Abstract
Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe were both medieval mystics who had a profound impact on the image of Christian feminine divinity. One of the most interesting aspects of their religious philosophies and of their private communications with God, was the way in which both women portrayed and used motherhood in their perceptions and understandings of the divine.

Abstract
The focus of this paper is the roles of women during the Han period. More specifically, the marriage relationship, and women's roles within this union will take precedence in this paper.

Tags:women, han, dynasty

From the Paper
"Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) was one of the most unusual people of the twelfth century. She was the first of the long tradition of female visionary mystics who constituted one of the most singular phenomena of the Middle Ages. And, at a time when women had almost no access to public life, Hildegard was famous for her writings, corresponded with the pope and many of the most important men in Europe, headed her own convent, traveled and preached orthodox Christianity against various heresies, and composed liturgical music. From a twentieth-century point of view Hildegard might seem like a distant predecessor of the fully enfranchised woman who is today's ideal. But in order to understand her life and works it is necessary to view them in the context of her own times. For, in spite of the unusual nature of her gifts of vision and prophecy, Hildegard was a staunch ..."

Abstract
This paper examines how, throughout the Koran, women are described as equal to men in most ways, including spiritually, educationally, and socially. In fact, the Muslim woman was at times placed above her male counterpart because of her status as mother and wife. It discusses how, unfortunately, over time, the intentions of the Koran gave way to varying interpretations of the role of the Muslim woman. and society rarely reflected the moral precepts set in the book of worship.

From the Paper
"Spiritually, women and men are treated with utmost equality in the scriptures of the Koran. Even creation is described as an equitable process. From the Koran, chapter seven, verse 189, "He (God) it is who did create you from a single soul and therefrom did create its mate, that he might dwell with her (in love)." From this verse, we can interpret the sameness of human origin, that is, that no entity supersedes another. We can also interpret Allah's desire to have His followers experience love through his wisdom. According to this passage, men and women were supposed to love one another equally. This obviously differs from the Judeo-Christian take on creation in that both man and woman were made from one soul, and neither is more perfect or whole than the other."

Tags:allah, equality, middle, east, muhammed, creation

From the Paper
"In her book Standing Again at Sinai, Judith Plaskow attempts to shape and describe a feminist Judaism, and she does so by describing the existing situation and how it developed, the meaning of a feminist Judaism, and how such a change might be brought about, assuming that it is determined that this would be a valuable addition to Judaic thought and practice. Plaskow begins by noting the contradictions that exist between a feminist conception of Judaism and the actuality, and she then considers different aspects of Jewish life and how women fit into them as well as how she believes women should fit into them. Her discussion echoes that of a number of other religious and feminist theorists who have considered the nature of religious thought today, the way a patriarchal religious society has developed, and how to regain some of what has been lost over the ... "

From the Paper
"This study will examine the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament in the Holy Bible. The study will include consideration of the authorship of the Book of Ruth, the date written, a brief outline of the book, major theological themes, the historical setting, and its place in the Hebrew canon.

The Book of Ruth follows the Book of Judges in the Old Testament. It is a relatively brief book, containing only four chapters, and is named after its heroine. It is set in the time of the judges, as we read in Ruth 1:1: "Now it came to pass in days when the judges ruled . . . ."

The question then arises as to why the Book of Ruth was not made a part of the Book of Judges, having chronicled events which are believed to have occurred at the same general period of time as the previous book."

Abstract
This paper presents a debate regarding the emphasis placed on Hildegard of Bingen's spirituality. The paper considers whether her spirituality was visual, theological, or both, and suggests that an understanding of Hildegard's spirituality can best be obtained from the perspective of the culture and society of the time in which she wrote. The paper also details her history, her visionary accounts, her art, and her early feminist work.

From the Paper
"Interest in Hildegard of Bingen has increased in recent times and especially interest in her role as visionary. Although Hildegard's spirituality was based on visions, it was the very fact that she believed these visions were of divine origin that allowed her to be led to God through them and thus achieve spiritual satisfaction. Therefore, Hildegard's spirituality did not give any more emphasis to either the visual or theological, but rather accepted a combination of both as each was dependent on the other for completion. It is also important to remember that religious writers such as Hildegard were often affected by the contemporaneous issues which surrounded them and they sought to address these issues in their writing. Thus, for a comprehensive reading of Hildegard's spirituality, visions and theology, her work must be viewed through the culture and society of the time in which she wrote."

