Pre-nineteenth century views on women

• For most of this time, the views held by secular society about women were similar to those held by the Church
• In the early centuries of the Church's existence, some Church leaders held views that were often sexist and sometimes misogynist:

  • Tertullian referred to women as 'the devil's doorway'
  • Augustine of Hippo and others blamed Eve for the Fall
• In the fifth century, a number of Church Councils banned women from being ordained as deacons, and the Pope stated his opposition to women's involvement in celebrating the Eucharist. This suggests that women had been acting in leadership roles in some churches
• The role of women was generally restricted to marriage and motherhood, but the development of the monastic system with its rule of celibacy offered an escape from male domination for some. According to Martin Luther, women should 'remain at home, sit still, keep house, and bear and bring up children'
• Martin Luther: women should 'remain at home, sit still, keep house, and bear and bring up children'
• Some medieval women became highly influential, and have been regarded as early feminists:

  • Hildegard of Bingen (twelfth century) was not only in charge of her convent, but was also a respected musician, poet and naturalist women many medical men consulted about herbs that were useful for healing
  • The writings of Mother Julian of Norwich (fourteenth century) are still in print
• Who are two medieval women regarded as early feminists?

  Hildegard of Bingen and Mother Julian of Norwich
• Hildegard of Bingen:

  Not only in charge of her convent, but was also a respect musician, poet and naturalist whom many medical men consulted about herbs that were useful for healing
• Mother Julian of Norwich:

  Her writings are still in print

  Revelations of Divine Love: 'As truly as God is our Father, so truly is God our Mother'
• Mother Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love: 'As truly as God is our Father, so truly is God our Mother'