentioned along with her husband but individually mentioned. They names with their
professions. They travelled along with their husbands. Ex. Priscilla

Lydia – one of the apostle, because of her Paul and Silos went to prison,

Phil 4:2,3judia and suntice both women in the Paul’s ministry. Paul mentioned in his letter
always women. In the early church we can see many women. In the early church many used
to gather in home churches and the role of women really unanimous. Ex. Mary and Martha,
Lydia, mother of John Mark, etc. Philemon – 2,

Women prophesying; fill with ecstasy/preacher, teacher, actively participating in the Lord’s
supper 1 Cori 11ch. There is no ministry without participation of women with Paul. Majority
are women in early church. Apart from writing, there are many women mentioned in women.

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Petra – Jewish women/

Identity of Women:

In the early church: evangelist Philip’s daughters. They are prophesizing along with that they
do…

Early church fathers were mentioned some women: in the house church, women can preach.
He never leave h

02/07/20

Women in Jewish society,

Women in the Early church society

Women participation of Synagogues for teaching in the time of Paul’s teaching (1 Cori 11ch.)
along with men.

In the early church – all writers were men. Society controlled by the authority of Men.
Women are property of their husband’s. Men cannot stand in front of women’s leadership;
they felt zealous of it and not happy. Ex. Petra – acted like men, the very disciple of Jesus.
Men couldn’t accept women. Concern is men are the head of the family and society.

Women do not have right to come to society directly without their spouse. If at all they want
express their opinions they need men support.

In the Leviticul role: women should not come out. If they give birth to a male child –
different rituals they have to follow than the female child birth.

In the synagogue also men plays role 99%, but women only 1%.

In the time of Jesus’s ministry also women were step down.

Shema – women are not allowed in Shema, women should never their mouth.

Pilgrimage – women are not allowed to go for Pilgrimage,

They should not listen the teaching of women.

Mishnah – women like a gentile slave. They were concerned in this way as well.

A slave means one’s own property.

She can be purified by only her husband.

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She cannot obtain property of husband/ not have any choice.

Domestic life of Women in Jewish:

They are always under control of men, or marriage relatives or kinsman or household people.
If she divorcee she can marriage.

In the Jewish society motherhood given to one who gives birth to more male children.

She should serve her husband with best without complaint. All women earns everything
belongs to her husband only. She don’t have her own anything. Divorces are very common in
Jewish community.

Women supposed to teach basic religious education to kids in the home.

Women supposed to learn Oral law. Ex. The mother of Moses – how she educated to Moses?

There were some teachers having the reservation of women, but most of the religious leaders
are against the women’s education and learning. Responsibilities everything under women
only it’s too much under the observation of women.

Jewish most of patriarchal society/

Several women contributed for nation, country, community, family. Some them are recorded
some are not. Very less percentage women were contributed and not recorded.

08/07/2020

Women in Jewish society (recap)

Women considered to be under the control of man; husband, father, elders etc. without the
permission of husband or men they cannot take their own decision. She had much more
responsibility at home, she don’t have right in property and own decision.

Marriage and her sexuality:

They should not expose expect husband/ compassion/ taking care of children is highest
priority/ should know how to have to keep relationship with relatives/ never adulterer and
fornication and give birth children/ ideal wife portrays as intelligent/ betrothal process should
happen – she doesn’t have any choice, that girl betrothal to that man only/ after some
sacraments these woman should be taken in to man’s home/

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After marriage: never go for divorce/ divorce are very common among them in Jewish
society.

‘Shammai’ – divorce is possible in the case of adultery – Jesus also mentioned this.

Hillel: it can happen in divorce reason – those Rabbais are so narrow in heart, mounting lot of
rules and regulations on women and down trodden.

Women is shapeless / soft clay/ unless her marriage with man no identity. She is not complete
person until marriage. Isaia 54:5

Women has to take care of her life.

Women’s life in the society / in community: Jewish society expectation of women – taking
care of entire household things/ cleaning of vessels, washing cloths/ fetching water from the
well/ pasturing the sheep/ protecting family/ selling the cotton or business and earning
support / midwives/ nurse /

Among all women: in Jewish society – mourning for crying in the time of death/ some
women elected for mourning.

She required earning money going to the market, the job they supposed to do by husband’s
choices. Many of the time they have to work in lower work.

Religious life of Women: within the Judaism men who have male child, they grow certain
age they should obtain education, but women child excluded in education. In religious places
– not compulsory to go to religious place. They are not allowed inside the temple. In the
synagogue women are not presented. There was a case in some teachers of Law who are
broad minded – allowed covenantal relationship both women and men same as equal. They
participated actively in the covenantal relationship with God. Many of the cases women not
allowed in to the temple.

In the cleanness – women considered she is unclean always. In Jewish society the presence of
God available only in the temple. They could not enter tabernacle. But there are some
evidences that some women played prominent role in temple, they regarded as a mother. Ex.
Anna.

They were taking the leadership role in the synagogue. That is the reason Paul in his teaching
and ministry, he gave much important. Act 16:13 at the side of the river, they use to have
their own group to worship God. Mostly they were restricted. Women are always are sinners
and they never purified.

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09/07/2020

In the old testament

Deborah, Esther,

Women in the Roman Society:

Much better than the Jewish society/differs to the culture to the culture in especially in
economically they lived a life. In Roman society 1/3 of population are slave. A free man can
have Roman citizenship. Women had this privilege. If they have Roman citizenship they will
be having property and own identity. Ex. Lydia.If husband have property or inheritance, after
his death it transformed to wife, not relatives. In Jewish society women do not have
independency and women not complete without husband. But in Roman society not like that.
In Jewish society a women cannot stand in judgement, court, theatre, counsel but in Roman
community women have all these privileges.

In Roman history: women contribution – lot in Roman society – lot of ability in society,
supporting to husband.

Education: sometimes compulsion in basic education is mandatory for citizens. They have
their own tutor in their home. Wealthy family they have their education system.

There is no women emperor in Roman society but women plays major role behind men
emperor. Name not mentioned in the history of Roman emperor.

Their domestic lives of women in Roman society: they are using better privileges/ they
enjoyed their domestic life, huge respect from people, enjoying highest level in the society,
they have certain amount of freedom. Still they are under control of men, but their control is
different from Jewish context. When a women need to buy or sell a property consult any
close man like father or brother in roman society. Women are the overseer of the household
things and husband is the head of the family. She functions under husband. Wealthy women
will get lot of property, if she has money, she can control other men also.

Marriage life of women: they should not expose to the society/ it’s not compulsion to get
married, it’s not compulsory to have only son but also can have daughter also. Both are given
same privileges. Women should get marry at the age of 14 years. If she marries free man,
they will get Roman citizenship, so they always seek for free man.They have to share only
with husband only. Otherwise they will be punished.

Socially: married women having afire with other man

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15/07/20

Recap – women in roman society is higher that the women in the Jewish society. Women
slaves are counted as owner’s property.

Religious life of women:

Worshipping process and practice is very important in Roman society. Vesta virgins in roman
society, they sacrifice their life and started to worship in the temple.

16/07/2020

In Roman setup women have high priority, women priest, worshipping Diana goddesses.

Prominent role played by women in the ministry of the early church: leaders in relief works
and charity works to the needy people, role of backbone in the house church/when the Roman
become church members in order to support them they become patron. Open their home for
worship/ they become prophets and teachers also. Ex. Lydia, Persis,

A women become wife of church elder/ in Pauline letters: women of Ministry of service:
virgin, widow and wife of church leader.

Women accompanied with man in different ministry/ there are two types of ministry women
engaged: 1. ministry of Love or ministry of widows and 2. Prophetic ministry.

Serving the community with agape love by women. Women are represent to the love of God
ministry. It’s the one of the most important thing. Christianity came up with love and
accepting and tolerance ministry always. Women could express the love of God and
unconditional and especially concerned to widows and orphans and different group of people.
In those days society neglected them.

Prophetic ministry: authoritative speaking of the word of God. it’s really crucial ministry.
Early church recorded very high. Most of the prophetic ministry was heard by women. They
possessed highest position in the church. She can be a prophetic voice to the people. Acts
21:8, 9 – Philip’s four unmarried daughter prophetess, 1 Cori 12ch, women deacons served in
the early church.

Women’s deacons have some limits like some they can do some cannot do. There are lot of
instructions were given by the early church fathers later 3rd century onwards.

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Appointement of women deacons: to help to the Bishops according to the tradition, they will
be appointed by Bishops. Several rules and norms to help male bishop. Many church
welcomed women service. According to church fathers tradition: pre-baptism women will
assist them when they baptize from the water. To teach and instruct them, to keep baptism
keep holy, and pure these women played a great role. There are lot of traditions were adapted
by the early church father.

By the end of the 3rd century: the Bishop should select women from the entire the
congregation: what kind of women? They should be virgin, to protect the holistic culture of
the church. Visiting the sick people, counseling ministry, intermediatory between women and
male bishop if any problem happens.

There are some limitation to the women in the ministry: not assisting the Lord’s supper, they
can be a part of the Lord’s supper. End of the 3 rd century, men have been selected to serve the
Lord’s supper. Ex. Mary Magdalene – western early church father – she was respectable
leader. Other mother of Zebedee work as minister.

Paula: very wealthy widow want to ascetic life. She was a woman of committed. Sacrifice to
God everything. St. Jerome and Paula came to Jerusalem. In Bethlehem she found a
monastery only for men, she concern for women monastery. She served her ministry.

22/07/2020

Prophets plays a role of counselors,

Widows: in NT they played very important role; respected in early church.

According the church father’s opinion Priscilla was a woman with well educated person.
Women was qualified to teach in the synagogue of Jewish. Scholars opines that Priscilla also
one of the writer of NT. There are some women apostles like Julias, persy, mary Magdalene
etc. they are responsible person in the early church.

Tabitha was a very important role in the church at Joppa. Literally church followed her
footsteps. She did lot of charity works in the church. Highly respected by the early church.
She followed the footsteps of Jesus Christ as Paul said in 1 Cori 11:1.

When Tabitha passed away; her example leadership had been left behind. Many followed her
leadership in the early church and later.

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23/07/2020

Women in the early church:

Early church father’s attitude towards women: specially participation in ministry in the early
church.

