Throughout history, the role of women in the church has been a topic of deep discussion and transformation. Medieval female mystics played a significant role in shaping the spiritual landscape by embodying a love akin to that of Jesus and challenging ecclesiastical norms. Their legacy continues to inspire and pave the way for women’s roles in the modern church.
Transcending Gender: A Divine Perspective
The concept of God transcends traditional gender notions, inviting a reevaluation of divine imagery. In theology, God is not defined as having gender; God is neither male nor female nor some combination of both. However, since we are made in the image and likeness of God, then God has some male and female characteristics. In the Old Testament, there’s a myriad of biblical texts that depict the “Father” God as female, and the most striking to me are those that depict God as a woman in labor. In Isaiah 42:14, God says, “I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.”
Also, from a theological perspective, the Trinitarian, creedal depiction of Jesus as “begotten” of the Father is considered analogous to the female generation of a child from his or her mother’s womb. St. Augustine describes it as an intellectual/spiritual version of the physical birth process.
Therefore, “imaging the divine in a female/feminine way is, in my opinion, one of the two most important tasks for feminist theology today; the other is to present scriptural, theological and pastoral justification for female ministry and authority in all Christian denominations” (Jesus and Women, p. 118).
Female Mysticism: A New Way
“In the earliest years of the Church, the love and respect shown to women by Jesus during his lifetime, together with his acceptance of them as his disciples and proclaimers, spilled over into the aftermath of his passion, death and resurrection, ensuring a positive place for them in the ministry of the earliest churches” (Jesus and Women, p. 119). Unfortunately, due to the patriarchal structures that began to dominate the early Church, women’s roles were gradually diminished and restricted. This shift led to a regression in their involvement as ecclesiastical authority became increasingly male-dominated, sidelining the contributions and leadership of women.
As time progressed, “the cloistered lives of nuns in their convents, devoid of contact with male spiritual guidance, led to a communal spiritual intensity from which emerged female mysticism” (Jesus and Women, p. 124). These mystics offered a profound, albeit underappreciated, contribution to medieval Christianity.
Challenging Ecclesiastical Norms
At a time in Church history when doctrine emphasized priestly mediation, medieval women mystics were describing their direct experiences with God and “asserting the availability of such direct access to all who desired it” (Jesus and Women, p. 124). Their approach highlighted the union of love and knowledge, enabling them to bypass clerical structures and live lives reflecting Jesus’ compassion and love. This perspective is clearly reflected in their writings and courageous actions, showcasing the truth promised by Jesus — a truth that liberates.
Pioneering Change: Marguerite Porete
One of the most innovative mystics, Marguerite Porete, exemplified courage by engaging in speculative theology, a domain reserved for men. Her work, The Mirror of Simple Souls, boldly proclaimed that all people, regardless of gender or status, could experience a mystical relationship with God. “In common with the other women mystics, Marguerite proclaimed that, since direct access to God was available to all, the Church’s insistence on the necessity for priestly mediation was misguided” (Jesus and Women, p. 125).
The Mystical Experience: Embracing Awe and Mystery
Another characteristic common to the women mystics was their sense of unity with nature and the cosmos, which for them was vividly and beautifully revelatory of God, especially of God as Trinity. In their poetic writings, we read that individuals, by developing close relationships with God, will also beautifully experience how God communicates with us through the sun, moon, and stars and is active in cloud formation and reformation.
“The women mystics, due to their intense relationships of love and intimacy with God, never attempted to formulate explicit definitions of the divine” (Jesus and Women, p. 126). Their intimate relationship with God was rooted in love and wonder, highlighting the limitations of human understanding in capturing the divine essence.
These mystics understood the importance of individual change of heart and provided the teaching and encouragement necessary for spiritual growth. “Like Jesus, they engaged humbly with individuals on an individual level” (Jesus and Women, p. 144).
Embracing Female Mysticism for the Future of the Church
“Women now have rights that would have been unimaginable in the medieval era. However, the ecclesial attitude to women within Roman Catholicism, Christianity’s largest denomination, remains medieval. Women are not permitted to make any contribution to church governance or moral teaching, even on matters that directly impact on their lives” (Jesus and Women, p. 127). However, the courage and lifestyles of medieval female mystics offer inspiration for advancing women’s roles in the church.
The future church should focus on recognizing and valuing the unique gifts of individuals within the community. Women, with their capacity for empathy and compassionate service, can significantly contribute to ordained pastoral ministry, influencing the church’s evolution and growth. “In the future Church, an important pastoral duty should also be the discernment and encouragement of the charisms of individuals in the community” (Jesus and Women, p. 147).
The medieval female mystics not only loved like Jesus but also left an enduring legacy that challenges the church to embrace gender equality and recognize the invaluable contributions of women in shaping its future.
If you want to learn more about this topic, I encourage you to read my book, Jesus and Women. In it, I unpack the transformative role of women in the early church by delving into the life of Jesus and how His work paved the way for restoration between the sexes.
Purchase your copy of Jesus and Women today!