Remarkably little is popularly known of the great female contribution to Christian thought. What is known has meant they are regarded as exemplars of spirituality, but not significant theologians. Jane Williams introduces us to the lives and writings of five outstanding figures, four of whom have been designated Doctors of the Church for their lasting theological influence.

The characters and their ideas we meet here are:

Hildegard of Bingen: The interconnectedness of all things

Catherine of Siena: Christ ‘the bridge’; the developing tearful soul

Julian of Norwich: universalism, the Trinity

Teresa of Avila: humanity in the hand of God: human and divine friendship

Therese of Lisieux: the Little Way of the Eucharist

Brief biographical sketches are connected to the theological themes prevalent in their day, to illuminate both their indebtedness to tradition and their innovative approach, liberated by the depth of their relationship with God through prayer.