Women in the works in the early church father’s time:

Sub-apostolic – early church fathers.

Small group of Judaism – offshoot of Judaism. There are similarities and dissimilarities are
exists in Judaism and Christianity.

There are some exceptional church fathers who encouraged women’s ministry in the early
church.

Church father so much influenced by greek philosophy of dualism of human life. Poly, flesh
and body belong to physical and mind and soul belongs to spirit.

Always negative examples kept for women, only positive examples preserves for women.

That is the reason in the Christian community women kept silent.

They protected the Christianity in the time of persecution. Women are considered that they
are the gate way towards sin.

After persecution women are not fit for leadership. They are mentally and emotionally week.

Some church father who have some soft corner towards women:

Ignisios of Antioch – born in 35AD in Antioch, believed bishop of Antioch. End of the first
century and by the beginning of the 2nd century.

He wrote 7 letters and his views about women different. Polycarp was student of John the
disciple of Jesus. He showed mercy on slave women and men slaves. His expectation to be
united. Marriage is not for lust. If we cannot control ourselves remain celibacy life. Husband
and wife should carry out their responsibility. Women should not be leader in the community.
Not fully supported women and they should be in the lower condition. He is not free from his
context. Tavya, and household, in his writings he never forget to write about women and
children.

Justine Martin; equal value for women/

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Clement of Alexandria

Origin from Alexandria

Early church fathers attitude towards women: some of the church fathers,

Montanism: they thought that the women like a EVE the first woman in the bible by whom
entire world destroyed.

Women should be silent in public place. They need to cover themselves with veil.

They are gate of the hell.

Anthorithes

Paschomas – started a monastery.

Cenobites – only young people come together and living. Young people monastery.

Nunnery:

Most of the women connecting to the nunnaries because they were never get participation in
the local church. They never get leadership in local church.

Very popular preacher hulda, she had lot of followers. Bishops have controversy. She was not
the part of the local church. Egyptian monasticism impacted a lot in Europe and other
countries. Abbes (Monastryis) highest possision of women they get position. She has lot of
power. Abbod is the highest position of men. They always concern of abbod or abbes.

In Germany and france, they have tribal war/ strong tribe/ beguins

They hardly stay in the home and taking care of the poor and widow. The roman church felt
heracy, because of they do not respect priest. Confess to the priest. Antinomium – by faith
and by God’s grace you are free from God. certain amount of good works are needed in that
time and they contained as heracy. Translation of the bible is haracy. It should be in the
original language. It was not allowed to be interpreted. Preaching the word of God.they train
themselves and became theologians. Self-appointed theologians should not preach the word
of God in the church. Those who found heresy they supposed toburnt alive. Approximately
80 women burnt alive. they allowed lay people preached outside the church, lay people can
baptize,

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Katari: monicaism (money) – a kind of heretical group. Consolamentum – laying hands on

ley people, they can forgive sins, assuring the safety of the future. No one ever have the
permission to forgive sins.

Marriage: after marriage having physical relationship is sin. Not only women but men also
the members in Katari.

Paula was one of the outstading woman, 5 children, wealthy women, left for Bethlehem,
started monastery for woman. In Bethlehem, most learned woman. Church father Jerome who
translated latin bible in to Volgate with the help of Paula. Melinia the younger, Paula the
elder. They learned greek and Hebrew, did theology.

Religious condition of religious:

Constantine emporer – after conviction, Sunday become holidays, declared as officially

religion, architecture development, many joined in Christianity, now the church is proud, so
highest class in the society. The nation and common people become poorer and poorer. The
cost of life is so expensive. The Christianity is education area it was the Christian. One of the
best education started and run by the Christians in the west and east. Many centuries they
hold. Alexandria, Antioch, in Asia minor lot of educational centers of Christians. We can find
many of learned men. In Asian invation of muslim we can find during this time, after
Muhammad. They are conquering for allah. Many Christian countries overpowered by
Muslim.

When the church become too rich, the priest of the church more corrupted.The power of the
pope so strong in the middle centuries.

Why women suffered more? In the theological writings most of the authors condemned
women. Many theologians kept women as a second human being and intellectually lower to
Men.

The position of Monk played major role in that time. Women should be under of them. The
creation of the women is leaning to temptation. Their understanding is negative towards
women. Most of the bishops were trained in monastery by the monks. The hierarchical
teaching was there from the beginning.

The status of women in Middle ages:

Regarding women: 1. women were regarded as wicked and inferior, even church also agreed.
There is no fact. They hunt so many. Many of them are widow. They were normally they will

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life in society, not in mingling in society but living in alone. Capitalism – the rich people
become rich, least become so poor. No property, kept faith in God, devotional life. , and 2.
Praising God too highly, adoring only God, St. Mary.

Roman church believe that Jesus is a young man, at the age of 30, St. Mary one who
controlling Jesus from his emotions. That is the reason they have high position on Mary.
They did not treat women in proper way.

Thomas Aquinas: women were created to support men that are why women is inferior than
men. His theology is, he was very brilliant man in his time. Women are the second in the
order of creation of Men. Aquinas stress is women are low intellectual capacity in women.
More sensual than man.Women is temptation to men. itbecome like appetite to the men. it
was mistake of men. another man not women. Man’s sperm mistaken to create women.

