""The Rightful Place of Women: Female Leadership in World Scriptures" is dedicated to teaching that the sacred scriptures of major world religions endow female leadership. It explores the role of women in religious stewardship since the time of Ancient Egypt.
Each section examines a different religion and cites extensively from its major writings, artfully presenting examples of how the women are "meant "to be treated, as opposed to the way they are often dealt with. The book s journey begins with an introduction to the Goddess as students explore the song of Isis.
Subsequent chapters address women s roles in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the major Eastern religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Daoism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, Confucianism, Sikhism, and Shintoism.
The pages include excerpts from the Song of Solomon, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Laws of Manu, among other sacred scriptures. They consider the role of Eve, Mary Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Fatimah, Samurai women, and many more.
Sensitively written and meticulously researched, "The Rightful Place of Women" offers a new way to view women and religion in the past and in our world today. The book can be a unique and thoughtful supplement in classes on history of religion, women s studies, and philosophy.
Olfat El-Mallakh earned her master s degree in theological studies and church history at McCormick Theological Seminary in Hyde Park, Illinois. A Ph.D. candidate in history at Northwestern University, she has been invited to participate in the Women s Advisory Council, Women s Institute for Global Development at Benedictine University, and The Advisory Council for Egyptians Abroad for Development. Professor El-Mallakh has presented papers at the Oxford Round Table in Oxford, England multiple times. She currently teaches comparative religion and introduction to religion courses at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Professor El-Mallakh has written for "Le Monde Copte," "Dialogue and Alliance," and the "Forum on Public Policy."""