Topic: A Concise Overview of the Historical Women in the Church and their Contributions

Thesis: The contributions of women are not pale, in comparison to men when viewed on a
proportional basis, because their contributions mirror their male counterparts.

Abstract

When one begins to read, canvas and glean out the bezels of wisdom and historical facts, dates
and events without recognizing the role of women, is to observe history and behold the church
with only one eye opened. A historical survey of the church will reveal the rich heritage, which
is indebted to the tireless efforts of countless women who have contributed to church. Women
from the very beginning have not only participated in the early formulation of the church but also
from the initial outset of Christ and His ministry. These same individuals have often equally
shared in the toil and tribulations with their male counterparts. These same women, in their own
effort, have greatly contributed to its glorious foundation, literary pillars and spiritual heritage. It
is my intent to present here, only a few of the women whose legacy can be traced within the
cornucopia of pages, which are lined up on the bookshelves of numerous libraries. The area will
be confined around the Mediterranean Sea. Although, I will yet span the countless centuries
encapsulating them and their tireless efforts into manageable size; this is because the
contributions of women are not pale, in comparison to men when viewed on a proportional basis,
because their contributions mirror their male counterparts.

The Initial Women of Egypt

Among the rank and file of great monks of the desert is Pachomius, who for many is considered
to be the true forerunner of the domestication of the solitaries. For during the early 2 nd through
the 3rd century, many individuals, comprised of both men and women existed as hermits, with a
form of dress and menu based in extreme acsetiscm. From this same time and area, comes a
woman named Talida, who was none other than Pachomius’ sister. He provided her with a copy
of his rule, by which she in turn mimicked what her brother was doing. It is within the confines
of this monastery, that those under her tutelage were instructed in farming, spinning wool and
other essentials of self-containment. What makes her remarkable and to be included into this
compilation is that unlike Macrina, who lived in Turkey, Talida lived in the Egyptian Desert, and
yet, both have equally contributed to women’s monasticism, Macrina in the East and Talida in
the West.

Disorders and Oppositions

Fast forward a few centuries, this is a time of great upheaval, civil unrest and church expansion.
Venerable Bede, in his epic work; entitled “Ecclesiastical History of England” has numerous
heroines, who behind the scenes are both pawns of their fathers and yet become great assets to
their husbands, people and of course to God. In book two of this work, Bede presents us with
our first madam; her name is Ethelbert, a.k.a. Tata. She is to become the queen to Edwin I, as the
English say, in the year of our Lord 625 A.D. Concerning Tata, we are told that she is a
Christian and a devoted woman, Edwin is not, he remains a pagan; she will be is mentor and
confidant.

The Dominican Orders

It in the next phase, the Medieval Era – that the women’s Dominican Order made it greatest
contribution in a 400-year segment roughly 1200-1500 A.D. This is not to dismiss their overall
contribution; this is simply within the evolution of the church, is when they made their greatest
impact, which is also in keeping with our current timeline agenda. Without a doubt, when we
consider this area and this segment Catherine of Sienna comes to mind; yet I desire that you take
a larger view of their impact collectively.

The Success of the Women

Indeed, there are numerous other orders and societies with the Roman Catholic Church and
female legends within the halls of the Protestant faiths, and if history is any indication of the
future success of these women, the future looks bright. For just as people have evolved socially,
politically and spiritually, so too, the Church has responded in concert with her people, the body
of Christ. There is neither one segment nor group within the build up of the church as we have
come to see her, which can be dismembered, without impacting on the body as a whole.

In conclusion, the role of these women has brought the effort of their respective communities to
the streets once again, and their counterparts have kept the home brightly lit with prayers,
support and supplications. As the mass exodus of people enters the fold, the women of the
church will perhaps be the first to guide them into the local parish or their communities for
further diagnostic evaluation and support. As in the beginning, the monasteries and spiritual
house will be the rest stop and spiritual hospital for those needing their services.

Today there are numerous women coming into the work force, many come pre-linked to the
church at large and locally. The women once again will serve a great portion of the harvesting.
The fields are ripe, the laborers are few, yet the women once again have come out and avail
themselves as living sacrifices unto God, the Church and their neighbor.

Take time to appreciate your female mate and your mother, for it is by her you are here reading
this!

Peace,

Bro Smith SGS

Http://Revelationinsight.tripod.com