Kjønn og religion

The book is praised for its ambition to explore the history of various religions by focusing on their views on women through a feminist perspective. It covers significant faiths such as Christianity, New Age, Islam, and Hinduism, offering different insights into the "women's question" across these traditions. Reviewers acknowledge its value in providing historical context and perspective, making it a potentially useful resource for those engaged in the study of religious history and interested in women's roles. The author is also noted for presenting information without spreading falsehoods.

However, the review highlights several areas where the book falls short. The feminist argument is not always consistently or effectively maintained throughout the text. Critics point out that the historical analysis can be partial, for example, by primarily examining nuns and women saints within Christianity rather than a more representative range of mainstream views, suggesting that more comprehensive research could have been undertaken. A significant critique also notes that while the introduction discusses a key feminist theoretical distinction between "sex" and "gender," this distinction is not consistently applied or clarified in the subsequent chapters, despite its initial emphasis. The application of modern feminist concepts to ancient historical contexts is also questioned.

In summary, the book is viewed as a reasonably acceptable historical account that offers a particular lens on religious history. While it may not achieve a fully objective overview due to its specific focus and some analytical inconsistencies, it is recommended as a valuable addition for readers seeking further insights into the history of religion, particularly concerning women's experiences across different faiths. It would likely appeal most to those interested in exploring religious history from a feminist viewpoint, even with its acknowledged limitations.