Our Foremothers in Scripture and in the Church

“The worldview of today, because of its greater attention to the dignity of women and to their role in society and in the church, ensures that new questions are put to the biblical text, which in turn occasions new discoveries.”
Pontifical Biblical Commission (1993)

Introduction

This course offers a challenge to your own faith life through the witness of notable women of biblical times. It allows for group study at a pace you can manage.

Course Objectives

The course aims to help participants;

acquire a better understanding of some significant women of the Old Testament in their cultural and historical background

appreciate their influence on later generations though their leadership

reflect on the working of God in the lives of these women

deepen their awareness of the role of some New Testament women, especially Mary, Mother of Jesus, in the early Church

Assessment

A postal tutor comments on written exercises for those doing the course for credit.

Delivery Method

A Study Guide for each theme is posted to each participant and a set of tapes containing input for each meeting is posted to the group facilitator.

The group decides on the interval between meetings – 1 month, 6 weeks, 2 months

Course Content

Eve and the women of the Abraham-Jacob cycle

Ancestors of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba

Mothers and Widows: Jochebed, Hannah, Jezebel and important nameless women

Prophets and other wise women: Miriam, Deborah, Huldah and others

“They led their people” Judith and Esther

“And the women accompanied Jesus” – the women disciples of the New Testament

Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Paul and women co-workers in Jesus Christ

Readings

All necessary readings are contained in the Study Guides.

Form a Group

If you would like to form a group, please contact NCRS for an Enrolment Form.

The National Centre for Religious Studies