This comparative study graphs the feminist theological trajectory of the religious writings of four eclectic, but similar, women: Hannah More, Mary Wollstonecraft, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Mary Baker Eddy.

"To my knowledge, there is no other text available that compares and contrasts the writings of these women. Ingham demonstrates a keen understanding of the cultural and personal situation of the writers, literary genre, and theological bias of the women in this book. She even critiques one writer based upon the writings of another. She makes the women live for the reader. The author knows her subject well and has an enthusiasm for the writings of the women. She has chosen dozens of quotations as transitions or introductions and some of them are truly remarkable. The idea of comparing these writings is unique. This book could become a classic in the field." - Marla J. Selvidge, Professor and Director, Center for Religious Studies, University of Central Missouri

"This is difficult and dense material carefully presented by an author well versed in the religious discourse of the period." - Sabine Vanacker, Lecturer in English, University of Hull

"The choice of both feminist and anti-feminist writers reveals that these writers are actually closer in their views than has previously been thought." - Heather Ingman, Trinity College

Autorentext

ARLEEN M. INGHAM is an Independent Scholar whose work focuses on the intersection of literature and philosophy. She holds a PhD from the University of Hull, UK.

Inhalt
Introduction The Female Subject: Forceful Fathers, Prescriptive Pinnies, and the Reinforcing of Female Subjection 'The Religious is Personal is Political': Corrupt Politics, Personal Conversion, and the Reforming Potential of Spiritually-minded Women Education, Sensibility, and Religion: Intelligent Intuitivism, Fixed Principles, and a First Cause Woman's Right to Revelation: Spiritual Suffrage and the Word of God Woman, the Elect of God?: Slaves, Salvation, and Matriarchal Ministers Conclusion