This volume examines gender-specific religious practices and contends that the pursuit of holiness can destabilize binary gender itself. Though saints may be classified as masculine or feminine, holiness may also cut across gender divisions and demand a break from normally gendered behaviour.

Studies in gender in medieval culture have tended to focus on femininity, however the study of medieval masculinities has developed greatly over the last few years. Holiness and Masculinity in the Middle Ages is the first volume to concentrate on this specific aspect of medieval gender studies, and looks at the ways in which varieties of medieval masculinity intersected with concepts of holiness. Patricia Cullum and Katherine J. Lewis have collected an exceptional group of essays that explore differing notions of medieval holiness, understood variously as religious, saintly, sacred, pure, morally perfect, and consider topics such as significance of the tonsure, sanctity and martyrdom, eunuch saints, and the writings of Henry Suso. Holiness and Masculinity in the Middle Ages deals with a wide variety of texts and historical contexts, from Byzantium to Anglo-Saxon and late-medieval England.

In Holy Misogyny, bible scholar April DeConick wants real answers to the questions that are rarely whispered from the pulpits of the contemporary Christian churches. Why is God male? Why are women associated with sin? Why can't women be priests? Drawing on her extensive knowledge of the early Christian literature, she seeks to understand the conflicts over sex and gender in the early church-what they were and what was at stake. She explains how these ancient conflicts have shaped contemporary Christianity and its promotion of male exclusivity and superiority in terms of God, church leadership, and the bed. DeConick's detective work uncovers old aspects of Christianity before later doctrines and dogmas were imposed upon the churches, and the earlier teachings about the female were distorted. Holy Misogyny shows how the female was systematically erased from the Christian tradition, and why. She concludes that the distortion and erasure of the female is the result of ancient misogyny made divine writ, a holy misogyny that remains with us today.

An interdisciplinary gender-sensitive approach toward perspectives on the everyday and the sacred are the hallmark of this volume. Looking beyond the dualistic status-quo, the authors probe the categories, textures, powers, and practices that define how we experience, embody, and understand religion and the sacred, their interconnection, but also disassociation with the secular. Contributions by an international group of feminist theologians and religious studies scholars aim to re-configure the study of both religion and gender: Angela Berlis, Anne-Marie Korte, Kune Biezeveld †, Helga Kuhlmann, Maaike de Haardt, Akke van der Kooi, Dorothea Erbele-Küster, Willien van Wieringen, Magda Misset-van de Weg, Gé Speelman, Mathilde van Dijk, Jacqueline Borsje, Hedwig Meyer-Wilmes, Goedroen Juchtmans, Alma Lanser and Riet Bons-Storm.

Author Stacy Mitch's background in college campus evangelization comes through loud and clear in this biblically rich and eminently practical study. Courageous Love takes seriously the fact that everyone is called to holiness, and offers sound, spiritual guidance to women of all ages and backgrounds. Stacy Mitch holds a bachelor's degree in secondary education and has worked as a high school religion teacher. She is a contributing author of the second edition of the Faith and Life elementary catechism series. She resides in Steubenville, Ohio, with her husband Curtis and their five children. About the Series: Intended for individual or group study, our Courageous series examines the teaching of Sacred Scripture on women and the feminine pursuit of holiness for women of all ages and walks of life. Each book includes a leader's guide and study questions to help promote and direct discussion.

After surveying 82 Catholic female college students from around the United States on their definition of holiness for men and women, it is clear they equate gender-normative characteristics with holiness. In other words, a woman must possess gender-normative feminine characteristics to be considered holy, and a man must possess gender-normative masculine characteristics to be considered holy. After analyzing the Catholic Church's theology on the nature of women, it is apparent the Church strongly urges men and women to stay in their respective gender-normative roles, and develop a gendered set of characteristics. The Church names a specific and gendered set of characteristics for women; which can be seen in the androcentric interpretation of the Creation Story, and androcentric teachings such as complementarity theology and the feminine genius. The participant's definitions of holiness, and the Church's androcentric theologies strongly align. Meaning, the Church's theologies on the nature of women are explicitly and implicitly teaching young women that gender-normative characteristics are the sole path to holiness. Emphasizing a narrow path to holiness is harmful to young Catholic women because it inhibits them from living out their fullest, most Christ-centered selves. Additionally, it leaves all women who do not fit the narrow list of gender-normative characteristics without a spiritual home. Instead, the Church needs to embrace women as individuals who possess various God-given characteristics, personalities, and abilities.

Ye That Are Men Now Serve Him: Radical Holiness Theology and Gender in the South examines how religious belief reshaped concepts of gender during the New South period that took place from 1877 to 1915 in ways that continue to manifest today.

Fully revised and expanded, this new work is the first major revision of the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church in more than 40 years! It is the official revision of Lesser Feasts and Fasts and authorized by the 2009 General Convention. All commemorations in Lesser Feasts and Fasts have been retained, and many new ones added. Three scripture readings (instead of current two) are provided for all minor holy days. Additional new material includes a votive mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, many more ecumenical commemorations, plus a proper for space exploration. For years the oft revised volume, Lesser Feasts and Fasts (LFF), has served parishes and individuals mark part of the holiness of each day by providing Scripture readings, a collect, a Eucharistic preface, and a narrative about those remembered on the church's calendar that day whose lives have witnessed to the grace of God. Holy Women, Holy Men (HWHM) is a major effort to revise, but also to expand and enrich LFF. Where LFF provided two readings (gospel and other New Testament) plus a psalm, HWHM adds an Old Testament citation. Where LFF was limited to few non-Anglicans in the post-reformation period (and few non-Episcopalians after 1789), HWHM dramatically broadens appreciation for other Christians and their traditions. Over-emphasis on clergy is redressed by additional laity, males by females, and "in-church" activities by contributions well beyond the workings of institutional agendas. These almost daily commemorations occupy over 600 of the book's 785 pages, by far the lion's share of its content. Remaining sections address: principles of revision and guides for future revision; liturgical propers for seasons (Advent/Christmas, Lent, and Easter); and new propers for a miscellany of propers usable with individuals (or events) not officially listed in the formal calendar. Two cycles of propers for daily Eucharist are also included, one covering a six week period, the other a two year cycle.

Living a holy life in an unholy world can seem a formidable challenge. Through daily renewal in the Word of God, A Woman's Guide to Personal Holiness offers a Scriptural blueprint for holy living. This topical workbook Bible study contains 12 weekly lessons that take women through the Old and New Testaments with a personal challenge for a Christlike lifestyle.