Women of Faith and the Quest for Spiritual Authenticity: Comparative Perspectives from Malaysia and Britain

Women of Faith and the Quest for Spiritual Authenticity is a comprehensive study that explores women's religious expressions from various faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Wicca, and Druidism. Despite social advances, women's religious experiences remain overlooked and marginalized by patriarchal religious leadership and dogmatic interpretations. This research monograph challenges these exclusions and amplifies women's voices, presenting their religious experiences as embodied, personal, and diverse. It is of interest to scholars in sociology of religion, feminist and gender studies, politics, ethnicity, and Southeast Asian studies, as well as to the general reader interested in faith and feminism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Women of Faith and the Quest for Spiritual Authenticity is a groundbreaking study that delves into the diverse religious expressions of women across different faiths and cultures. Drawing from over fifty-eight in-depth qualitative interviews with women of faith in Malaysia and Britain, the book offers a multifaith, multicultural, and cross-cultural comparative focus. It explores the unique religious experiences of women practicing Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Wicca, and Druidism, among others.

Despite the significant social strides towards women's emancipation and the critical critiques from feminist theologians within and beyond the Abrahamic religions, women's religious experiences continue to be overshadowed by patriarchal religious leadership and ongoing masculinized, dogmatic interpretations. Even feminism itself has yet to fully prioritize the spiritual dimension of women's lives. This extensive feminist research monograph aims to challenge these exclusions and elevate women's voices, allowing them to speak powerfully about their religious experiences, interpretations, and practices.

This book is an ecumenical and engaging ethnography that grounds faith as embodied, personal, painful, vibrant, diverse, illuminating, and shared. Through the narratives and life stories of the women interviewed, the book offers a profound exploration of the multifaceted nature of faith and its impact on women's lives. It will appeal to academics and students specializing in the sociology of religion, feminist and gender studies, politics, ethnicity, and Southeast Asian studies, as well as to a broader audience interested in faith and feminism.

The study highlights the need to recognize and respect the diverse religious expressions of women, and to challenge the patriarchal structures that often marginalize their voices and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of amplifying women's perspectives and promoting gender equality within religious communities. Women of Faith and the Quest for Spiritual Authenticity serves as a valuable contribution to the field, offering insights into the lived experiences of women and contributing to a more inclusive and understanding understanding of religion and gender.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 160 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367436759