Gender and Medieval Mysticism from India to Europe (Contemporary Theological Explorations in Mysticism)

Synopsis

This book opens up a dialogue between pre-modern women identified as mystics in diverse locations from South Asia to Europe. It considers how women from the disparate religious traditions of Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity expressed devotion in parallel ways. The argument is that women’s mysticism demands to be compared not because of any essential "female" experience of the divine but because the parallel positions of marginalization that pre-modern women experienced led them to deploy intimate encounters with the divine to speak publicly and claim authority. The topics covered range from the Sufi devotional tradition of Sidis (Indians of African ancestry) to the Bhakti poet Mīrābaī and the nuns of Barking Abbey. Collectively the chapters show how mysticism allowed premodern women to speak and act by unsettling traditional gender roles and expectations for religious behavior. At the same time as uncovering connections, the juxtaposition of women from different traditions serves to highlight distinctive features. The book draws on a range of disciplinary expertise and will be of particular interest to scholars of medieval religion and theology as well as history and literary studies.

Copyright:

2024

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

246 Pages

ISBN-13:

9781000928600

Related ISBNs:

9781032396842, 9781032358499, 9781003350880

Publisher:

Taylor and Francis

Date of Addition:

09/29/23

Copyrighted By:

selection and editorial matter, Alexandra Verini and Abir Bazaz

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

Nonfiction, Religion and Spirituality

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.

Edited by:

Alexandra Verini

Edited by:

Abir Bazaz