Description
Book SynopsisThe main focus of this book is on gender differences in seminarians goals, religious practice and beliefs, and experiences as prospective ministers. Based on an in-depth and extensive study of one Presbyterian seminary in the mid 1990s, this book addresses the question of whether gender affects the experiences, beliefs, and practices of men and women who seek clergy careers. Finlay concludes that women''s different career patterns are partly a result of their different attitudes toward theological and social issues, which may be rejected by conventional church search committees. This represents a loss to the churches of a diversity of voices and the different experience that women can bring to the ministry.
Trade ReviewThis book should stimulate lively discussion in both sociology of religion courses and women's studies programs. -- Adair T. Lummis, Hartford Institute for Religion Research * Sociology of Religion: A Quarterly Review *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 List of Tables Chapter 2 Acknowledgements Chapter 3 Introduction Chapter 4 Women in Ministry Chapter 5 The Study: Methods and Context Chapter 6 The Seminary and its Students Chapter 7 Initial Decisions and Support Chapter 8 Goals for Ministry Chapter 9 Politics, Theology, and Gender Chapter 10 Sexuality and Abortion Attitudes Chapter 11 Religious Practices, Hopes and Doubts Chapter 12 Gender Discrimination, Expectations for Ministry Chapter 13 Explaining Gender Differences in Career Goals Chapter 14 Life Changes, Evaluations, Conclusions Chapter 15 Questionnaire for Seminary Students Chapter 16 References