The text book: Women in the history of Christianity written by

Narolaimchen1

Women recorded as wicked and evil and another side women expected to in most worship
and praising piety lady.

Women intellectually inferior to men.many of time they are object to the men. men sperm
because women was born. Women is effecting things. Always some kinds of negativity in the
scholar’s mind.Lust, and zealousy might come in the heart of man by looking at the women.
They look women in negative way.

Church under control of men, women under the control of men.

Monastery: they do not want have any issue with women. They portrayed women always
talkative and loving ornaments, talking too much. Being loyal, not being loyal. This is how
monastery have such mentality to the women. The church have the mandatory that the
women should be controlled by men, husband, brother, father. Otherwise, bad honor comes
upon them. The church made mandatory to women that they should be obey.

The spirituality of Women:

Women find gathering by ministry of Monastricm offered women to serve God in the
ministry. Monastery is more important to the women and their spiritual life. After 10th century
after few centuries later, women monastery was started. Whoever wants to serve God.some of

1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_in_Christianity

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them are very popular, and they become instruments to the church and the society. They
contributed a lot.

After 5th century women monastery started. The first women 512-80AD. Sister of Caesaria
started one for sisters and one for brother. She becomeAbes. They are not supposed to go out
from the monastrery. In the monastery they have small cells like room. And they will come
for common room all for special prayers. Women should not go out. Without distrurbance of
the home and the church.

They have confirm themselves by virginity. 513 AD San Benedict time rule is one of the
most popular order. Benedict started monastery. One for men another for women.Rules for
the nuns and rules for men.they have to write the scripture copying, gardening, working etc.

Women slowly come out from their cell and started to learn from each other, the possession
of Abes in the women monastery.

Some particular women they are not come to the level of Abes. Those who Abes, normally
they are from kingly family, Royal family. They become adviser, represent the nations, raise
army, take control assemblies. Queens, kings, take advise from these ABes. Slowly some
powerful Abes came up. The power of Abes high, depending on the persons.

Many rich women they give up their wealth. In Roman proviance many women are ruling the
regions. Very brilliant women raised up in the middles era.

How Saints puts to the Women? (next class.)

No one have got the title of Saint. God elect a person a sainthood. It’s God’s election for
sainthood. Its was like a chosen one. From the mother’s womb they have got selected that is
what the belief among them. According the early church teachings, the virgin mary and other
women are keep on praying with Jesus, staying with Jesus and worshipping Him. They are
praying for human on behalf of all humanity. They raign together with Jesus. In Catholic
church they believe that. All immediate Jesus Christ disciples are with Jesus and praying for
all human kinds in the middle age also they believe this concept. There were lot of rich
women, in 12, and 13th century left everything and separated and come for ministry in the
church. In the church they have different kinds of rooms to stay and listen the sermons.

Marshalla – husband passed away. She was from rich background. Her mother and Marshalla
become nuns. Near Marshallah monastery there was a convent, Paula – very learned and

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intelligent woman like Jerome. Jerome was invited by these two women. To teach to
children.Athenisious – many were under his teaching on Christology. Jesus was not created
by out of noithing – ex-nehilo. Homosious. He was excommunicated by the church. He was
invited by marshalla and Paula and her friends. They are learning, meditating, worshipping
the lord. Because of these widows wealth, st. Jerome translated bible in to Latin Vulgate.
Paula helped him in Translation work of the Bible. They started to serve God in their own
capacity. Paula was introduced as most intellectual woman. They learn Hebrew and greek,
learning contribution more. They speak greek and latin, Hebrew accent purely. Pure
knowledge of the scripture.

Medieval women:

They cannot sit in the university. She cannot be theologian, author, they were not given entry.
There are many women by the spirituality, more popular in that context.

Abbes – the highest position in the monastery, advisor of King and bishop. They use to be the
speaker in the assemblies of the town. They have the power in the prayers, healers,
miraculous workers.

St. Leoba – 1718-79, in England, parents do not have children many years. They are very
gladly parents. Finally, her mother had a dream having a baby girl. After that she conceived
and dedicated Leoba from childhood. She was grown up in spiritual. She spent her time with
God. she find joy in doing that. She was sent to one of the twon in England. she found a
mother called…. In under of her discipline she studied well. She become very brilliant
student.

The Name Leoba – given her, sweet stream water called Leoba, in reality she was so sweet
everywhere in her maturity. Every the queen of England invited her for her court for advise.
She refused that opportunity. Many times queen called her. She advised to the king, king
advised to Bishop, she become a very popular in entire England. shebecome a Abes for one
monastery. In the monastery they respected and reverend her more. Not only in the
monastery, but she helped other women to open other convents. She want to pass down to
other in learning. she was so busy in learning. wherever they go they are getting success. She
love preaching the word of God in expositor. She was invited to preach in many places. She
works with miracles. When she pray miracles happened, there were many eye witnesses.
Immediately miracles happened. She was very clear in her prayers. People respected her.

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Miracles in Prayers are instrument in our ministry. She had lot of friends starting from Royal
family to every were.

