Private women, public meals

Book Description

In the ancient world, where women gathered to share meals reveals profound truths about their spiritual and social standing. Kathleen E. Corley invites modern readers on a fascinating exploration of how women's participation in dining and banquet settings illuminates their evolving roles throughout the Greco-Roman era.

Drawing from meticulous scholarly research, this work examines the Gospel portraits of women through the lens of their presence at meals, uncovering a complex picture of social transformation. Corley demonstrates how women's roles were simultaneously moving toward greater equality while also experiencing pressure to return to more traditional expectations. This tension creates a rich backdrop for understanding the varied ways women appear in the biblical narratives of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

For contemporary spiritual seekers, this analysis offers valuable insights into how social context shapes religious understanding. By examining these ancient dining customs and women's participation in them, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the revolutionary nature of many Gospel stories and the courage required for women to step beyond conventional boundaries.

The book serves as both scholarly resource and spiritual guide, helping readers recognize how cultural dynamics influence religious expression. Through careful attention to historical detail and biblical interpretation, Corley provides tools for understanding how women's spiritual journeys have always involved navigating between tradition and transformation.