Women in the Orthodox Tradition - by Ashley Marie Purpura (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Women in the Orthodox Tradition brings feminist insights into dialogue with Orthodox Christianity to theologically identify and respond to challenges of gender equality.

Orthodox Christianity places great importance upon tradition, from doctrinal formulas and sainted teachings to festal commemorations and a hymnic liturgy. But what does this mean for women who are often missing, misrepresented, or outnumbered in the androcentric historical tradition? Women in the Orthodox Tradition engages with feminist insights to argue that ignoring this bias in Christian tradition is theologically problematic for Orthodox faith. By critically examining the spiritual values that shape Orthodoxy, the commemorations of women saints within it, and liturgical and doctrinal expressions that shape it, author Ashley Marie Purpura makes the case that it is theologically necessary to unsay the patriarchal limits of tradition and seek a more inclusive approach instead.

In acknowledging the messy entanglement between tradition, theology, and historical patriarchal values, Women in the Orthodox Tradition advocates for women's voices, contributions, and diverse humanity within the church.

Review Quotes

"A compelling and bold example of Orthodox feminist theology, Purpura lays bare the theological inequalities and social challenges Orthodox Christian women have and continue to face, asking us to reckon with systemic oppression and patriarchal androcentrism." --Sarah Riccardi-Swartz, author of Between Heaven and Russia

"This is the first book-length attempt to bring feminist theory and theology into conversation with women in the Orthodox Church. That alone makes it invaluable." --Carrie Frederick Frost, author of Church of Our Granddaughters

About the Author

Ashley Marie Purpura is an associate professor of religion in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Purdue University. She is the author of God, Hierarchy, and Power: Orthodox Theologies of Authority from Byzantium and co-editor of Orthodox Tradition and Human Sexuality and Rethinking Gender in Orthodox Christianity.