San Bonniface – a man who is missionary to England to preach Christianity. He had

monastrery in England. Leoba was so spiritual friend. While he was in Abod, they both have
good spiritual friendship. San Bonniface asked Leoba to start monastery. In the death of San
Bonniface he desired to be buried along with Leoba as sister in spirit in same monastery.

How deeply Leoba connected with Jesus Christ. Her prayerful, devotion, education
qualification life.All her contribution not for herself but God service. 779 she passed away.
After she died she was honored a lot. After she was passed away, she was given as sainthoot.

Its not by human but its purely election of God.

Catherine of Sen

She is very important role in the history of Christianity in the middle age. March 25, 1347
born in Italy.CaterinaBenincasa is her original name. her father was a tieing industry. Mother
name lappa. When she was young, she identified that God has sent her for ministry of God.
when she was 7 year old, she decided to serve God with virginity. Vow herself to God. but
her family strongly resisted. She claimed to have visions. Before she joined in monastery.
She want to stay alone. At the age of 16th, 3rd order of Dominican order she stayed.
Dominican order found by Dominican in 13th century. Purpose of this Dominican is for to
protect the doctrine of Romancatholic teaching. 1 order for Monks, 2 nd order for tiers and 3rd
for women and it goes like that. At the age of 16 she joined. She became very important
person.

Why she become important? Because of her involvement many things have happened. In the
time of crusades... avignanpurpocy – she was very much contributed lot for society. She was
shifted to Rome. Around 1370, 3 years she experienced celestial experience (experiencing the
heavenly visions) she have conversation with Jesus, she had the mystical experiences. She
saw visions, spiritual bride of Christ. She starts some kind of tongue also. She is to ask her
secretory to write some of those. Her spiritual experience, she started to exercise special
power. After 1370, she rejoined her family in and started helping people. She become so
cheerful, radiant and happy. Both disciples men and women are following her. She saw
vision of heaven and hell. RCM believed that pergetory after death. Believers die they will
enter into the heaven first. That is why selling of indulgents (forgiveness of sins). By this
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pergetory doctrine used as weapon to cheat people.She was asked her to go out and live with
the society so she started to live in the society. She started to write letters communication in
order to bring unity in the society. Encouraging with the word of God.native land was
grumbling. Many of the time she was interfeariing the intertribe fights and political things
and invited many for peace in God. 1376 great things happened, she Avignon in the France.
Pope office shifted from Rome to Avignon, France. Rome was corrupted and misused the
power. So pope wanna change to france.

She lived in the context of currepted world, polygamy, pothism, Pope used to appoint in
important posts. Immoral life. She is started to live in the public life. Many time she have
correspondence and relationship with political state with Pope and royal court. 500 AD to
1000 AD entire country crumbling down. After reformation crusade was conducted. War
between Islam and Christians. Italy was capital city. The holy land was taken by muslims,
they try to recover holiland. Around 8 crusades have been taken place. Clement V, Avignone
Jerome, Italy and France/ lot of controversy happened due to corruption. Latin speaking
people in Rome – they never allow any one otherthan Pope become pope. Seven successive
pope. Avignon Papacy – refers Babylonian captivity. They missed their home. 1309 –
1377/78 avignonPapacy -gregary become pope in Avignon papacy.

She wrote 1376 a lotter to Gregary to rethink once again.

Catharine and her people met pope on walk. January 1377 Pope gregaryalavent shifted their
capital to Rome from avignan.

Pope urban VI came up as pope from Italy.

The guardiner were from france – 5 of them, but they select quite different person urban VI
from Italy. They select one Guardiaer as pope. Now the profession of Pope become two. The
second great schism started, the first schism in 56 AD.

The great schism started in roman church. Pope become more powerful than king. Final
decision they used to made.

She was made as doctor of the church.

She put her petition to the lord:

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1. Herself
2. Reform of the holy church – avignan papacy – Babylon captivity
3. The peace of Christians – who are persecuting the Christians. People who are
rebelling against holy church. The filling the gap between the God and earth is Jesus
only. She said that we have to spread the love of Jesus Christ. She started the
critisise the corruption of the pope and offices.

She had contributed lot, politicaly some problem solved by her.

Impact of monastery of women:

Women who insight the sin. Women do not have thinking capacity like men. some men
dominated ideologies towards women. Many widows have been facilitated in the spiritual
world.

15 to 18 centuries many widows were hunted and killed, many were burnt alive. Another
side, some women lived a life of highly exalted and actively involved in the social service.

There is no great theologians – they never allow into the theology, but monastery helped
them and educated them.

Women in the monastery:

Active particiapation as tutors/ helpers/education/

Johan = woman in male shoe.

Europe – after 10th century many women are highly respected because of their contribution to
the society. There are wealthy women like Marshallah own convents. Some collected some
widows. St. Jerome some other theologians helped them. Women in their own capacity try to
uplift the women. Even pope could not silent them, they are some exceptionally, not allowed
as leaders in the church and the society.

Assignment on women were recorded in india in secular society, in the church, what is the
present status.

Women in:
Women in Secular society in India
Women in Spiritual (Christian) society in india
Women in Contemporary Present society
(4 pages)

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Women in the era of reformation:

Reformers view: martin Luther, Zwingly and Calvin.

16th century is one of turning point. Its new chapter for women in Christianity.

The principles of the reformation and how these helped to women’s ..

