Feminism and Religion: How Faiths View Women and Their Rights

Renowned subject experts Michele A. Paludi and J. Harold Ellens lead readers through a detailed exploration of the feminist methods, issues, and theoretical frameworks that have made women central, not marginal, to religions around the world.

At a conference in 2013, Gloria Steinem noted that religion is the ＂biggest problem＂ facing feminism today. In this insightful volume, a team of researchers, psychologists, and religious leaders led by editors Michele A. Paludi and J. Harold Ellens supply their expertise and informed opinions to examine the problems, spur understanding, and pose solutions to the conflicts between religion and women’s rights, thereby advocating a global interest in justice and love for women. Examples of subjects addressed include the pro-life/pro-choice debate, feminism in new age thought, and the complex intersections of religion and feminism combined with gender, race, and ethnicity.

The contributed work in this unique single-volume book enables a better understanding of how various religions view women--both traditionally and in the modern context--and how feminist thinking has changed the roles of women in some world religions. Readers will come away with clear ideas about how religious cultures can honor feminist values, such as family-friendly workplace policies, reproductive justice, and pay equity, and will be prepared to engage in conversation and constructive debate regarding how faith and feminism are interrelated today.

Michele A. Paludi, PhD, is an internationally recognized author and consultant in the areas of campus violence, workplace violence, bullying, sexual harassment, and diversity.

J. Harold Ellens, PhD, is a retired university professor of philosophy and psychology, retired Presbyterian theologian and pastor, retired U.S. Army Chaplain (Colonel), and executive director emeritus of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies.