Overview: This groundbreaking text examines the roles of women in the world's major faiths from various points of view, including historical, textual, political, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Nine chapters and four case studies give voice to individuals and groups hitherto all too often voiceless, and encourage students to think critically about how religious belief and women's lives intersect, both in today's world and throughout history. This second edition builds on the strengths of the first with the addition of a full chapter on Sikhism, an expanded collection of case studies, and new 'Voices from Within' vignettes that provide insight into the real-life experiences of women who belong to a wide variety of religious traditions.