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: Paperback / softback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
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 in addressing the inequalities experienced by women. 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 provides a rich tapestry of women's experiences and perspectives. It will appeal to academics and students in the fields of sociology of religion, feminist and gender studies, politics, ethnicity, and Southeast Asian studies, as well as to the general reader with a broad interest 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 and interpretations that have historically marginalized their voices. It emphasizes the importance of amplifying women's perspectives and experiences in religious discourse and scholarship, and promoting greater gender equality and inclusivity in religious practices and institutions.

Overall, Women of Faith and the Quest for Spiritual Authenticity is a valuable contribution to the field of religious studies, offering a fresh and insightful perspective on the experiences of women in faith. It provides a roadmap for further research and advocacy, and encourages individuals and communities to embrace the diversity and richness of women's spiritual journeys.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367726225