By Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Revising Committee
[1898]
The Woman's Bible, written by famous 19th Century feminist Elizabeth Cady
Stanton and a "Revising Committee",
is one of the first attempts by women
to evaluate the Judeo-Christian legacy and its impact on women through
history. Stanton concluded that 'the Bible
in its teachings degrades Women from Genesis to Revelation'.
However she and the other contributors found much to admire in the Bible,
particularly some of the Old Testament women.
While many of her views are still controversial, time and advances
in womens' rights have lessened some of the shock value of this book.
Stanton doesn't go as far as some modern feminist theologians and
proclaim 'God is a woman', but there are several contributions
which discuss the gender of the 'Elohim' and the female
aspects of the Kabbalah.
The book is very readable and entertaining, despite occasional
references to now-moot 19th Century political issues
(such as temperance and bimetallism).