Main basic principles are 1. The authority of the Bible. Bible is source authority of the Bible
in the church. RC uphold the Bible as power of Bible, equal waitage of Bible and Pope. But
reformers says that pope just human being.

Reformers says Bible is the sourse of infallible truth. Every tradition, doctrines should be
tested. Incase of doctrinal controversy in the matter of faith and doctrinal, scripture alone can
give right judgment.

1. scripture is authority of in the matter of faith, doctrinal controversy and our life and
salvation. We do not need equivalent pope and traditions.

2. Justification by faith alone: not by works or actions. RC says certain good works are
needed in order to get salvation. Martin Luther says that: human good works, judgment are
not perfect. Human obedience is always imperfect and vanish. By reading Romans Martin
Luther influenced. Some early church fathers run away from monastery and started their part
in the society, realizing that good works are nothing to do with. Reformers says that all our
good works are wain.

3. priesthood of all believers: priesthood of all believers are not allowed in the early stage.
Only some are elected. Reformers were totally against these kind of theory. God and us we
no need any body mediator. RC they are so strict in sacraments. Every sacraments they
expects offerings. There are seven sacraments. They have to go through the priest. That’s the
reason there are many sins have hidden. They do not want to confess the sins. God is open to
every one, we have right to repent to directly to God. God will listen to every prayers. Going
back to the scripture. Only two sacraments highlighted: Baptism and the Lord Supper.
Everybody have right to access the scripture.

In many ways women have been given participation in the church in certain extension.

Marthin Luther and Women:

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What he talked about women. During his time man is superior that women. He is refined
family. He is very family man. He allowed his wife in maximum freedom in his house in his
married life. Maximum love to women. He was the man of his stage. He says, physically
weak, women have limitation outside but in home she have fully freedom. Women as a
creation of God, we need to look upon them as reverence, love, care, she should be with man.
If we see in moderated view, he allowed women to bring children in godly way. \when it
comes wife and husband matter, women should submit herself to her man. In madival church,
we should beat women in the matter of disobey. In his commentary, women have equal status
with man. Divine image, equal image of God.eve also equal to adam. In the term of eternal
salvation both of them are equal. In marriage agreement, we should give certain amount of
freedom in the marriage relationship. Women is agent of evil, devil, seduce man, gate way of
evil these are the previous RC opinion once upon. Martin Luther says that we should look
women as reverend and equal, honor.

Marriage; Christian Marriage. It was the church who declare the women are inferior.
Marriage is beautiful thing, God instituted. Children are the heritage from God. he challenged
the celibacy life.

Presently if we want to be priest, we need to get marry.

Martin Luther and women:

Women are given freedom in homes only not in the society and domestic affairs and lives.
Church gave permission and limitations to women. In the church lives women are not
allowed to discipline the children as well.

In the RC they should remain as celibacy, but in Martin Lurther opened that Marriage is a
sacrament. We should not run away from marriage institution. We need to fulfill the God’s
will. Whoever do ministry they should marry and enter in to minsity. Later Martin Luther
preached many sermons regarding marriage.

Marriage is union between men and women only for mutual understanding, not for lust or any
other purpose, minister’s wife should be taking part in the ministry. Women have certain
limitations and witness in outside the church and public ministry. He doesn’t encourage

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women to preach on pulpit. Because women have weak memory, women have low voice.
Women should not baptize and administer sacraments.

When women is a midwives can help in the area of child about to die after delivery they can
baptize them.

Priesthood of believer:

Anybody can have right to be forgiven, no need human mediator. Here women are also
included in the believers. Women also can approach God as well. There should be ordain
ministers. Every human being have direct access to God without mediator. There should be
ordain minister.

Women are the care taker of women.

Share the responsibility with husband/women can preach where there is no men/ when there
is no man willing to preach.

John Calvin and Women

Systematic theologican

Institute of Christian religion – John Calvin

Presbytorianchuch and reform church exactly follow the John Calvin theology. Many
scholars says that he supports ancient tradition negative also there regarding him in the area
of support of women in the church.

Before John calvin, women keep their virginity forever to serve the society and the church.
Spiritual bride of the society.Their joy in living in the virginity.Because of sin of EVE’s sin.
Because of women, women should avoid marriage lives.

Companion aspect of Marriage:

For martin Luther – companionship with helper, to be together.

John Calvin – its companion, going with husband. He is not consider children. They should
be equal partners. Reproduction not considered as important. Women little bit liberal.

Paul’s teachings on women: silence in the church, they should not speak, they should ask
husband, paul’sadvise to the women – is a matter of human law according to Paul, human law
vs. divine law. We cannot change the divine law, but human law can be change. Subjective to
human law. We can bring quality by force. In the Roman Church have lot of things. Some

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time they speak irrelevant words in the church in the context of the Paul. It subject to change
according to the need of the things.not divine law but human law. Everything meant for the
edification of the church. He never against Paul’s teachings.

Calvin’s institution of Christian religion – John Calvin – 15 th century. – shaped reformed

theology. Most of the protestants will follows. How to promote peace and order in the church,
without the Mosaic tradition, church tradition etc. there are several rules and regulations
bonds church in that context.

