Women’s voices – bringing practicality out in spirituality and religion…

I recently read a book which impressed upon me the healing dimension that can be brought out in familiar spiritual life practices by having a woman’s voice speak from the pulpit.  (Or via a book!)  In this case it is the Judaism of my youth which seems to exhibit a more healing heart as this feminine spiritual narration pinpoints the practical value of relating to God, and illustrates through openness and honesty the time and self-awareness involved in genuine spiritual growth.

Other religions, too, benefit by hearing the voice of womanhood in matters of Spirit.  At the end of the nineteenth century Mary Baker Eddy brought into sharp relief the more practical impact that can be expected of a Christian experience, bringing back to centre stage the healing that was at the core of early Christianity when Jesus – by word and example – first gave his practical theology to the world.

While paying serious attention to a woman’s voice on spirituality is not new to men and women who love Christian Science – since it was perceived, proved and articulated by a woman – yet this is still a voice too often  suppressed around the world.  So it is refreshing to learn of a woman who has trained to minister to Conservative Jewish congregations.  And it is inspiring to read her frankly told tale of the need to journey to a more spiritual consciousness of life and relationships even after her religious training.

I have had a review published of “Hope Will Find You: My search for the Wisdom to Stop Waiting and Start Living” by Rabbi Naomi Levy (Harmony Books, New York, 2010, Hardcover and eBook, 256 pages).  There is no link to it on spirituality.com – the website of The Christian Science Publishing Society – but you can read it here.