Dissident Women, Beguines, and the Quest for Spiritual Authority

Dissident Women, Beguines and the Quest for Spiritual Authority focuses on the responses of a group of twenty-first century women to the lives and writings of thirteenth-century beguine mystics. It will be of particular interest to scholars of mysticism and spirituality as well as practical, pastoral, and feminist theology.

Catherine Lambert (PhD Pilgrim Theological College) is a Uniting Church minister, spiritual director, and retreat leader based in Western Australia.

1. Introduction: 'Why Have I Not Heard of These Women?' 2. 'Finding My Own Voice': Spiritual Direction and Women's Discovery of Spiritual Authority 3. 'I'm Out of Here': The Relationship between Internal and External Spiritual Authority 4. The Beguine Movement 5. 'The Spring Gushes Forth': How to Read the Beguines 6. 'Nothing Less Than Love': Responding to Hadewijch 7. 'Living in the Flow': Responding to Mechthild 8. 'Without a Why': Responding to Marguerite 9. 'No Longer Alone': Engaging with the Beguines 10. 'A Hook to Hang My Experience On': Implications for Spiritual Direction Practice and the Church 11. Conclusion: Placing My Stone in the Divine Heart