It is subject to change, its not divine making but man making. We need to be responsible
citizen. Pope is the head of the church. They have lot of rules and the regulations. We need to
adhere or repair our church orders regarding women.

All early church fathers, so much stress in original sin, sin caused by woman alone. After the
fall both are in the sin..not only woman is the responsible to the sin. Both are in same
condition.

1 Cori 14:34 – Paul telling against women not to speak. In the context many of the women
are prostitute. We should follow what is written. Tradition made by human.

Doctrines:

In the sight of God both are same. Martin Luther believes that man and woman are same in
the image of God.

Marriage: arrange marriage is tradition in that context.

Bible translation: all the common people never read bible, even women as well. Most of them
are torturing women in the homes. They started to see women in different eyes. They started
to rise their voice when they read bible in their own native language.

Lost class – after reformation evangelical movement. 18,19 century by pietistic movement in
German, swiss, England, etc. several ways of Evangelical movement. ZIngzenduff, who lead
this movement.Weslean revival movement in the beginning of the 18 th century.John Wesley
and Charles Wesley.

John Wesley started to preach the salvation and repentance of gospel. Until that no one teach
in this way. The doctrinal and theological issues are main topic. When he started preaching,

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he started to ask forgiveness of sin, everyone need of salvation. The need of salvation is his
main focus.

Followers of teaching of John Wesley called – Methodists. Their mother was Susanna
Wesley. Their running a form. She use to taught lot of things to her children. She extended
her ministry to other people. Apart of her family there are 200 people were gathering, she
focus only on God. there are men and children use to participate. She one who started to have
fire camp in the teaching. He always telling about her mother. How she grown up her
children.

From the beginning of the Wesleyan movement, John Wesley never encourage women. John
Wesley encouraged women fully participate in the class ministry only. Exaltation
responsibility – singing, participate, etc. not preaching area.

Until that time women were not participaten those. Exaltation and prayer meetings used to
conducted by women. Later on women slowly participation started. Female are the majority
participants. Later period women’s role is very important. Women valunterely work done by
women. Chairs, arranging the church, serviing the needy, providing to the poor. If its is the
call of God, serving , freely and voluntering themselves. In Methodist church, john Wesley
could not stop them. Experiencing the theology of the church. Revival movement how
women in domestic area, weomen, were given, true theological society. In evangelican
movement.Enjoing God’s ministry. Revival movement helped women to experience
participated in the church

A great wakening: Notthumbtone, Jonathan Edward; new in

Gearge while field. And john Wesley. 1934 there is revival movement = north 1734 a great
revival movement. All revival moment is the middle of Salvation.

Second thing that inspired by revival movement. Lost o charity, providing poor, etc. lay level
of evangelical movement.Among untraining people. Most of the women are voluntary in the
history. Majority of them are woman. Most of the imprisoned people are bandits, thieves, evil
doers. These women one who serves.

Loser/Luca of Daniel: rich women, supporting, helping missionaries, supplying their needs
etc. not occupied by the warod. Fun and prayer and food goes hand to hand. Women gives
maximum in the ministry.

17th and 18th century – women-pietistic movement/revival movement (17th and 18th Century)

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Women taking huge responsibility voluntarily without appointment of the church started to
work in the ministry. Rich women trying to help women in the prison. In the military, war,
missionaries sending also started.

If at all women do ministry they should exaltation only – John Wesley. Prayer meeting – if at
all women conducting prayer meeting but never called as congregation.

The great awakening movement lasted for several years. Independent seeking God. Piety
movement. It was happened in European countries.

18th century is the enlightenment period. Human reasons – enlightening themselves with
reasons. They too theoretical and superstition. Enlightening period effected and impacted
social, religious, cultural and political situation of the context. Somany supersticiious things
happening. Education played a major role. Human reason in European countries played a
major role. Kings rule over his kingdom in might, tyranny with force rule over the nations.
Philosophical thoughts become baseless become. Everybody started to raise questions. Many
philosophical teachings becomes questionable. Changes for better world in many ways. Fight
against tyranny. Practical theology, contextual theology came all kinds of theology broke
out.

In the matter of women, it is not favorable to Women. In German 1830 women colleges were
started.

15th century – free women can have a business in Roman rich women. There are many
women who are having strong hold in the business and have own property. In 18 th century
women cannot have own property any more. 18th century onward many women suffered. Its
less then 10% business field. Property were ceased to women. If women do not have father,
the property goes to any man in the family. Not for the women. Still there are many women
who are really qualified actively participating in the ministry.

Women in Education – basic education at home, during the reformation Martin Luther
encouraged women studies with her brother.

In the time of 18th c. women started to study along with all children.

There are seminary Troy seminary established by “Emma Willard” in 1821. Emma started
syllabus to women. For the equally education to the women in the systematic way. She wrote
syllabus to the schools and she is the author of many books. Education is the break through
the traditional activities in the society.

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It comes to 19th Century –

Women education for household works

Women in theological education : women started to pursue theiogy whoever want to study
they can. The first woman Antoniette Brown was the first student. She had the theological
degree in the beginning. 1853 she was ordained, she was given master degree, she was
serving in her congregational church. She was awarded doctorate degree in 1863.

