Women in the Orthodox Tradition

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.

Introduction: Toward an Orthodox Feminist Theological Engagement with Tradition 1. Acknowledging Tradition's Gendered Limitations 2. Commemorating the Patriarchal Woman 3. Spiritual Values and Gender Equality 4. Theology and Women's Full Humanity 5. Approaches for Unsaying Patriarchal Androcentrism 6. Resources for Advocating for Women in Tradition Conclusion

"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