Tags:bingen, hildegard, spirituality, visionary

Abstract
A very involved and thorough examination through both primary and secondary textual sources of the figure of the Goddess within Hindu tradition. A history of Hinduism and the development of its deity plurality is outlined, with specific reference to the many and varied female deities. A more detailed history of the development of goddesses is included, outlining the symbolic and mythical purpose of the female figure to the male figure. The Shakti principle is discussed, along with specific Hindu philosophy as found in the numerous Puranas, or Hindu texts. The importance of the female aspect in life as creator is highlighted specifically in regards to the Tantric tradition. The paper's final conclusion outlines the underlying, two-fold way in which the Goddess has gained theological significance within the Hindu tradition.

From the Paper
"Goddesses have been worshiped throughout the world for thousands of years. However unlike most cultures, goddess worship persisted within the Hindu tradition and continued in to modern times using a combination of both traditional and original forms. Today goddesses exist alongside masculine deities as some of the most important figures within the Hindu pantheon. The Hindu tradition itself has not remained unchanged however. What is understood as "Hinduism" today has been the result of a dynamic and ever-changing tradition which continues to evolve and adapt as time progresses. The nature of this spirituality is therefore such that it almost becomes impossible to identify one religion or one tradition that can be truly identified as "Hindu." Similarly, the concept of the goddess figure within this tradition has also changed, her theology evolving to reflect the differing stages of the Hindu tradition. As such, the significance of the goddess today does not reflect an accurate account of her historical place within this tradition. To discover the significance of the goddess today an exploration of the development of Hinduism is necessary, as well as an understanding of the transformation the goddess figure underwent from individuated identity to unified "goddess" energy. This will thus lay the foundation for an examination of the two prime theological functions to which the goddess became attached for within the Hindu tradition."

Tags:brahman, deities, devi, hinduism, purana, shakti, tantra

Abstract
This paper discusses how, like most religions, gender roles are an important part of both Christianity and Judaism. It shows how both of these religions have very specific roles for men and women, which constitute key theological areas of both faiths and how, because Christianity arose out of Judaism, some of the gender roles are similar. It also looks at how Christianity has some unique gender roles of its own. Further, how the gender roles in both Judaism and Christianity have changed and evolved over the centuries.

From the Paper
"Women, as keepers of the house and home, had special tasks to perform when preparing for the Sabbath. On Fridays before sunset, they had to work hard to finish the cooking and clean the house ("Women's Role in the Rituals"). They set the table for the first Sabbath meal and put all things that remind people of work out of view, as no work is permitted on the Sabbath. The woman of the house lights two candles on a table and says a prayer of blessing for the family; when this is completed, the Sabbath has officially begun ("Women's Role in the Rituals"). This is one of three ritual acts specifically given to women to perform in the traditional Jewish religion. Afterward, the man of the house blesses his children first sons, then daughters and then blesses his wife. The family then begins the first meal of the Sabbath. The last meal of the Sabbath is concluded with another prayer from the woman of the house."

Tags:sabbath, torah, home, church, ministers, rabbis

Abstract
This paper analyzes Maria Harris' book "Jubilee Time, Celebrating Women, Spirit and the Advent of Age" as a help for those studying women at mid-life transitions who are struggling to remain in the workforce. It focuses on generativity, taking inventory of our lives and the spirituality of aging. It outlines the confrontations for women reaching the age of retirement and encourages a celebration of age. The book sees increasing age as a time of challenge and excitement and this paper encourages women to see mid life as a strengthening time. It provides a chapter by chapter chart summary with commentary.

From the Paper
"The introduction sets the theme of journey, a celebration of the fiftieth year and an invitation to women to consider their journey into the decades following this milestone. It invites the reader to consider the concept of rest and re-creation for this part of the life journey. There is an explanation of the Leviticus text, some elucidation of Maria Harris' own life journey from 48 years, and reference to other writers who influenced this book. . If spirituality is intimately connected with life, then it could be said to be life breathed into all, as daily routines are followed in a way that generates life even in the mundane happenings (Treston, 1985, p. 90). Nowhere did I feel Harris empathy and "walking with" the reader was more evident than in the details of the many women who provided the research data so the book could be written."

Tags:community, depression, ego, freedom, generativity, integrity, intimacy