Women in economy:

In enlightenment period. No business, women contributed a lot for economical situation for
family. They need to work hard in order to daily living. They startd to engage 6 th age onwards
helping to the family and mother, for house purpose in form house. If artisan family, handi
craft family, they engage themselves in that kind of work.

Daily wages: their daily labour always less though women works more.. economically they
are suffering. Women become backbone economically to the family. No easy to earning
money. Otherwise they have to fast.

Without women revival movement cannot be done..

The role of women in 19th and 20th century (women in modern Christianity)

They are women live like a men. There are lots of women movement we can see.

How women movement originated and developed?

It was the beginning of the women movement

Most of the people are woolen work in that time. After French revelation once it happen,
feudalism developed. Rich people become rulers. Women started to rise voice and women
movement become stronger.

Olympic played a major role.

French revolution.

Declaration of the rights of women. In the terms of politic arena.

Windication of rights of women by mary

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Women slavery – in

Women are so strong in the time of slave trading. Slavery system /sexual urges causes more
children and black slaves.

Psychologically and mentally, emotionally women crussed down. Economically, socially,

politically they do not have any right.

In 1833 – amenrical anti slavery society was started, they met in Philedelphia and women
allowed to raise their voices. But in practicle nothing happen. Female anti society.

1837 – women slavery and female anti slavery society they want to help all the slaves. These
women started to help in north America. Some women become activists some of them are
negative.

1830,s and 40s literally takes shelter and secure the women slaves. Transportation of the
slave.

Women’s movement: how it become independent..

Women movement

Women’s right: Sececa Falls tradition, july 19, 1848

Temperance Movement

Around three hundred women, a few men only. Later women admitting men to be a part of in
this movement. Suppras caste – low level people.

Education in the 19 century is played a great role. 1840s onwards, the more they educated
and civil rights as well, they both go hand in hand.

Literature: they turn themselves in writers, they become writers. Women literature very
become important. They express their feelings in writings. Many of them not argue with men,
that the reason they started to writing, many of writings are not acceptable by men. They
should not speak and remain silent. They have to bear that kind of life. They fight for slaves
and women rights, rights in divorce, right in all aspects.

Temperance movements: against complains of alcahal. Any drinks that causes damage.
Consumption of alchahal against. It was endorsed by women movement. Still 19 th century

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women were not permitted to drink, only men. It was particularly reserved for men. Drinking
alcahal, in America there are very violent. There are some temperance preacher. Almost all
women support, men support, church was behind this movement. By all these support women
started to preach on this tempering. The negative is ‘I was drunk’ .. alchohal is a most huge
issue. Many of time they face humiliation.

Mothers union, maiden society.

Missionary movement – 19th society started by European countries. In india ‘ida scudder,
mother Teresa ..

Before women are not allowed in 1840s and 50s.

These minissionaries they have their own mission society.

William carey and 5 people started Baptist missionarity socity. A women who gave her house
to missionaries. They are contributing money but they themselves are going and doing
ministry as missionary. When the slavery was abolished and women movement spread entire
America.

Feminist movement in 19th century:

Liberal feminism – not only for women but also men. Sexual harassment, self, etc.

Lesbian or gay marriage.

Socialist feminism: economically stable and independent.

I. Domestic work: it should be devide between men and women. It is the duty of
husband as well not only wife.
II. Socializing centre: taking care children, women go for works.
III. Nursery schools. Day care centers, nursery schools started. They started to stand
on their feet to support their family.
IV. Experiments: common laundries. Work for laundries
V. Living in dormatories: working women hostel.
VI. Advocate for maternity leaves. Contraceptive bills

in 1970; French feminism – women fight for their rights. In Christian community. From
many centuries church leaders, theologians they are having the negative mentality of the
women. They are gate way to heaven etc. women always lead to sin.

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Socialist feminism made huge fight in church. Mary who bought the salvation. It’s a long
time teaching of the church. Men and women are equally same in the sight of God and grace.
No different between women and men. In the matter of religious affires, equality, rights equal
status, 1970 is a great revelation in the world regarding the equality of women and men.

Socialist feminism:

Radical feminism;

Faminism – movement fighting for libration

Radical – extremist: any movement some kind of radicalism will be there.

Creation, biological difference between men and women. Anti – male. Radical feminism first
problem is biological difference, anti-male, they totally hate men, patriarchal society of men.
They have the own way of reading and interprete the bible.

Enmity towards men – if we have to bring sound society. We should eliminated the society.
Radical feminism – hatred man. They do not have separate movement, but it’s everywhere. It
present somewhere and everywhere.

Liberal, socialism feminism – bring equality in the society and the church. Men and women
respect each other.

Radical feminism – they do not need of men. They never think of home, wife and husband,
family relationship but always compitation between men and women.

It was happened by socialist feminism who fight for their own rights.

Feminist theology:- theire methodology was experience of women is their methodology.

Women Experiences uses as their methodological studies. Male and female shape and mold
in the perspective and frame of patriarchal setup. Women was powerless in lot our context.
Women have insecurity. No support, primary will be given to son rather daughter. Identity
crisis. Women should have own identity. Many of the community women will have the
identity of men in the house.

Different names and different community. American faminists, Indian feminists etc.

19th, 18th, 20th, century women feminist like wise available..

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