Christian Women in the Patristic World: Their Influence, Authority, and Legacy in the Second Through Fifth Centuries - Paperback

by Lynn H. Cohick (Author), Amy Brown Hughes (Author)

A Top Ten Book for Parish Ministry in 2017, Academy of Parish Clergy

A Jesus Creed 2017 Book of the Year (Honorable Mention)

From facing wild beasts in the arena to governing the Roman Empire, Christian women--as preachers and philosophers, martyrs and empresses, virgins and mothers--influenced the shape of the church in its formative centuries. This book provides in a single volume a nearly complete compendium of extant evidence about Christian women in the second through fifth centuries. It highlights the social and theological contributions they made to shaping early Christian beliefs and practices, integrating their influence into the history of the patristic church and showing how their achievements can be edifying for contemporary Christians.

Back Jacket

How Women Influenced the Church in Its Formative Centuries

"I constantly encourage students and pastors to tell more stories about women in the early church from the pulpit, in classes, and in casual conversations. This is a book for every pastor's and teacher's bookshelf because it not only tells stories about women but also shows how the early church, which has often been maligned for its reputation when it comes to women, was more formed by women than many know."
--Scot McKnight, Northern Seminary

"This engaging volume, accessible to students and general readers alike, highlights the theological contributions of women in the second through the fifth centuries CE. Informed by a thorough knowledge of the ancient historical context, the authors offer a nuanced discussion of the fascinating material. This book sheds new light on aspects of women's influence in early Christian communities, with a specific focus on their roles in theological debate and development."
--Margaret MacDonald, Saint Mary's University

"In this exceptional book, Cohick and Hughes bring to the fore the often overlooked protomartyrs, theologians, teachers, ascetics, and politicians of the early church--the women whose stories animated the imagination of Christians for centuries and whose influence, authority, and legacy has been preserved in the literary and material record."
--George Kalantzis, Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies, Wheaton College

"This engaging and readable study of early Christian women is especially appealing because of its attention to a selection of fascinating characters. By adopting this kind of biographical approach, while still supporting their stories with excellent scholarly analysis and helpful historical context, Cohick and Hughes make their subjects--and their times and places--come alive."
--Robin Jensen, Vanderbilt University

"Cohick and Hughes bring a welcome gift to patristic scholarship and to the classroom. Theologically nuanced, historically informed, contextually careful, and delightfully written, this book will both enlighten and challenge readers, scholars, and students alike."
--Helen Rhee, Westmont College

"This sophisticated and wide-ranging study will be of great interest to anyone concerned with the status and roles of women in the early Christian world. Abundantly illustrated and sensitive to the many problems of interpretation posed by sources, it takes us on an exhilarating ride."
--David G. Hunter, University of Kentucky

Author Biography

Lynn H. Cohick (PhD, University of Pennsylvania) is provost, dean of academic affairs, and professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lisle, Illinois.

Amy Brown Hughes (PhD, Wheaton College) is assistant professor of theology at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts.